The NV – Old Tappan (Old Tappan, NJ) varsity football team is hosting a home playoff game against Mainland Regional (Linwood, NJ) December 1, Sunday, at 1:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: New Jersey High School Football
Who: Mainland Regional vs NV – Old Tappan
When: Sunday, December 1, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m ET
Bracket: 2024 New Jersey High School Football Playoff Brackets: NJSIAA – Group 3
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Mainland Regional vs. NV – Old Tappan
The Mainland Regional Mustangs (10-3) and NV – Old Tappan Golden Knights (11-1) square off in what promises to be a hard-fought matchup between two of New Jersey’s top teams. Both have had successful seasons, though they arrive here with different paths.
Season Recap: Mainland Regional Mustangs
- Record: 10-3
- League Record: 1-3
- Points For/Against: 384 PF, 222 PA
- Scoring Average: 29.5 points per game
Mainland has shown resilience in overcoming a challenging league schedule to perform well in non-league and playoff games. Their scoring has improved in the second half of games, but their slow starts (averaging only 1.8 points in the first quarter) could be a vulnerability against a disciplined Old Tappan team.
Season Recap: NV – Old Tappan Golden Knights
- Record: 11-1
- League Record: 3-1
- Points For/Against: 393 PF, 126 PA
- Scoring Average: 32.8 points per game
Old Tappan boasts one of the state’s best defenses, allowing just 126 points all season. They’ve been dominant at home and consistent across all quarters, particularly in the second quarter where they average 16.7 points. Their lone loss came in a tight league game, but they’ve since proven their ability to bounce back.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Mainland Regional | NV – Old Tappan |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 10-3 | 11-1 |
| League Record | 1-3 | 3-1 |
| Points For (Total) | 384 | 393 |
| Points Against (Total) | 222 | 126 |
| Scoring Average | 29.5 | 32.8 |
| Defensive Strength | Good | Elite |
Key Players to Watch
Mainland Regional Mustangs
- Offensive Leaders:
While their first-half scoring has been lackluster, their offense picks up in the second half, with a strong ground game leading the way. - Playoff Experience:
Mainland has been battle-tested in close playoff games, which could play to their advantage in a tightly contested matchup.
NV – Old Tappan Golden Knights
- Dominant Defense:
With only 126 points allowed, Old Tappan’s defense has been a major factor in their success. They’ll look to stifle Mainland’s second-half surges. - Balanced Attack:
Old Tappan has shown a consistent ability to score early and maintain leads with clock management and defensive stands.
Game Outlook
- First-Quarter Performance
Old Tappan’s fast starts (7.2 points in the first quarter) could put Mainland on the back foot early. If Mainland can survive the early blitz, they’ll look to make a second-half push. - Defensive Battle
Both teams bring solid defenses, but Old Tappan’s is the more consistent unit. Mainland must find creative ways to move the ball to avoid becoming one-dimensional. - Turnover Margin
Both teams thrive on taking advantage of mistakes. Protecting the football will be crucial, especially for Mainland, which has struggled in some high-pressure games.
Prediction
Mainland Regional has proven itself to be a gritty, comeback-oriented team, but Old Tappan’s balance and elite defense make them the favorites. Expect Mainland to keep it close, but Old Tappan should capitalize on their strong starts to control the game.
