The Laurel (MT) varsity football team will host Havre (MT) in a home playoff game today at 1 p.m. at Laurel High School. This matchup is part of the 2024 Montana High School Football Playoff Brackets for the MHSA Class A tournament.
Havre vs Laurel Football Game Info:
What: Montana High School Football Playoffs
Who: Havre vs Laurel
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m.
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Game preview: Havre vs Laurel
The Montana high school football scene is set for an exciting playoff showdown today at 1:00 PM as the Havre Blue Ponies travel to take on the Laurel Locomotives. This highly anticipated game promises to be a thriller, as both teams have enjoyed successful seasons and boast impressive records.
Team Overview:
- Havre (8-3 overall, 6-2 in region) enters the playoff matchup with strong momentum after a 27-20 win over Laurel in their last meeting on October 11. The Blue Ponies have averaged 33.7 points per game, showcasing a balanced offensive attack led by standout players like Curtis Fox, who has rushed for 103.1 yards per game, and Krew Hunter, who has thrown for 165.3 yards per game. Havre’s defense has been formidable as well, averaging 55.1 tackles per game and 1.8 sacks per game.
- Laurel (8-2 overall, 7-2 in region), meanwhile, has been a powerhouse this season with a near-perfect record. The Locomotives, who are coming off a solid 49-29 win over East Helena, are averaging 33.0 points per game. Their offense is led by dynamic players like quarterback Krew Hunter, who has racked up 206.0 total yards per game, and Curtis Fox, who contributes heavily on the ground. On defense, Laurel is tough, with strong performances from their tackle leaders and sack specialists.
Key Players to Watch:
- For Havre, Curtis Fox has been a key contributor both on the ground and in scoring, leading the team with 9.6 points per game. Quarterback Krew Hunter has also been crucial in leading the offense, generating over 200 total yards per game.
- Laurel relies on similar leadership from its top performers. Hunter, who leads his team in passing yards, is a dual threat with both his legs and arm. His ability to make plays in the pocket will be essential against Havre’s defense. Additionally, Curtis Fox’s ability to churn out yards on the ground will be critical for the Locomotives’ success.
Head-to-Head Matchup:
When these two teams met earlier this season on October 11, Havre came out on top with a hard-fought 27-20 victory. In a game that was tightly contested, Havre capitalized on its offensive firepower and timely defensive plays. Now, as the two teams face off again in the playoffs, Laurel will be looking for redemption and hoping to avenge that early-season loss.
Team Statistics Comparison:
- Havre:
- Rushing Yards/Game: 179.6
- Passing Yards/Game: 176.1
- Total Yards/Game: 355.7
- Tackles/Game: 55.1
- Points/Game: 33.7
- Laurel:
- Rushing Yards/Game: 165.8
- Passing Yards/Game: 164.3
- Total Yards/Game: 330.1
- Tackles/Game: 50.9
- Points/Game: 33.0
Both teams are strong offensively, with Havre averaging slightly more total yards per game. However, Laurel’s defensive consistency has been a key factor in their success this season, allowing only 187 points total, compared to Havre’s 225.
The Road to the Playoffs:
Both teams have faced common opponents this season, with Laurel holding a slight edge in their head-to-head record against those teams. Notably, Laurel defeated Lockwood, Dawson County, and East Helena, while Havre’s losses came against Billings Central Catholic and Fergus.
Conclusion:
With both teams entering this matchup with excellent records, strong individual performances, and the playoff atmosphere on the line, the game between Havre and Laurel promises to be an exciting and hard-hitting battle. Can Havre continue their dominance over Laurel, or will the Locomotives make a statement in front of their home crowd? The stakes are high, and fans can expect a thrilling conclusion to this regional rivalry.
Stay tuned for what is sure to be a classic Montana high school football playoff showdown!
