The Marion Local (Maria Stein, OH) varsity football team will host Columbus Grove (OH) for a playoff game on Friday, November 29, at 7:00 PM. This game is part of the 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets – Division VII Final Four tournament.

Marion Local vs Columbus Grove Football Game Info:

What: Ohio High School Football
Who: Marion Local vs Columbus Grove
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Division VII Final Four
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Game preview: Marion Local vs Columbus Grove

As the 2024-2025 high school football season reaches its apex, two powerhouse programs—Columbus Grove and Marion Local—stand tall with flawless records. Both teams have proven themselves as elite forces in Ohio high school football, boasting perfect 14-0 seasons heading into the postseason. Let’s take a deep dive into the statistics and comparisons that highlight their dominance this year.

Team Overview and Records

Both Columbus Grove and Marion Local have posted impressive records in the 2024 season, going undefeated with a 14-0 overall record. Each team has also ruled their respective conferences with perfect 7-0 (Columbus Grove) and 8-0 (Marion Local) conference records, asserting their authority on the field week in and week out. Both teams excelled at home, away, and in neutral-site games, showcasing their all-around abilities.

• Columbus Grove has a 14-0 record overall, with a perfect 8-0 home record and a 5-0 record on the road.
• Marion Local matched their opponent’s perfection with a 14-0 record, finishing 7-0 at home and 6-0 on the road.

When it comes to scoring, Marion Local has outpaced Columbus Grove, averaging a whopping 47.7 points per game compared to Columbus Grove’s 39.3. On the defensive side, however, both teams have been stingy, with Columbus Grove allowing 134 points and Marion Local allowing just 43 points across the season.

Scoring and Offensive Breakdown

Both teams possess high-scoring offenses, but Marion Local’s offensive output has been slightly more explosive.

• Columbus Grove scores an average of 39.3 points per game, with their strongest quarters coming in the first (14.9 points) and second (14.2 points) quarters.
• Marion Local, however, has averaged 47.7 points per game, with their offense particularly potent in the first half, putting up 19.9 points in the first quarter and 16.9 in the second.

In terms of yardage, Columbus Grove excels on the ground, averaging 236.4 rushing yards per game, while Marion Local has an all-around game plan, with strong rushing and passing numbers. However, specific statistics for Marion Local’s rushing and passing yards were not listed, it is clear they have the balance to challenge any defense.

Key Players

Each team has standout players who have been pivotal in their success:

• Trenton Barraza of Columbus Grove has been a force in multiple categories, leading the team with 180.7 rushing yards per game, along with 185.4 total yards per game and 15.1 points per game.
• Landon Best has shown his passing ability, adding 94.7 yards per game in the air.
• Trevon Baxter, with 48.9 receiving yards per game, is another key weapon in the offense.
• Jamesen Rader leads the defense for Columbus Grove with 10 tackles per game, while Kylan Mayes adds pressure with 0.5 sacks per game.

On the other hand, Marion Local has continued its tradition of strong defense and explosive offense. Their high-scoring attack is complemented by their defense, which has been nearly impenetrable. Despite the absence of individual player statistics, their collective team strength in both rushing and passing gives them an edge in versatility.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced St. John’s, a common opponent, and both emerged victorious. Columbus Grove shut out St. John’s with a 14-0 win on November 22, 2024, while Marion Local dominated St. John’s 71-0 in a September 13, 2024 matchup. This victory further emphasizes the defensive prowess of Marion Local, and their ability to score in bunches.

In-State Success

Both teams have excelled in-state, with Columbus Grove posting a 14-0 in-state record and Marion Local adding one out-of-state win to their perfect season, standing at 13-0 in Ohio.

Conclusion

As the postseason approaches, both Columbus Grove and Marion Local are poised to make deep runs in the state playoffs. Their unmatched records and dominant performances throughout the season reflect the caliber of these two teams. Whether it’s Columbus Grove’s rushing attack or Marion Local’s offensive explosion, fans can expect these teams to continue their dominant campaigns and possibly meet in a highly anticipated matchup. No matter what happens, these two teams have cemented their place among Ohio’s elite in 2024 high school football.