The Hinton (IA) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Dike-New Hartford (Dike, IA) on Friday, November 15, at 1 p.m.

What: Iowa High School Football
Who: Hinton (IA) vs Dike-New Hartford (IA)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

A Closer Look at Dike-New Hartford and Hinton’s Impressive Seasons

The 2024-2025 sports season has seen two teams rise to prominence in the IA class, with Dike-New Hartford and Hinton both achieving outstanding records and showcasing their dominance in their respective leagues. Both teams share a 10-1 overall record, and their performances have made them strong contenders, but there are key differences in their paths to success. Let’s take a deeper dive into their performances, statistics, and what sets them apart.

Dike-New Hartford: Dominance Across All Arenas

Dike-New Hartford has had an impressive season, posting a 10-1 overall record, with a perfect 5-0 mark in league play. Their ability to perform in all environments—home, away, and neutral sites—has been a hallmark of their success. They’ve not only dominated their league but also held a strong presence on the road, boasting a 3-1 away record. Additionally, their neutral-site record is perfect at 2-0, showing their ability to adapt to different playing conditions.

The team’s offensive firepower is another standout feature. They average 40.1 points per game, with their scoring spread fairly consistently throughout the game. In particular, their 14-point average in the third quarter indicates a strong second-half performance. With a formidable defense that has allowed just 93 points over the season (an average of only 9.3 points per game), it’s clear that Dike-New Hartford is a well-rounded team, able to dominate both offensively and defensively.

Hinton: Consistent and Resilient

Hinton, also sporting a 10-1 overall record, has displayed remarkable consistency, especially in their away games where they maintain a 4-1 record. While their overall record mirrors Dike-New Hartford’s, Hinton’s strength lies in their ability to perform across different environments, with a perfect 2-0 neutral site record.

On the scoring front, Hinton averages 30.4 points per game. While this is slightly lower than Dike-New Hartford’s, they have still managed to maintain a solid offensive presence. Their defense has been strong as well, allowing just 133 points over the season, an average of 13.3 points per game. Though their scoring might not be as high as Dike-New Hartford’s, Hinton’s resilience and ability to execute when it matters have proven critical to their success.

Key Performance Metrics and Breakdown

Both teams are formidable, yet their scoring averages tell different stories. Dike-New Hartford’s consistent offensive production, particularly their second-half scoring, shows a team that can adjust and capitalize on momentum. Hinton’s scoring distribution is more balanced, but their strong defense has kept their opponents in check throughout the season.

When it comes to league performance, both teams have been dominant, but Dike-New Hartford stands out with a perfect 5-0 in league play, while Hinton’s 4-1 record still holds considerable merit. In non-league games, Dike-New Hartford holds a 2-1 edge, while Hinton has yet to lose in such matchups with a 3-0 record.

In-State Success and Playoff Potential

Both teams have proven themselves as top-tier contenders within the state, with a 10-1 record in in-state play. The two teams have shown their ability to rise to the occasion, especially in playoff situations, where Dike-New Hartford is undefeated in 3 playoff games, and Hinton holds a similarly perfect record.

Head-to-Head: A Potential Showdown

While both teams boast impressive records, they have yet to meet on the field. A head-to-head matchup would surely be an exciting contest, as both teams bring strong defenses, dynamic offenses, and unblemished playoff records to the table. The absence of a common opponent in their schedules further adds to the intrigue, as it leaves little to predict about how they might match up against each other.

Conclusion: A Season to Remember

The 2024-2025 season has been a remarkable one for both Dike-New Hartford and Hinton. Their flawless records, both at home and in league play, showcase two teams that are on a collision course with greatness. Whether it’s Dike-New Hartford’s offensive explosiveness or Hinton’s balanced and resilient style, both teams have proven themselves to be among the best. Fans will no doubt be watching closely to see how these two teams finish the season and, possibly, face off in an epic showdown.