The New Town (Owings Mills, MD) varsity football team is facing off against Huntingtown (MD) today in a neutral-site playoff game. This matchup is part of the “2024 Maryland High School Football Playoff Brackets: MPSSAA – 2A” tournament.
What: Maryland High School Football
Who: New Town (MD) vs Huntingtown (MD)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: Today
Bracket: 2024 Maryland High School Football Playoff Brackets: MPSSAA – 2A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
Huntingtown vs. New Town: A Head-to-Head Breakdown
As the football season comes to a close, both Huntingtown and New Town have proven themselves as formidable teams, boasting impressive records and individual performances. Let’s break down their key statistics, achievements, and comparisons to see what sets them apart as they prepare for upcoming playoff challenges.
Season Records and Standings
- Huntingtown (MD Class 3) has an overall record of 8-2, with a dominant regional performance (3-0), and a solid away record of 7-1. They’ve posted an .800 win percentage and a perfect 1.000 regional win percentage.
- New Town (MD Class 6), on the other hand, holds an 8-3 record, with a 6-1 regional mark, and a 4-2 away record. Their win percentage stands at .727, and their regional win percentage is .857.
Team Scoring Averages
Both teams have demonstrated a strong offensive output this season:
- Huntingtown averages 32.1 points per game, with strong performances in the first and fourth quarters (10.0 and 11.0 points, respectively), but their scoring drops slightly in the third quarter (3.5 points).
- New Town, averaging 29.2 points per game, has lower first-half numbers, particularly in the second quarter (1.4 points), but they also see a boost in the fourth quarter (8.4 points), reflecting their ability to come alive in the later stages of the game.
Offensive and Defensive Statistics
The comparison between the two teams highlights some interesting trends:
- Rushing Yardage: Huntingtown has a significant edge in rushing yards, averaging 212.2 yards per game compared to New Town’s 6.1 yards per game. This suggests a powerful ground game led by Gabriel Copeland, who averages 81.3 rushing yards per game.
- Passing Game: While New Town edges out Huntingtown in passing yards per game (New Town averages 12.2 yards, while Huntingtown averages 104.0 yards), Dominic Hickman of Huntingtown stands out as a leader with 99.8 passing yards per game.
- Receiving Yards: Both teams have strong receiving units, with Brody Whittington from Huntingtown leading with 32.2 receiving yards per game, while Darien Fowlkes of New Town shows up with 49.0 receiving yards per game.
Defensive Showdown
Both teams have their defensive stars:
- Huntingtown averages 58.2 tackles per game, led by Trey O’Callaghan with 9.5 tackles per game, and a solid pass-rush game with 2.3 sacks per game.
- New Town is known for its aggressive defense, with standout tackler John Davis, who posts 18.0 tackles per game. However, New Town’s sack numbers are relatively lower, with only 0.5 sacks per game.
Playoff Prospects
In terms of postseason performance, both teams have made strong pushes:
- Huntingtown has an 8-2 record against in-state opponents and a perfect 1-0 playoff record.
- New Town, with an 8-3 overall record, is poised to make a solid playoff appearance, with a strong regional performance.
Key Players to Watch
- Dominic Hickman (Huntingtown) leads in multiple categories with 137.9 total yards per game and 99.8 passing yards per game, showing his critical role in both the passing and total yardage departments.
- Devan McCallum (New Town), while not a standout in rushing or passing yards, has shown his value in the defensive and special teams realms.
Conclusion
Both teams have demonstrated high levels of excellence on offense and defense. Huntingtown’s rushing game and solid quarterback play contrast with New Town’s balanced attack and strong defensive presence. With both teams in strong playoff positions, it will be exciting to see how they match up in future postseason games. Whether it’s the power of Huntingtown’s rushing attack or the all-around play of New Town’s offense and defense, these teams are poised for a fierce and competitive finish to the season.