The Indian Valley varsity football team (Gnadenhutten, OH) is hosting a home playoff game against Perkins (Sandusky, OH) today at 7:30 PM. This matchup is part of the “2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Division IV Final Four” tournament.
Indian Valley vs Perkins Football Game Info:
What: Ohio High School Football
Who: Indian Valley vs Perkins
When: Saturday, December 7, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Division IV Final Four
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Game preview: Indian Valley vs Perkins
As the 2024-25 Ohio high school football season reaches its pinnacle, all eyes are on a much-anticipated matchup: the high-flying Perkins Pirates against the undefeated Indian Valley Braves. Both teams boast stellar records, explosive offenses, and formidable defenses, setting the stage for a showdown that will decide more than just bragging rights.
Team Overviews
Perkins Pirates (14-1)
Ranked 21st in Division 1, Perkins has been a model of consistency this season. With a conference record of 4-0 and an overall win percentage of .933, the Pirates have been dominant at home and on the road. Their defense has only allowed 121 points across 15 games, while their offense has been relentless, scoring 553 points. Led by standout performers like running back Isaac Bunts and quarterback Sam Schweinfurth, Perkins averages 36.9 points per game.
Indian Valley Braves (15-0)
Sitting at 39th in Division 3, Indian Valley has been unstoppable, with a perfect 15-0 record. Their balanced approach on both sides of the ball has yielded 669 points while limiting opponents to 266. The Braves are led by star running back Grady Kinsey, whose rushing dominance fuels their 354.9 rushing yards per game—more than double that of Perkins. Quarterback Ryker Williams and defensive standout Jaxon Burcher round out a team with no obvious weaknesses.
Key Matchups
- Rushing Offense vs. Defense
Indian Valley’s rushing attack, spearheaded by Kinsey, averages a staggering 354.9 yards per game. Perkins’ defense will face its toughest test yet, with Dylan Crabtree and his team-high 11.3 tackles per game anchoring the Pirates’ efforts. - Quarterback Battle
Perkins holds a clear edge in the passing game, with Sam Schweinfurth throwing for 175.5 yards per game compared to Williams’ 66.9. If the Pirates can exploit this advantage, it could force Indian Valley out of its comfort zone. - Clutch Performances in Tight Games
Indian Valley has outscored opponents 44.6 to 26.6 on average, including strong fourth-quarter showings (6.0 points). Perkins’ lower fourth-quarter production (2.7 points) may be an area of concern if this game comes down to the wire.
Team Comparisons
| Stat | Perkins | Indian Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards/Game | 173.1 | 354.9 |
| Passing Yards/Game | 181.6 | 67.7 |
| Total Yards/Game | 354.7 | 422.6 |
| Tackles/Game | 70.8 | 71.7 |
| Sacks/Game | 2.0 | 3.2 |
| Points/Game | 36.9 | 44.6 |
Players to Watch
- Isaac Bunts (Perkins): Averaging 154.4 rushing yards and 14.7 points per game, Bunts is the heart of the Pirates’ offense.
- Grady Kinsey (Indian Valley): With an astonishing 216.5 rushing yards and 19.4 points per game, Kinsey is a game-changer for the Braves.
- Dylan Crabtree (Perkins): A tackling machine, Crabtree will need to be at his best to slow down Indian Valley’s rushing attack.
- Jaxon Burcher (Indian Valley): His defensive presence will be vital in containing Perkins’ aerial assault.
Prediction
This matchup pits Perkins’ versatility against Indian Valley’s brute force. While the Braves’ running game is likely to pose significant challenges, the Pirates’ passing attack could prove the equalizer. The key to victory may lie in turnovers and special teams, where both teams have shown flashes of brilliance.
Expect a thrilling, hard-fought battle that could come down to the final drive.
Final Score Prediction: Indian Valley 38, Perkins 34.
