The Blair Oaks (Jefferson City, MO) varsity football team is set to face Maryville (MO) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 29.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Missouri High School Football
Who: Maryville vs Blair Oaks
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: in progress
Bracket: 2024 Missouri High School Football Playoff Brackets: MSHSAA – Class 3
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Maryville vs. Blair Oaks
The upcoming playoff matchup between Maryville (9-4) and Blair Oaks (11-1) promises to be an intriguing contest. Blair Oaks enters as the clear favorite, boasting a dominant season and a decisive head-to-head win earlier in the year, but playoff football often brings surprises. Let’s break down the matchup.
Season Overview
Maryville Spoofhounds (9-4)
- Overall Record: 9-4
- District Record: 4-2
- Home Record: 4-1
- Away Record: 1-3
- Neutral Record: 4-0
Maryville has shown resilience, particularly in neutral-site games where they’re undefeated this season. Their defense has been solid, but their offense has been inconsistent, averaging 30.1 points per game. However, they struggled mightily in their earlier matchup against Blair Oaks, losing 61-12 in a non-conference blowout.
Blair Oaks Falcons (11-1)
- Overall Record: 11-1
- District Record: 6-0
- Home Record: 5-0
- Away Record: 4-1
- Neutral Record: 2-0
Blair Oaks has been a powerhouse this season, averaging an incredible 53.3 points per game while allowing just 10.3 points per game on defense. Their lone loss came in a tough matchup against Lutheran North, who also defeated Maryville. The Falcons dominated the earlier meeting with Maryville and have looked unstoppable in their playoff run.
Team Scoring Averages
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryville | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 30.1 |
| Blair Oaks | 18.7 | 17.9 | 12.2 | 6.3 | 53.3 |
Blair Oaks is explosive right out of the gate, scoring heavily in the first half and controlling the game early. Maryville will need to find a way to contain Blair Oaks’ early offensive onslaught if they hope to keep this game competitive.
Head-to-Head Recap
Date: August 30, 2024
Result: Blair Oaks 61, Maryville 12
Blair Oaks overwhelmed Maryville in their first encounter, controlling every aspect of the game. Maryville will need to make significant adjustments to turn the tables in this rematch.
Key Players
Maryville
- #2 Colson Kermode: The team’s leader in total yards and tackles, Kermode’s performance on both sides of the ball will be critical.
- Erick Rodriguez: Contributing consistently on the ground with 48.2 rushing yards per game.
- Matt Ritenhouse: A key target in the passing game, averaging 58.2 receiving yards per game.
Blair Oaks
- #10 Brayden Clauson: A dual-threat quarterback who has been instrumental in Blair Oaks’ high-scoring offense.
- #22 Ethan Lawson: A dominant rusher who sets the tone for the team’s physical running game.
- Defense as a unit: Blair Oaks’ defense has held opponents to just over 10 points per game, showcasing their ability to dominate on both sides of the ball.
Statistical Comparison
| Category | Maryville | Blair Oaks |
|---|---|---|
| Points per Game | 30.1 | 53.3 |
| Points Allowed/Game | 20.9 | 10.3 |
| Total Yards/Game | 313.5 | 482.1 |
| Rushing Yards/Game | 137.3 | 250.7 |
| Passing Yards/Game | 176.3 | 231.4 |
Blair Oaks holds the edge across every statistical category, highlighting their balanced offensive attack and stout defense.
Common Opponent: Lutheran North
- Maryville: Lost 40-7
- Blair Oaks: Lost 58-28
Both teams struggled against a top-tier Lutheran North squad. However, Blair Oaks was far more competitive in their matchup, indicating their higher ceiling in big games.
Key Factors to Watch
- Early Momentum: Can Maryville survive the first quarter onslaught from Blair Oaks, or will the Falcons build another insurmountable lead?
- Defensive Adjustments: Maryville must improve their defensive game plan after conceding 61 points in the prior meeting.
- Blair Oaks’ Depth: Their ability to rotate players and maintain a high level of play on both sides of the ball could wear down Maryville.
- Special Teams Impact: In playoff games, a big special teams play can shift momentum, something Maryville might need to stay in contention.
Prediction
Blair Oaks has been dominant all season and already has a massive win over Maryville earlier this year. While Maryville has shown improvement and grit throughout the playoffs, Blair Oaks’ offensive firepower and defensive discipline should carry them to victory.
