The Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson varsity football team from Malta, MT, will face Florence-Carlton from Florence, MT, in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 15.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Montana High School Football
Who: Florence-Carlton vs Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: in progress
Bracket: 2024 Montana High School Football Playoff Brackets: MHSA – Class B
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Florence-Carlton vs. Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson
As the 2024 football season draws to a close, the showdown between Florence-Carlton and Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson is set to be a highly anticipated match, filled with drama and excitement. Both teams have posted stellar records, and with playoff implications on the line, fans can expect a game packed with high stakes.
Team Overview
Florence-Carlton
- Montana Class Ranking: 3
- Overall Record: 10-1
- Region Record: 5-0
- Home Record: 5-1
- Away Record: 4-0
- Neutral Record: 1-0
- Winning Percentage: .909
- Region Win Percentage: 1.000
- Points Scored (PF): 404
- Points Allowed (PA): 108
Florence-Carlton has been a powerhouse this season, finishing with a 10-1 record and dominating their region with a perfect 5-0 record. Their offense has been high-scoring, averaging 36.7 points per game, while their defense has been tough, allowing just 108 points. Their only loss came in a tough game against Jefferson.
Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson
- Montana Class Ranking: 2
- Overall Record: 11-0
- Region Record: 5-0
- Home Record: 6-0
- Away Record: 4-0
- Neutral Record: 1-0
- Winning Percentage: 1.000
- Region Win Percentage: 1.000
- Points Scored (PF): 446
- Points Allowed (PA): 155
Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson enters this matchup with a perfect 11-0 record, having dominated both regionally and overall. Their high-powered offense has scored 446 points this season, averaging an impressive 40.5 points per game. With a stout defense that has allowed just 155 points, they’ve been nearly unstoppable. They come into this game after a series of dominant performances, including a recent 40-0 win over Fairfield/Augusta.
Team Scoring Averages
| Quarter | Florence-Carlton Average | Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson Average |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 5.2 | 9.3 |
| Q2 | 13.5 | 11.8 |
| Q3 | 9.5 | 9.2 |
| Q4 | 8.6 | 3.5 |
| Final | 36.7 | 40.5 |
Florence-Carlton tends to start slow in the first quarter, averaging just 5.2 points in that period, but they consistently pick up momentum as the game progresses, finishing with an average of 36.7 points per game. Meanwhile, Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson starts strong, especially in the first quarter with 9.3 points. Their scoring dips slightly in the second half, but they maintain a strong overall average of 40.5 points per game.
Key Stat Comparison
| Stat | Florence-Carlton | Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards/Game | 143.6 | 164.7 |
| Passing Yards/Game | 234.5 | 230.8 |
| Receiving Yards/Game | 237.0 | 230.9 |
| Total Yards/Game | 378.2 | 395.5 |
| Tackles/Game | 76.1 | 66.6 |
| Sacks/Game | 3.5 | 1.6 |
| Points/Game | 31.2 | 40.5 |
| Pancake Blocks | 0 | 17 |
In terms of offensive production, both teams are incredibly close. Florence-Carlton averages slightly fewer total yards per game (378.2), while Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson leads with 395.5 yards. The teams are also nearly even in passing and rushing yards, but Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson has a slight edge in rushing yards per game.
Defensively, Florence-Carlton has been more aggressive with 3.5 sacks per game compared to just 1.6 sacks for Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson. The key difference between the teams may be in pancake blocks, where Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson has a significant advantage with 17 pancake blocks this season.
Key Players to Watch
Florence-Carlton
- Jake Schneiter: 61.8 rushing yards per game
- Mason Arlington: 231.7 passing yards per game
- Drew Wagner: 78.1 receiving yards per game
- Bridger Alexander: 1.7 sacks per game, 7.6 points per game
Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson
- Blaine Downing: 87.6 rushing yards per game
- Stockton Oxarart: 218.5 passing yards per game
- Dawson Hammond: 76.1 receiving yards per game
- Landon Retan: 10.0 tackles per game
Florence-Carlton will rely on the dual-threat capabilities of Mason Arlington in the passing game and Jake Schneiter in the rushing attack. Drew Wagner has been a reliable receiving option, and Bridger Alexander will be key on the defensive side. On the other hand, Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson has a potent offense led by Blaine Downing and Stockton Oxarart, with Dawson Hammond providing a solid receiving option. Landon Retan will be crucial for their defense, leading the team in tackles.
Common Opponents
- Jefferson
- Florence-Carlton: Lost 21-14 (Away), Won 35-14 (Home)
- Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson: Won 31-17 (Home)
- Conrad
- Florence-Carlton: Won 41-7 (Home)
- Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson: Won 37-0 (Home)
- Thompson Falls
- Florence-Carlton: Won 45-14 (Home)
- Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson: Won 45-8 (Home)
- Loyola-Sacred Heart
- Florence-Carlton: Won 44-12 (Home)
- Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson: Won 20-12 (Home)
- Fairfield/Augusta
- Florence-Carlton: Won 56-20 (Home)
- Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson: Won 40-0 (Home)
Both teams have been dominant against common opponents, with Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson winning all of their matchups, while Florence-Carlton has lost one close game to Jefferson. However, Florence-Carlton has been just as dominant in most of their victories, particularly against Thompson Falls and Fairfield/Augusta.
Record Breakdown
| Category | Florence-Carlton | Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 10-1 | 11-0 |
| Region | 5-0 | 5-0 |
| Non-Region | 5-1 | 6-0 |
| Head-to-Head | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Common Opponents | 5-1 | 5-0 |
| Home | 5-1 | 4-0 |
| Away | 4-0 | 1-0 |
| Neutral | 1-0 | 2-0 |
| Playoff | 2-0 | 2-0 |
| In-State | 10-1 | 11-0 |
| Out-of-State | 0-0 | 0-0 |
Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson enters the game with an unblemished 11-0 record, while Florence-Carlton boasts a strong 10-1 record, with a perfect region record.
Conclusion
Both Florence-Carlton and Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson are formidable teams, but the outcome of this matchup could depend on which team executes their game plan better on both sides of the ball. With both teams having explosive offenses and solid defenses, expect a thrilling game that could go down to the wire. Keep an eye on the key players and matchups that could swing the game in favor of one team. This game is sure to be a classic battle of titans!
