The Mt. Vernon (IA) varsity football team will face Humboldt (IA) in a neutral playoff game on Saturday, November 16, at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 Iowa High School Football Playoff Brackets for Class 3A.

What: Iowa High School Football
Who: Mt. Vernon (IA) vs Humboldt (IA)
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Iowa High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSAA – Class 3A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Humboldt and Mt. Vernon Football Teams: A Comparison of Strengths and Achievements

As the 2024-2025 football season heats up, two teams have dominated their respective conferences with nearly flawless records: Humboldt and Mt. Vernon. Both teams boast an impressive 10-1 overall record, and their performances have been marked by strong offensive output and defensive resilience. In this article, we will compare their rankings, records, and team performance in various categories to determine what sets these two teams apart.

Team Rankings & Records

Both Humboldt and Mt. Vernon are performing at an elite level, with a shared 10-1 overall record. Here’s a look at their key statistics:

• Humboldt: With an overall record of 10-1, Humboldt has excelled in its conference, posting a perfect 5-0 mark. The team is just as effective at home (5-1) as on the road (4-0), and they’ve also managed to secure a 1-0 record in neutral-site games. Their 283 points scored and 136 points allowed reflect their balanced approach to both offense and defense, resulting in a .909 win percentage.
• Mt. Vernon: Like Humboldt, Mt. Vernon also holds a 10-1 overall record. Their conference performance has been equally impressive, with a 5-0 record that mirrors Humboldt’s dominance. Mt. Vernon has been particularly strong at home, with a perfect 5-0 record. On the road, they are 4-1, while their neutral game record stands at 1-0. Mt. Vernon’s offensive firepower has been substantial, scoring 446 points and allowing just 115 points, which reflects their high-octane offense and stingy defense.

Scoring Averages

When comparing the scoring patterns of both teams, Mt. Vernon shows a clear edge in total points scored. Here’s a breakdown of their scoring averages by quarter:

• Humboldt:
  • Q1: 3.9
  • Q2: 9.0
  • Q3: 4.4
  • Q4: 6.9
  • Final: 25.7 points per game
• Mt. Vernon:
  • Q1: 1.5
  • Q2: 14.5
  • Q3: 8.0
  • Q4: 14.5
  • Final: 40.5 points per game

While Humboldt’s scoring is more consistent across all quarters, Mt. Vernon’s ability to surge in the second and fourth quarters demonstrates their explosive offensive capabilities, averaging over 40 points per game.

Common Opponents and Record Breakdown

Both teams have faced a common set of opponents, providing a valuable comparison of how each team stacks up against similar competition:

• Humboldt’s Common Opponents:
  • Humboldt is 2-0 against common opponents, including wins over Solon (35-3) and Algona (21-20). These victories demonstrate their defensive strength, with a particularly dominant win over Solon.
• Mt. Vernon’s Common Opponents:
  • Mt. Vernon is 1-1 in their games against common opponents, with a win over Algona (31-28) and a close loss to Solon (7-6). Despite the loss to Solon, Mt. Vernon’s strong offensive display in their win against Algona highlights their potential to outscore opponents.

In terms of record breakdown by location:

• Home Games: Humboldt is 5-1, while Mt. Vernon is perfect at home with a 5-0 record.
• Away Games: Humboldt is 4-0, and Mt. Vernon has a solid 4-1 away record.
• Neutral Site: Both teams are 1-0 in neutral-site games, showing their ability to perform in varied environments.
• Playoffs: Both teams are undefeated in the postseason with a 2-0 record, underscoring their strength when it matters most.

Key Takeaways

• Offensive Power: Mt. Vernon has the edge in terms of offensive production, averaging 40.5 points per game, significantly higher than Humboldt’s 25.7 points. Their ability to put up points quickly in the second and fourth quarters sets them apart as a potent offensive force.
• Defensive Resilience: Humboldt has allowed just 136 points, and Mt. Vernon has allowed 115, demonstrating both teams’ capability to limit opponents’ scoring. Humboldt’s defense has been stingier on the whole, but Mt. Vernon’s low point total is still impressive.
• Record in Key Situations: Both teams are dominant in their respective conferences, maintaining perfect 5-0 records against league opponents. When facing common foes, Humboldt has the upper hand with a 2-0 record compared to Mt. Vernon’s 1-1.

As both teams continue to build momentum toward the playoffs, it’s clear that Humboldt and Mt. Vernon are two of the top teams in the region, with their strengths in different areas. Whether it’s Humboldt’s balanced approach or Mt. Vernon’s high-flying offense, fans can expect an exciting end to the season as these teams vie for supremacy.