The Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson varsity football team from Malta, MT, will play against Manhattan, MT, in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Montana High School Football
Who: Manhattan vs Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: in progress
Bracket: 2024 Montana High School Football Playoff Brackets: MHSA – Class B
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Manhattan vs. Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson
The Manhattan Tigers (12-0) will face off against the Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson Longhorns (12-0) in a highly anticipated neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22. Both teams have been dominant throughout the season, remaining undefeated and boasting strong offensive and defensive stats. This matchup promises to be a battle of two teams that are peaking at the right time, with high stakes on the line.
Season Recap: Manhattan
- Record: 12-0
- Points For/Against: 400 PF, 112 PA
- Scoring Average: 33.3 points per game
Manhattan has been nearly flawless this season, with an undefeated record in both league and non-league play. Their offense has been effective, while their defense has been stifling, allowing just 112 points all season. With a strong mix of rushing and passing, they’ve dominated in almost every game. They will look to continue their perfect season with a win against Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson.
Key Performances:
- Offense: The Tigers have relied heavily on quarterback Stockton Oxarart, who is averaging 218.5 passing yards per game and has been instrumental in their offensive success. Dawson Hammond has been a key receiver, with 76.1 receiving yards per game.
- Defense: Landon Retan leads the defense with 10 tackles per game, while Blaine Downing contributes both as a rusher and a defender, with 0.9 sacks per game and 8.7 points per game.
Season Recap: Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson
- Record: 12-0
- Points For/Against: 483 PF, 155 PA
- Scoring Average: 40.3 points per game
Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson enters this game with an undefeated record, similarly dominating opponents throughout the season. They have an explosive offense, scoring an average of 40.3 points per game, and their defense has been solid, limiting teams to just 155 points over the course of the season. Their recent performances, including a strong victory over Three Forks/Willow Creek, show they are ready for the challenge.
Key Performances:
- Offense: Quarterback Stockton Oxarart has been a star for Malta, averaging 246.7 total yards per game. Their balanced attack includes a solid passing game with 211.6 passing yards per game, led by Oxarart and key receiver Dawson Hammond.
- Defense: Blaine Downing, a key linebacker, contributes both defensively and offensively with 10 tackles per game and solid contributions to the rushing game. Mason Simanton adds depth to the defensive line with 4 pancake blocks.
Team Stat Comparison
| Stat | Manhattan | Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | – | 151.0 |
| Passing Yards Per Game | – | 211.6 |
| Receiving Yards Per Game | – | 211.7 |
| Total Yards Per Game | – | 362.6 |
| Tackles Per Game | 61.1 | 61.1 |
| Sacks Per Game | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Points Per Game | 37.2 | 40.3 |
| Pancake Blocks | 17 | 17 |
Record Breakdown
| Category | Manhattan | Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 12-0 | 12-0 |
| League Record | 5-0 | 5-0 |
| Non-League Record | 7-0 | 7-0 |
| Playoff Record | 3-0 | 3-0 |
| Home Record | 7-0 | 6-0 |
| Away Record | 4-0 | 4-0 |
| Neutral Record | 1-0 | 2-0 |
Common Opponents
Both teams faced common opponents like Thompson Falls, Jefferson, Baker, and Red Lodge/Belfry/Roberts, with both teams posting dominant victories. Both teams remain undefeated with perfect records against their common opponents, showcasing their readiness for this playoff showdown.
Keys to Victory
For Manhattan:
- Exploit the Passing Game: With Oxarart at quarterback, Manhattan should continue to air the ball out, targeting Hammond and others in the receiving game.
- Defensive Adjustments: With a strong defense, the Tigers will need to control Downing and the Malta offense, making sure they disrupt the rhythm of Oxarart and Hammond.
- Balanced Attack: While Oxarart leads the offense, Manhattan should not ignore their rushing game, which has been effective this season.
For Malta/Whitewater/Saco/Dodson:
- Pass Protection: The offensive line will need to give Oxarart time to execute, as his passing game is key to their success.
- Solid Defensive Play: Downing will need to lead the defense in stopping Manhattan’s offensive flow, particularly limiting Oxarart‘s ability to make big plays.
- Control the Tempo: Malta must control the tempo of the game by maintaining possession with a balanced attack, keeping Manhattan’s offense on the sidelines.
Prediction:
Both teams have been dominant throughout the season, but with Manhattan’s slightly more balanced attack and defensive edge, they are expected to edge out the win in a close, high-scoring game.
