The Linganore High School varsity football team (Frederick, MD) is set to host Bel Air (MD) in a home playoff game today at 6:30 PM. This matchup is part of the “2024 Maryland High School Football Playoff Brackets: MPSSAA – 3A” tournament.
What: Maryland High School Football
Who: Linganore (LA) vs Bel Air (LA)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Where: Linganore High School
Bracket: 2024 Maryland High School Football Playoff Brackets: MPSSAA – 3A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
Bel Air vs. Linganore: A Clash of Contrasting Football Programs
As the 2024-25 season unfolds, two Maryland high school football teams, Bel Air and Linganore, showcase starkly contrasting seasons and performances. The statistics and records paint a vivid picture of each program’s trajectory and strengths, offering insights into their success and challenges.
Team Records and Rankings
Bel Air enters the season with a 7-4 record, placing them 70th in Maryland overall and 8th in their class. Despite a respectable .636 win percentage, their performance in the region is evenly split at 3-3. Meanwhile, Linganore dominates with an unblemished 11-0 record, securing the 16th overall ranking in Maryland and 1st in their class. Linganore’s impeccable 1.000 win percentage in both overall and regional play reflects their consistency and prowess.
Scoring Trends
A glance at the scoring averages reveals Linganore’s explosive offensive capabilities. They average an impressive 46.1 points per game, outpacing Bel Air’s 24.9 points per game. Linganore’s balanced scoring across quarters—peaking in the third quarter at 12.3 points—demonstrates their ability to maintain momentum. In contrast, Bel Air shows a stronger second quarter with 10.3 points but struggles to sustain high scoring throughout games.
Offensive Production
Bel Air relies heavily on its offensive leaders. Quarterback Patrick Sullivan averages 159.6 passing yards per game, contributing significantly to their 334.6 total yards per game. Dylan James anchors their rushing attack with 97.0 yards per game, while Mike Graham averages 52.1 receiving yards. Despite these respectable numbers, Linganore’s dominance suggests they might outmatch Bel Air on both sides of the ball.
Defensive Comparison
Defensively, Bel Air averages 61.2 tackles and 2.3 sacks per game, with standout performances by Evan Freeney, who tallies 11.1 tackles per game. Linganore’s defensive stats remain unspecified, but their ability to hold opponents to just 144 points across 11 games (13.1 points per game) highlights a formidable defense that complements their high-powered offense.
Strength in Context
The stark differences in these programs become even clearer when looking at their overall scoring margins. Linganore has amassed 507 points this season while conceding just 144, showcasing their dominance. Bel Air, by contrast, has scored 274 points and allowed 150, indicative of a team capable of competing but vulnerable against stronger opponents.
The Key to Success
For Bel Air to challenge Linganore, they must maximize the strengths of players like Sullivan and James while tightening their defensive gaps. Linganore, on the other hand, will aim to maintain their balanced, high-scoring approach and solid defense to continue their undefeated streak.
Conclusion
This season, Linganore has set a standard of excellence in Maryland high school football, while Bel Air demonstrates resilience and competitive spirit despite challenges. The numbers underscore Linganore’s status as a powerhouse and set the stage for potential postseason excitement. Both programs highlight the diversity and depth of talent in Maryland high school football, promising exciting matchups and stories to come.
