The Fairhaven (MA) varsity football team will host Swampscott (MA) in a home playoff game on Saturday, November 23 at 4 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 MIAA Football State Championship, Division 6 tournament.

What: Massachusetts High School Football
Who: Fairhaven (MA) vs Swampscott (MA)
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
Where: Milford High School
Bracket: 2024 MIAA Football State Championship – Division 6
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

High School Football Showdown: Swampscott vs. Fairhaven

The upcoming matchup between Swampscott and Fairhaven promises to be an exciting clash between two powerhouse teams from Massachusetts, each with impressive records and distinct styles of play. With both teams standing strong in their respective divisions, this game has the potential to be a thrilling contest that showcases the best of high school football.

Team Overview

Swampscott enters the game with a solid overall record of 8-2, including an undefeated 4-0 record in league play. The team has been dominant at home, winning 3 out of 5 games, but they’ve also proven their ability to win on the road, maintaining an impeccable 5-0 record in away games. Their offensive scoring average of 29.6 points per game reflects their explosive attack, though they can sometimes struggle to close out games, as evidenced by their relatively lower point production in the final quarter.

On the other hand, Fairhaven boasts a slightly better overall record of 9-1. Much like Swampscott, Fairhaven has dominated in league play, with a perfect 4-0 record. Their scoring output has been exceptional, averaging 36.7 points per game, with their highest scoring quarters coming in the first and second, where they average 12.6 and 12.7 points, respectively. While their fourth-quarter performance has been a bit more subdued, their offensive consistency and resilience make them a formidable opponent.

Key Comparisons

• Offense: Fairhaven has the edge in terms of scoring average, putting up an impressive 36.7 points per game, compared to Swampscott’s 29.6. Fairhaven’s ability to score early in the game, particularly in the first half, gives them a significant advantage. Swampscott, however, has shown resilience, with the ability to make plays across all four quarters, despite a slightly lower average in the final period.
• Home vs. Away: Swampscott has been strong at home with a 3-2 record, but Fairhaven has proven to be just as dangerous on the road with a perfect 5-0 record. This makes the matchup an intriguing one, as both teams have shown they can win on the road, suggesting that home-field advantage might not be the deciding factor in this game.
• Playoff Performance: Both teams have been successful in playoff games, with Swampscott at 2-0 and Fairhaven at 2-0 as well. Their perfect records in post-season play demonstrate their ability to step up when it matters most.

Team Strengths

• Swampscott: The team has a well-rounded attack, with strong offensive performances across multiple quarters. While they may not always dominate the final period, their ability to rack up points early gives them a strong foundation. Their defense has been effective, allowing just 124 points over the course of the season, which bodes well for their ability to contain Fairhaven’s potent offense.
• Fairhaven: Fairhaven’s strength lies in their offensive firepower, especially in the early stages of games. With an average of over 12 points in both the first and second quarters, they can put up a quick lead and control the tempo of the game. Their defense, which has allowed only 136 points, will need to be at its best to keep Swampscott from mounting a comeback.

Record Breakdown

When looking at their records, both teams are undefeated in league play (4-0), and both have only a single loss in non-league games. Swampscott’s two losses came from tough opponents in non-league play, while Fairhaven’s lone loss was also in a non-league matchup. Both teams are 2-0 in the playoffs, and their head-to-head record against common opponents is non-existent, making this the first direct clash between the two.

Conclusion

As both teams bring impressive records and contrasting styles of play to the field, this matchup is shaping up to be a true test of strength, strategy, and endurance. Swampscott will look to use their balanced attack and strong defensive play to counter Fairhaven’s high-powered offense. Fairhaven, meanwhile, will rely on their early-game dominance to seize control of the contest and keep Swampscott from mounting a comeback. With both teams entering the game with high expectations, football fans can expect an exciting and competitive showdown.