The Hillsdale Falcons (11-1) varsity football team from Jeromesville, OH, will host the Malvern Hornets (11-1) in a playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets for Region 25.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Ohio High School Football
Who: Hillsdale vs Malvern
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 25
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Game preview: Hillsdale vs Malvern
As Ohio high school football heads into its most exciting weeks, two powerhouse teams – Malvern and Hillsdale – are poised to make waves. Both teams enter this season’s late stages with impressive 11-1 records and strong standings within their respective divisions. Malvern and Hillsdale’s paths have yet to cross, but if they do meet, fans can expect a thrilling showdown.
Team Overview and Records
Malvern and Hillsdale have dominated both in and out of conference play, each posting just one loss. Malvern remains undefeated in conference (5-0) and boasts a perfect home record (7-0), proving their dominance on familiar turf. Meanwhile, Hillsdale has a near-perfect conference record (6-1) and has excelled on the road, remaining undefeated in away games (5-0) and at neutral sites (1-0).
Both teams share an identical winning percentage of .917, underscoring the tightness of their matchup. Malvern and Hillsdale have also each managed two playoff victories this season, showing their resilience in high-stakes games. Both teams’ records indicate they are equally formidable, but their stats reveal slight variations in style and strengths.
Scoring and Stat Comparisons
Malvern has been a consistent scorer, averaging 35.5 points per game. Their scoring is particularly strong in the first and fourth quarters, posting an average of 10.7 and 11.8 points, respectively, in those quarters. Meanwhile, Hillsdale leads slightly in scoring, averaging 37.9 points per game and showing explosive potential in the first quarter with an average of 12.8 points. Hillsdale tends to rely on early momentum, while Malvern’s steady playstyle helps them finish games strongly.
Looking deeper, Malvern has a strong offensive foundation, with Jared Witherow leading their passing game, averaging 192.3 passing yards per game. Their offense also boasts notable yardage in receiving, thanks to Rodney Smith, who leads with 89.4 receiving yards per game. Meanwhile, Drake Hutchison contributes to their rushing game, averaging 43.1 rushing yards per game.
On defense, Malvern’s Owen Ball averages 7.2 tackles per game, a notable figure that keeps their opponents from gaining momentum. Drake Hutchison also adds pressure with an average of 0.5 sacks per game.
Defensive and Offensive Comparison
Statistically, Malvern appears to have an edge in total yards, averaging 302.3 yards per game. Their passing game is a highlight, with nearly 200 yards per game and a consistent receiving corps. Hillsdale, though, has demonstrated defensive prowess, allowing just 163 points this season compared to Malvern’s 214.
In terms of scoring averages, Hillsdale has managed slightly more points per game than Malvern. Their aggressive start to games shows a team that builds an early lead, which their defense can maintain. Malvern, on the other hand, is a more balanced team, demonstrating the ability to close games strongly and make strategic plays in the fourth quarter.
Common Opponents
Both teams faced Lucas this season, with similar success. Malvern defeated Lucas 40-26, and Hillsdale won 26-8. While both victories were decisive, Hillsdale allowed fewer points, possibly showcasing a tighter defense.
The Potential Matchup
With no direct head-to-head games this season, both Malvern and Hillsdale have something to prove if they meet. Each has championship aspirations, and their combination of offensive firepower, defensive discipline, and individual standouts on both sides of the ball makes them closely matched. A game between them would likely be a battle of styles: Hillsdale’s high-powered starts versus Malvern’s consistent scoring and fourth-quarter endurance.
Whether they meet in the playoffs or in another setting, this clash of Ohio’s best high school football teams would be one for the books. Fans can expect high-energy performances and intense competition as these two programs strive to claim Ohio high school football glory.
