The Narragansett (RI) varsity football team will host a playoff game against Smithfield (Esmond, RI) on Friday, November 15, at 5 p.m. This matchup is part of the “RIIL Football Championships Fall 2024 – Division 4 Championship Bracket” tournament.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Rhode Island High School Football
Who: Narragansett vs Smithfield
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 5 PM
Bracket: RIIL Football Championships Fall 2024 – Division 4 Championship Bracket
Watch here: Watch here
Game preview: Narragansett vs Smithfield
As the Rhode Island high school football playoffs approach, an exciting matchup between Smithfield and Narragansett is on the horizon. Set to kick off on Friday, November 15 at 5 p.m., this game promises to be intense, especially after their recent close contest earlier this month. Let’s take a look at how these two teams stack up.
Current Standings and Season Records
Smithfield holds a 6-3 overall record, with a 5-3 standing in Division 2, while Narragansett leads with a strong 7-1 overall record, including a 6-1 record in Division 1. Both teams have been formidable all season, with Narragansett’s only loss being an isolated stumble, contrasting with Smithfield’s three losses. Narragansett’s season scoring also highlights their offensive efficiency, outscoring opponents 268 to 128, while Smithfield has posted 265 points against their opponents’ 140.
Recent Matchup: A Nail-Biter
In their November 1st encounter, Narragansett narrowly escaped with a 28-27 victory in a thrilling game that saw multiple lead changes. Smithfield started strong, taking an early 7-0 lead, only for Narragansett to respond with 28 points in the following quarters. Despite a fourth-quarter comeback by Smithfield with 20 points, Narragansett managed to hold on by a single point. This performance showcased Smithfield’s resilience and Narragansett’s ability to secure close wins in tough environments.
Team Scoring Averages and Game Breakdown
Narragansett has a notable advantage in third-quarter scoring, averaging 11 points in that period, compared to Smithfield’s lack of third-quarter scoring. While Smithfield tends to surge in the fourth quarter with an average of 14 points, Narragansett’s balanced scoring across quarters—culminating in an average of 33.5 points per game—could make the difference in this upcoming clash.
Performance Against Common Opponents
Both teams have performed admirably against shared opponents, with Smithfield posting a 4-1 record, while Narragansett remains undefeated at 4-0. Notably, both teams handled North Smithfield comfortably, but Narragansett’s 53-20 win over them on November 8th might indicate a slightly higher level of dominance against comparable competition.
Key Insights for Friday’s Playoff
Both teams enter this playoff game with momentum and confidence. Smithfield will look to correct the mistakes that cost them their last meeting with Narragansett, focusing on limiting Narragansett’s scoring in the third quarter. Narragansett, on the other hand, will need to guard against Smithfield’s fourth-quarter strength, as evidenced by their ability to score 20 points in the final quarter during their recent clash.
This rematch has all the ingredients for a classic playoff showdown. With playoff intensity, Smithfield’s hunger for redemption, and Narragansett’s season-long consistency, fans can expect a thrilling, high-stakes game that could go down to the final seconds.
