The Lake Oswego (OR) varsity football team is hosting a home playoff game against Mountainside (Beaverton, OR) tonight at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 Oregon High School Football Playoff Brackets for the OSAA 6A Open tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Oregon High School Football
Who: Lake Oswego vs Mountainside
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Bracket: 2024 Oregon High School Football Playoff Brackets: OSAA – 6A Open
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Game preview: Lake Oswego vs Mountainside

In the highly competitive world of Oregon high school football, two powerhouses, Mountainside and Lake Oswego, are set to face off in a battle that promises to bring intensity and excitement to fans across the state. Here’s a deep dive into each team’s season, their strengths, and what we can expect when these two teams meet on the field.

Team Overview and Rankings

Mountainside Mavericks (8-2 Overall, 5-0 League)

Ranked eighth in their class, the Mountainside Mavericks have had a remarkable season, finishing 8-2 overall with an impressive 5-0 record in league play. They have proven themselves to be particularly strong on the road, winning all five of their away games this season. Their offense has been prolific, scoring a total of 392 points (averaging 39.2 points per game), and their defense has allowed 219 points.

Lake Oswego Lakers (9-0 Overall, 5-0 League)

Undefeated and ranked first in their class, the Lake Oswego Lakers have dominated their competition, ending the regular season with a spotless 9-0 record. The Lakers’ offense has been highly effective, racking up 379 points while their defense has been stifling, allowing only 109 points all season. With a 5-0 league record, Lake Oswego has shown they are capable of controlling both sides of the ball with consistency and skill.

Scoring Patterns: First to Fourth Quarter

Mountainside typically jumps out to a quick lead, averaging a high 24 points in the first quarter, but their scoring tends to decline as the game progresses, down to just 3.5 points in the fourth quarter. In contrast, Lake Oswego is more balanced throughout the game, with a significant scoring surge in the fourth quarter, averaging a remarkable 29 points in the final stretch. This late-game explosiveness could be crucial in close matches, making them a formidable opponent in the closing minutes.

Common Opponents and Game Results

Analyzing both teams’ performances against common opponents sheds light on how they might match up against each other:

• Silverton: Mountainside lost a close one to Silverton (21-24), while Lake Oswego handled Silverton with ease (42-13).
• Oregon City: Mountainside narrowly won against Oregon City (35-28), whereas Lake Oswego dominated Oregon City (42-13).
• Lakeridge: Mountainside fell to Lakeridge (20-27), but Lake Oswego emerged victorious (28-18).
• Sunset: Both teams defeated Sunset, with Mountainside winning 49-28 and Lake Oswego with a 48-13 victory.
• Tualatin: Mountainside edged out Tualatin (44-39), while Lake Oswego had one of their most impressive performances, winning 109-4.

Lake Oswego’s undefeated record against common opponents (5-0) and dominant margins show they have consistently overpowered the same teams that Mountainside found challenging, going 3-2 against these shared adversaries.

Key Differences and Strategies

While Mountainside has a potent offense, their fourth-quarter dip and inconsistency against common opponents highlight potential vulnerabilities, especially against a team as relentless as Lake Oswego. Lake Oswego’s well-rounded play style and explosive final quarters make them a tough opponent to contain, particularly if the game remains close into the later stages.

The Mavericks’ keys to victory will include building an early lead, a strong defensive performance, and the ability to maintain momentum through all four quarters. For the Lakers, their depth and ability to ramp up in the fourth quarter may be the ultimate advantage.

Final Thoughts

The impending showdown between Mountainside and Lake Oswego is more than just a game—it’s a collision between two elite teams with a lot on the line. The Mavericks’ hunger for an upset and the Lakers’ pursuit of perfection promise a thrilling match. With both teams coming in strong, this is a game that will surely make waves in Oregon high school football and be remembered for seasons to come.