The Blair Oaks (Jefferson City, MO) varsity football team is set to face Maryville (MO) in a neutral playoff game today, November 30, at 1 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Missouri High School Football
Who: Maryville vs. Blair Oaks
When: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Time: 1 PM. ET
Bracket: 2024 Missouri High School Football Playoff Brackets: MSHSAA – Class 3
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Maryville vs. Blair Oaks
This playoff matchup between Maryville (9-4) and Blair Oaks (11-1) promises to be an exciting clash of contrasting styles. Blair Oaks comes into this game with a dominant record and a powerful offense, while Maryville looks to turn the tide after a tough loss in their regular-season matchup.
Season Recap: Maryville
- Record: 9-4
- District Record: 4-2
- Points For/Against: 391 PF, 272 PA
- Scoring Average: 30.1 points per game
Maryville has had a competitive season with a strong finish, especially in their district play, where they went 4-0. However, their offensive output varies significantly across quarters, and their defense will need to step up to stop a high-powered team like Blair Oaks.
Key Strengths:
- Offensive Firepower: Maryville has shown they can score, with 30.1 points per game.
- Solid Playoff Record: They’ve performed well under playoff pressure, winning all their postseason games so far.
Season Recap: Blair Oaks
- Record: 11-1
- District Record: 6-0
- Points For/Against: 640 PF, 123 PA
- Scoring Average: 53.3 points per game
Blair Oaks has been dominant all season, especially in district play, where they finished undefeated. Their offense is a juggernaut, scoring at an astonishing rate, while their defense has been equally formidable, allowing just 123 points all season. Blair Oaks is coming off a 61-12 victory over Maryville earlier this season.
Key Strengths:
- Explosive Offense: Averaging over 53 points per game, their offense can overwhelm most teams.
- Defensive Dominance: Allowing less than 10 points per game, Blair Oaks has been impenetrable this season.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Maryville | Blair Oaks |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 9-4 | 11-1 |
| District Record | 4-2 | 6-0 |
| Points For | 391 | 640 |
| Points Against | 272 | 123 |
| Scoring Average | 30.1 | 53.3 |
Key Matchups
- Maryville Defense vs. Blair Oaks Offense
Blair Oaks has proven to be a high-scoring team, averaging over 53 points per game. Maryville will need to find a way to slow down Blair Oaks’ attack, which could be a tall order given the firepower Blair Oaks brings. - Maryville’s Ability to Score Quickly
Maryville needs to keep pace with Blair Oaks’ fast offense. Their 30.1 points per game won’t be enough unless they can consistently score throughout the game and keep Blair Oaks on their heels. - Turnovers and Special Teams
In a high-stakes playoff game, any mistakes can swing momentum. Maryville will need to avoid turnovers and capitalize on any opportunities, especially in the special teams and turnover battle.
Key Players to Watch
Maryville
- Quarterback/Running Back Duo: To have a chance, Maryville will need their key playmakers to perform at their best.
- Defense: Keeping Blair Oaks under control will require aggressive play, especially in the secondary.
Blair Oaks
- Offensive Playmakers: With an explosive offense, Blair Oaks will rely on their quarterback and running backs to push the pace and score quickly.
- Defense: Their defense has been excellent all season, and they’ll need to continue their strong play to shut down Maryville’s offense.
Head-to-Head Game Result
- Blair Oaks defeated Maryville 61-12 in their previous meeting on 8/30/2024.
Prediction
Given Blair Oaks’ incredible scoring ability and overall dominance this season, they enter this game as the heavy favorites. Maryville will need to play near-perfect football to pull off the upset, especially considering the disparity in offensive and defensive numbers between the two teams.
