The Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (8-4) will face off against the Wayne Warriors (7-5) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. The matchup is part of the 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets for Region 2 in Ohio. The game will take place in Hilliard, OH.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Ohio High School Football
Who: Hilliard Davidson vs Wayne
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Bracket: 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 2
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Game preview: Hilliard Davidson vs Wayne

As the 2024-25 football season progresses, two teams in Ohio—Wayne and Hilliard Davidson—have captured attention for their competitive play and contrasting styles of offense. Here’s an in-depth look at their rankings, records, and overall performance metrics.

Overall Records and Rankings:

• Wayne: With a 7-5 overall record, Wayne has shown resilience through the season. The team finished with a solid 4-3 conference record and boasts a win percentage of .583. Their total points for (PF) this season stand at 313, while points allowed (PA) is 268. The team had a relatively balanced performance, showing both strengths and areas for improvement in various matchups.
• Hilliard Davidson: A step ahead with an 8-4 record, Hilliard Davidson had a strong start to the season, securing a 5-2 record at home and 3-2 on the road. The team’s overall win percentage of .667 is a clear indication of their consistency. With a formidable 395 points scored and only 184 points allowed, Hilliard Davidson’s defense has been a key factor in their success. Despite a .400 conference win percentage, their overall performance has been impressive, especially with a standout home record.

Scoring Averages and Offensive Performance:

One of the most interesting aspects of both teams is their scoring averages, which paint a picture of their offensive strategies.

• Wayne’s Scoring: The team averages 6.0 points in the first quarter, followed by a strong second quarter with 12.5 points. In the second half, however, Wayne’s offense seems to slow down slightly, with 6.0 points in the third quarter and 5.0 in the fourth. This trend suggests that Wayne is a strong team in the early and middle parts of games but could benefit from more consistent scoring late in contests.
• Hilliard Davidson’s Scoring: Contrastingly, Hilliard Davidson starts off strong, averaging 12.4 points in the first quarter and 13.0 points in the second. Although they don’t score as much in the third quarter (3.4), their offense picks up again in the fourth (6.1), contributing to an average of 32.9 points per game. This suggests a dynamic offense capable of producing points throughout the game.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents:

Both teams have played against several common opponents, but as of now, there is no direct head-to-head matchup between Wayne and Hilliard Davidson for the 2024-25 season. However, their records against other teams in the league and beyond show similar trends in overall competitiveness.

Home vs. Away Performance:

• Wayne: The Wayne Warriors have had a balanced home and away performance, with a 3-3 record at home and a slightly better 3-2 mark on the road. Their lone neutral game also ended in a victory, showcasing their ability to perform in various settings.
• Hilliard Davidson: Hilliard Davidson has been particularly strong on their home turf, posting a 5-2 record. Their away performance, while slightly less impressive at 3-2, still highlights their ability to adapt and succeed in different environments. This strong home advantage has been a key to their success throughout the season.

Playoff and State Performance:

Both teams have made their mark in the playoffs this season:

• Wayne: With a 2-0 playoff record, Wayne has managed to turn up the intensity when it matters most, advancing through the postseason with strong performances.
• Hilliard Davidson: Similarly, Hilliard Davidson remains undefeated in playoff play (2-0) and has shown their readiness for the high-stakes nature of tournament football.

In-state competition has seen both teams perform well, with Wayne boasting a 7-4 in-state record and Hilliard Davidson holding an 8-3 mark. In contrast, both teams faced challenges out of state, each holding a 0-1 record in their respective out-of-state games.

Conclusion:

The 2024-25 football seasons for both Wayne and Hilliard Davidson highlight two strong, competitive teams. While Wayne’s offense can be inconsistent, their overall resilience and strong playoff performances show their potential for deeper runs in the postseason. Hilliard Davidson, with its powerful offense and robust home performance, appears poised to make a significant impact as the season moves forward. With playoff spots still in the balance, both teams will be key contenders to watch.