The Mahar Regional (Orange, MA) varsity football team will play a home conference game against Athol (MA) today at 10 a.m.
What: Massachusetts High School Football
Who: Mahar Regional (MA) vs Athol (MA)
When: Thursday, November 28, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Athol and Mahar Regional High School Football: A Season Recap
The 2024-2025 Massachusetts high school football season has showcased intense matchups, with Athol and Mahar Regional High School offering some compelling narratives. Both teams have had their fair share of triumphs and struggles, providing a fascinating look into their respective performances and the dynamics of high school football in the region.
Season Overview
Athol High School has posted a solid season, closing with a 5-4 record, balancing out their league performance with a 2-2 record. Their overall performance has been highlighted by strong scoring capabilities, averaging 26.6 points per game, led by standout players like Morgan Softic, who has amassed 150.7 total yards per game. In contrast, Mahar Regional has faced a more challenging season, concluding with a 3-7 record and a 0-5 record in their league. Their season scoring average sits at 18.8 points per game.
Team Highlights
Athol High School
- Rushing Yards Per Game: 159.8
- Passing Yards Per Game: 65.4
- Receiving Yards Per Game: 67.9
- Total Yards Per Game: 225.2
- Tackles Per Game: 49.0
- Points Per Game: 18.8
- Key Players:
- Morgan Softic: A dual-threat quarterback with a notable 83.8 rushing yards per game and 65.4 passing yards per game.
- Jayden Delgado: A versatile player contributing 51.5 receiving yards per game and 8.4 points per game.
Mahar Regional High School
- Rushing Yards Per Game: 159.8
- Passing Yards Per Game: 50.8
- Receiving Yards Per Game: 17.2
- Total Yards Per Game: 180.2
- Tackles Per Game: 49.0
- Points Per Game: 18.8
- Key Players:
- Jayden Delgado: Known for his tackling ability, contributing 9.0 tackles per game.
Head-to-Head Battle
The season’s head-to-head encounter between Athol and Mahar Regional, held on October 25th, ended in a decisive 35-6 victory for Athol. The game saw Athol’s offensive prowess shine, with a strong performance from Morgan Softic and an effective supporting cast. Mahar’s efforts were stymied as they struggled to score, managing only six points.
Common Opponents Comparison
The teams’ performances against common opponents have further showcased their season trajectories:
- Franklin County Tech: Athol lost 34-12, while Mahar faced a heavier 48-14 defeat.
- Palmer: Athol secured a 30-14 victory, contrasting with Mahar’s 36-6 loss.
- Greenfield: Athol narrowly lost 22-14, whereas Mahar experienced a significant 48-14 defeat.
This analysis of common opponents reveals that while both teams faced similar challenges, Athol managed to edge out victories in crucial games, whereas Mahar had a tougher time.
Season Statistics Recap
Athol:
- Overall record: 5-4
- League record: 2-2
- Key player statistics: Morgan Softic leads in rushing, passing, and total yards, with Jayden Delgado contributing significantly in receiving yards and points.
Mahar Regional:
- Overall record: 3-7
- League record: 0-5
- Key player statistics: Jayden Delgado stands out for his defensive work, leading the team in tackles.
Conclusion
As the 2024-2025 season draws to a close, Athol has emerged as a competitive team with a solid record and an effective offensive lineup. Mahar Regional, on the other hand, faced considerable hurdles but showed resilience. The rivalry between Athol and Mahar will likely continue to captivate fans, reflecting the fierce competition and dedication found in high school football.