The Rich High School varsity football team (Randolph, UT) will face Monticello High School (UT) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 10:00 AM.

Matchup Details:

• Teams: Monticello vs. Rich
• Date & Time: Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 10:00 AM
• Event: Part of the 2024 UHSAA Football State Championships in the 8-Player Football Division.

Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

Rich vs. Monticello Football: A Clash of Utah Titans

The high school football season has brought us many thrilling matchups, but few are as exciting as the upcoming playoff game between Rich (Randolph, UT) and Monticello (UT). These two teams have excelled in their respective seasons, making their head-to-head clash one of the most anticipated games of the year. Here’s a breakdown of their performances, rankings, and key stats heading into the matchup.

Season Records and Rankings

Rich holds a significant edge in national and state rankings:

• Rich: Ranked 399th nationally and 1st in Utah Class 1A.
• Monticello: Ranked 886th nationally and 2nd in Utah Class 1A.

In terms of season performance:

• Rich boasts a 9-3 record, including an undefeated 3-0 region record and a strong .750 winning percentage.
• Monticello follows closely with an 8-3 record, a 5-1 region record, and a .727 winning percentage.

Scoring Trends and Team Averages

Rich has been dominant offensively, particularly in early quarters, while Monticello has shown resilience in adapting mid-game:

• Rich averages 31.9 points per game, with their strongest scoring in the first quarter (11.8 points).
• Monticello averages 38.0 points per game, with their peak performance in the second quarter (12.8 points).

Key Players to Watch

Monticello:

• Jackson Keyes (#10): Leading with 190.5 passing yards per game and 181.7 total yards per game.
• Carter Rogers (#13): A receiving powerhouse, averaging 101.9 yards per game and 7.1 points per game.
• John Leber (#21): Defensive stalwart, averaging 8.8 tackles and 0.7 sacks per game.

Rich:

• Hudson Parry (#28): A rushing leader with 80.0 yards per game.
• Carter Hoffman (#8): Versatile playmaker, contributing 80.7 passing yards and 146.6 total yards per game.
• Drake Weston (#23): Defensive standout with 4.5 tackles per game.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

Rich and Monticello have faced off once this season, with Rich claiming a decisive 55-20 victory on August 30, 2024. In that game, Rich dominated early, scoring 29 points in the third quarter alone.

Against common opponents, both teams are undefeated, showcasing their dominance:

• Rich outscored Water Canyon and Altamont by a combined 143-21.
• Monticello was equally impressive, with a combined score of 118-46 against the same teams.

Team Statistics Comparison

Rich has the edge in rushing yards, while Monticello excels in passing:

• Rushing Yards: Rich leads with 217.0 yards per game compared to Monticello’s 154.8.
• Passing Yards: Monticello averages 208.9 yards per game, nearly doubling Rich’s 104.0.

Defensively, Monticello posts higher averages in tackles and sacks:

• Tackles Per Game: Monticello with 52.5, Rich with 44.1.
• Sacks Per Game: Monticello leads with 3.5, compared to Rich’s 1.6.

The Playoff Stage

The stakes couldn’t be higher as these teams prepare for their neutral playoff showdown. With both teams excelling in different areas, the game promises to be a battle of strategies:

• Rich will rely on their early-game dominance and ground attack to secure an edge.
• Monticello must leverage their strong passing game and defensive strength to counter Rich’s explosive start.

Prediction

Rich’s balanced offensive and defensive prowess, combined with their earlier head-to-head win, gives them a slight advantage. However, Monticello’s improved performance since their last meeting and their ability to adapt mid-game make them a formidable contender. Expect a closely contested battle that could come down to turnovers and late-game execution.

Kickoff is set for today at 10 a.m.—don’t miss it!