The Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson (Malta, MT) varsity football team will host Manhattan (MT) for a home playoff game today at 1 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 Montana High School Football Playoff Brackets: MHSA – Class B tournament.
Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson vs Manhattan Football Game Info:
What: Montana High School Football
Who: Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson vs Manhattan
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 1 PM
Bracket: 2024 Montana High School Football Playoff Brackets: MHSA – Class B
Watch here: Watch here
Game preview: Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson vs Manhattan
As the 2024 high school football season draws to a close, two dominant teams remain undefeated: Manhattan (12-0) and Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson (12-0). With perfect records and an impressive array of statistics, these teams have clearly set the bar for excellence in Montana high school football. Let’s break down their performances, strengths, and how they stack up against each other.
The Perfect Seasons
Both teams have enjoyed flawless campaigns, each finishing their regular seasons with 12 wins and no losses. They are both undefeated in league play, with 5-0 records in their respective regions, and have also dominated in non-league matchups. These two teams have proven themselves formidable across the state, each cruising to victory against every opponent on their schedule.
Offensive Firepower
When it comes to scoring, both teams are near the top of their game, but Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson edges out Manhattan with a slight advantage in points per game. On average, Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson scores an impressive 40.3 points per game, compared to Manhattan’s 33.3.
Manhattan has been steady across all quarters, with a balanced approach that sees them score 10.4 points in the first quarter, 11.0 in the second, and 5.8 in the third before finishing strong with 10.6 points in the fourth. In contrast, Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson shows a strong surge in the first half, scoring an average of 8.0 points in the first quarter and 14.4 points in the second before tapering off in the third (8.9) and fourth (3.0) quarters.
Both teams rely heavily on their passing attacks. Manhattan’s #6 quarterback, Stockton Oxarart, leads the team with an average of 224.3 passing yards per game, while Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson has an equally potent air attack, averaging 235.5 yards per game. Oxarart is also a major contributor in total yards, with 253.3 per game, while Dawson Hammond from Manhattan leads the team in receiving yards with 80.4 yards per game.
Defensive Dominance
On defense, both teams have made their mark. Manhattan’s defense averages 65.6 tackles per game, and they’ve also managed to sack opposing quarterbacks 2.0 times per game. Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson counters with 65.6 tackles per game and a significant advantage in pancake blocks, totaling 21.
The Stars of the Show
Key players have emerged from both sides, making significant impacts on both ends of the field. For Manhattan, standout performances from players like Blaine Downing (89.8 rushing yards per game) and Dawson Hammond (9.0 points per game) have been crucial to their success. On the other hand, Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson has had their own star-studded performances, including the exceptional passing and receiving efforts from quarterback Oxarart and wide receiver Hammond.
Common Opponents: A Head-to-Head Comparison
Both teams have faced off against the same set of opponents, and the results have been remarkably similar. In their matchups against teams like Loyola-Sacred Heart, Thompson Falls, Jefferson, and Red Lodge/Belfry/Roberts, both teams have emerged victorious, often in commanding fashion. Notably, their margins of victory were impressive across the board, with both teams winning each of their common games by substantial margins.
For instance, Manhattan defeated Loyola-Sacred Heart 39-0 and Three Forks/Willow Creek 33-16, while Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson similarly trounced these teams, posting a 20-12 win over Loyola-Sacred Heart and a 59-36 victory over Three Forks/Willow Creek.
Looking Ahead: The Ultimate Showdown
With both teams entering the postseason with perfect records, it’s clear that a potential meeting between Manhattan and Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson would be nothing short of thrilling. Each team has dominated on both sides of the ball, and their ability to score quickly and consistently makes them difficult opponents to stop.
As they prepare for their playoff runs, fans can expect a clash of titans in the coming weeks, with both teams fighting for a chance at glory. Who will come out on top? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the 2024 season has been an unforgettable ride for both teams, and they’ve earned their place among Montana’s best.
