The Liberty Center Tigers (12-0, OH) will host the Oak Harbor Rockets (12-0, OH) in a playoff game on Friday, November 15 at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets, Region 18.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Ohio High School Football
Who: Liberty Center vs Oak Harbor
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 18
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Game preview: Liberty Center vs Oak Harbor

As the 2024 high school football season progresses, two teams stand tall above the competition: Oak Harbor and Liberty Center. Both teams have completed undefeated regular seasons, boasting perfect 12-0 records. With impressive scoring power and an unyielding defense, these two programs are set to face off in a thrilling matchup that promises to be a battle for the ages.

Dominant Performances

Oak Harbor has been a juggernaut all season, finishing their regular season with an impeccable 12-0 record. The Rockets dominated both at home and on the road, maintaining a flawless 7-0 mark in conference play and a 5-0 record away from home. Their ability to score at will, averaging 44.2 points per game, has been a key to their success. Oak Harbor’s offense excels in the first half, scoring an average of 36.3 points through the first three quarters, before slowing down in the fourth quarter with just 3.5 points.

On the other hand, Liberty Center also enters the postseason with a perfect 12-0 record. Like Oak Harbor, Liberty Center went undefeated in their conference (7-0), with a balanced attack that has averaged 43.8 points per game. The Tigers’ offense is especially potent in the second quarter, averaging 17.2 points during that period, while their defense has allowed only 42 points across the entire season. With a dominant home field advantage (7-0), Liberty Center is prepared to defend its turf in what could be an epic clash.

Scoring Efficiency

Both teams have shown remarkable consistency in their scoring efforts. Oak Harbor leads the charge with an average of 21.5 points per game in the first quarter, demonstrating their explosive start to games. In contrast, Liberty Center’s first-quarter scoring average of 20.8 points highlights their ability to come out strong as well. However, Oak Harbor has the edge in total points scored with 530 for the season, compared to Liberty Center’s 526.

Despite the similar scoring outputs, Oak Harbor’s defense has been slightly more dominant, allowing only 104 points all season, while Liberty Center has allowed just 42 points. This puts Oak Harbor’s defensive unit in the spotlight, showcasing their ability to shut down opponents early and often.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced off against similar opponents this season, with notable victories against Otsego. Oak Harbor defeated Otsego 31-0 on October 4th, while Liberty Center bested them 37-7 on September 6th. This shared success against common competition gives fans an interesting comparison of both teams’ capabilities.

A Look at the Playoff Path

In terms of postseason success, both teams have made it through the playoffs unscathed. Oak Harbor and Liberty Center both hold perfect 2-0 playoff records, and the stakes have never been higher. The two programs are now set to face off in a postseason matchup that could see one emerge as the state’s top team.

Key Stats:

• Oak Harbor
  • Record: 12-0
  • Conference Record: 7-0
  • Points Scored: 530
  • Points Allowed: 104
  • Average Points per Game: 44.2
  • Head-to-Head Record vs. Liberty Center: 0-0
• Liberty Center
  • Record: 12-0
  • Conference Record: 7-0
  • Points Scored: 526
  • Points Allowed: 42
  • Average Points per Game: 43.8
  • Head-to-Head Record vs. Oak Harbor: 0-0

With both teams firing on all cylinders, the upcoming showdown promises to be a thrilling contest, as Oak Harbor’s offensive firepower and stout defense face off against Liberty Center’s balanced attack and relentless defense. Fans can expect nothing less than an unforgettable game between these two powerhouse teams, as they vie for supremacy in their respective divisions.