The Franklin (Reisterstown, MD) varsity football team will host a playoff game against Overlea (Baltimore, MD) on Friday, November 15 at 6 p.m.

What: Maryland High School Football
Who: Franklin (MD) vs Overlea (MD)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Overlea vs. Franklin: A High-Stakes Playoff Showdown

As the Maryland high school football season intensifies, the Overlea Falcons (6-4) are set to face off against the Franklin Indians (7-3) in an exciting playoff matchup on November 15th at 6:00 PM. The game will take place at Franklin High School in Reisterstown, MD, and promises to be a thrilling encounter between two teams with solid records and standout individual performances.

Team Overview

Overlea Falcons
Overlea enters this contest with a 6-4 overall record, showcasing a balanced performance both at home (4-1) and on the road (2-3). Their season has been marked by resilience, as they managed a respectable 4-3 record within their region. The team has averaged 24.6 points per game, with notable offensive contributions from players like Corey Perry, who leads the team with 123.8 passing yards per game, and Keshon Greene, who has racked up 52.7 receiving yards per game. The Falcons’ defense has also been a crucial part of their success, with players like Jalon Brewer (6.8 tackles per game) anchoring the squad.

Franklin Indians
Franklin, with a 7-3 overall record, comes into the game as the favorite, having performed well both at home (5-1) and away (2-2). Their regional record of 3-3 shows their competitive nature in the league. The Indians have averaged 24.1 points per game this season, slightly trailing Overlea in scoring, but they’ve made up for it with a more robust offense. Quarterback Zander McCracken has been instrumental with 102.1 passing yards per game, while Dylan Eaton leads the rushing attack with 70.7 yards per game. Franklin’s defense is formidable, with Nathan Damiano (5.9 tackles per game) and Jaidon Williams (0.9 sacks per game) playing key roles.

Key Statistics and Team Comparisons

Both teams are fairly similar in terms of offensive production, but Franklin holds an edge in total yards per game, averaging 228.3 compared to Overlea’s 187.5. In terms of rushing yards, Franklin also leads with 126.2 per game, while Overlea averages 88.5. Passing yards are more evenly matched, with Overlea at 99.0 per game and Franklin at 102.1. Defensively, Franklin has the slight upper hand in tackles and sacks per game, with averages of 51.9 and 3.2 respectively, compared to Overlea’s 49.3 tackles and 2.3 sacks per game.

The teams’ scoring averages show a stark contrast: Overlea tends to score steadily, with a strong second quarter averaging 7.5 points, while Franklin starts off faster, averaging 6.1 points in the first quarter and building on that lead.

Previous Matchup

The two teams previously met on September 13, 2024, in a non-conference game where Franklin emerged victorious with a 9-6 win. It was a hard-fought battle, with Franklin’s defense holding firm, while Overlea struggled to find the end zone. The game was a testament to Franklin’s ability to control the clock and limit Overlea’s offensive opportunities.

Game Preview: What to Expect

As Overlea and Franklin face off again, the stakes are much higher. For Overlea, this playoff game presents an opportunity to exact revenge for their earlier loss. However, they will need to overcome their offensive inconsistencies, particularly in the first and third quarters, where they have often struggled to put up points.

Franklin, on the other hand, comes into this matchup with a solid track record and the confidence that their defense can stifle Overlea’s attack. With key players like McCracken and Eaton leading the charge, Franklin will look to establish dominance early on, keeping the pressure on Overlea’s defense.

Key Players to Watch

• Corey Perry (Overlea): The quarterback will need to be at his best, orchestrating the offense and keeping the chains moving, especially through the air.
• Keshon Greene (Overlea): As a dual-threat player, Greene’s contributions in both receiving and scoring could make a big difference in Overlea’s offensive game plan.
• Zander McCracken (Franklin): Franklin’s signal caller has been exceptional, and his ability to manage the game and move the ball will be critical to Franklin’s success.
• Dylan Eaton (Franklin): Eaton’s ability to run the ball and control the tempo could be a game-changer for Franklin’s offense.

Conclusion

With both teams eager to advance in the playoffs, the upcoming Overlea vs. Franklin game promises to be a thrilling encounter. Fans can expect a hard-fought battle filled with explosive plays, tight defenses, and dramatic moments. Overlea will look to avenge their earlier loss, while Franklin aims to continue their strong season and make a deep playoff run. Either way, this matchup will be one for the books!