The Exeter (NH) varsity football team is set to play a neutral-site playoff game against Manchester Memorial (Manchester, NH) today. This game is part of the 2024 New Hampshire High School Football Playoff Brackets for NHIAA Division I.

Exeter vs Manchester Memorial Game Info:

What: New Hampshire High School Football Playoffs
Who: Exeter vs Manchester Memorial
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: TBD
Bracket: 2024 New Hampshire High School Football Playoff Brackets: NHIAA – Division I
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Game preview: Exeter vs Manchester Memorial

As the 2024 football season progresses, both Manchester Memorial and Exeter have had impressive records, building anticipation for their upcoming matchup in the playoff rounds. Let’s take a closer look at the teams’ performance, head-to-head results, and key comparisons heading into the game.

Team Records and Rankings:

• Manchester Memorial (24-25): With a 7-3 overall record and 5-1 in league play, Manchester Memorial has had a solid season. Their strong home performance, with a perfect 5-0 record at home, contrasted with a slightly more challenging 2-3 away record. Their overall scoring has been consistent, with 197 points scored and 144 points allowed, reflecting a balanced but competitive team.
• Exeter (24-25): Exeter has been the standout team of the season, finishing 9-0 overall, with a perfect 6-0 record in league play. They have dominated their opponents, with a staggering 295 points scored compared to just 79 points allowed. Their flawless season highlights their impressive offense and defense, positioning them as one of the top teams in New Hampshire high school football.

Scoring Averages:

• Manchester Memorial:
  • First Quarter: 0
  • Second Quarter: 3.5
  • Third Quarter: 3.0
  • Fourth Quarter: 7.0
  • Final: 19.7 points per game
• Exeter:
  • First Quarter: 7.0
  • Second Quarter: 10.3
  • Third Quarter: 7.0
  • Fourth Quarter: 3.5
  • Final: 32.8 points per game

Exeter has consistently been strong throughout the game, especially in the first half, while Manchester Memorial tends to find more of their rhythm later in the game, especially in the fourth quarter. However, Exeter’s dominant offense is likely to be a key factor in the upcoming match.

Head-to-Head Matchup:

The two teams met earlier this season on October 18, 2024, in a conference game, where Exeter secured a 13-6 victory over Manchester Memorial. The game saw Exeter take an early lead with a strong first half, and despite Manchester Memorial’s late push in the fourth quarter, Exeter’s defense held firm.

• Exeter: 7 (Q1), 6 (Q2), 0 (Q3), 0 (Q4) = 13
• Manchester Memorial: 0 (Q1), 0 (Q2), 0 (Q3), 6 (Q4) = 6

In that game, Exeter’s defense played a crucial role, stifling Manchester Memorial’s offense and preventing any scoring until the final period. Exeter’s ability to control the pace and limit big plays will be a significant challenge for Manchester Memorial in their playoff rematch.

Common Opponents:

Both teams have faced similar opponents throughout the season and have posted strong records. Here are some key matchups for comparison:

• Dover: Manchester Memorial won 21-19 at home on September 13, while Exeter defeated Dover 42-12 at home on September 6.
• Spaulding: Manchester Memorial won 21-14 at home on September 21, while Exeter claimed a dominant 42-7 victory at home on October 4.
• Portsmouth/Oyster River: Manchester Memorial won 33-17 at home on September 27, with Exeter defeating Portsmouth/Oyster River 40-7 on September 21.

Both teams have been successful against common opponents, but Exeter’s margins of victory suggest their dominance in league play.

Playoff Implications:

As the teams prepare for their neutral site playoff game, Exeter enters as the undefeated favorite with momentum from a perfect regular season. On the other hand, Manchester Memorial, while facing some setbacks away from home, has shown resilience, particularly at home, and will need to execute a near-perfect game to upset the powerhouse Exeter.

Manchester Memorial’s strategy will likely focus on slowing down Exeter’s explosive offense and finding ways to capitalize on any defensive lapses. Meanwhile, Exeter will aim to continue their dominant play, leveraging their high-powered offense and stifling defense to keep their perfect season intact.

Final Thoughts:

This playoff game promises to be an exciting matchup between two teams with contrasting styles. Exeter has been virtually unstoppable this season, while Manchester Memorial will be hoping to make a statement in a high-stakes environment. Regardless of the outcome, both teams have earned their spot in the postseason, and this matchup will likely be one of the highlights of the New Hampshire high school football playoffs.