As the 2024 Oklahoma high school football season nears its conclusion, two powerhouses, Dewar and Laverne, are poised to clash in what promises to be a monumental showdown. Both teams enter the matchup with identical 12-1 records, dominant district performances, and potent offenses. Here’s a breakdown of the teams and what to expect in this much-anticipated matchup.

Team Profiles and Rankings

Dewar is ranked 49th nationally and 3rd in Oklahoma’s Class A, while Laverne holds a slightly higher standing, ranked 38th nationally and 1st in Class A. These rankings underscore the elite caliber of both squads, with Laverne holding a slight edge in prestige.

Overall Records and Performances:

• Dewar: 12-1 overall, 5-0 in district play, 7-1 at home, and 5-0 on the road. The Dragons have showcased a high-powered offense, scoring 696 points and allowing just 128.
• Laverne: 12-1 overall, 5-0 in district play, a perfect 8-0 at home, and 3-1 away. The Tigers have tallied 609 points while conceding 180.

Team Scoring Averages

Dewar averages 53.5 points per game, with its scoring spread evenly across the first three quarters before tapering off in the fourth. Laverne, in contrast, averages 46.8 points per game but finishes with a strong fourth quarter, scoring 24.7 points on average. This difference highlights Dewar’s early dominance versus Laverne’s late-game explosiveness.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced three common opponents—Caddo, Turpin, and Hollis—with similar results:

• Caddo: Dewar won 47-0; Laverne prevailed 53-6.
• Turpin: Dewar secured a dominant 66-18 victory, while Laverne had a closer contest, winning 42-38.
• Hollis: Dewar triumphed 45-0; Laverne earned a solid 42-12 win.

Dewar’s defense has been particularly noteworthy, shutting out two of these opponents and conceding just 18 points combined. Laverne’s offensive efficiency shines, but its closer game against Turpin suggests a slightly more vulnerable defense.

Key Matchup Insights

• Offensive Powerhouses: Dewar’s high scoring across all quarters will test Laverne’s defense, which has been sturdy but not impenetrable.
• Defensive Grit: Dewar’s defense, allowing an average of just 9.8 points per game, could pose a significant challenge to Laverne’s offense.
• Momentum Builders: Laverne’s late-game scoring ability might be pivotal, especially if the game remains tight entering the fourth quarter.

What to Watch For

• First Quarter Impact: Dewar has been explosive early, while Laverne’s defense will need to contain that surge.
• Turnovers and Adjustments: The team that wins the turnover battle and adapts better to the opponent’s game plan will likely prevail.
• Key Players: Expect star athletes from both teams to deliver standout performances under the spotlight of a high-stakes game.

Prediction

This matchup has all the ingredients of a classic high school football game: two evenly matched teams, contrasting styles, and a championship on the line. Dewar’s defensive dominance may give it a slight edge, but Laverne’s late-game resilience could prove decisive. Whichever team emerges victorious, fans can expect a thrilling and hard-fought battle.

This is more than a game; it’s a showcase of Oklahoma high school football at its finest. Let the fireworks begin!