The North (Worcester, MA) varsity football team will host Blackstone-Millville (Blackstone, MA) for a non-conference game today at 3 p.m.

What: Massachusetts High School Football
Who: North (MA) vs Blackstone-Millville (MA)
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 MIAA Football State Championship – Division 2
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Blackstone-Millville vs. North: A Season Comparison

As the 2024-2025 football season unfolds, the Blackstone-Millville and North teams are looking to prove their mettle in their respective leagues. Both teams have faced challenges and experienced successes, but their overall performances reveal distinct trends.

Blackstone-Millville Overview

Blackstone-Millville has posted a record of 4-5 overall, with a 1-1 league standing. Their offensive production has been solid, with an average of 15 points per game. The team’s success has been driven by key players, including running back Anthony Carter-Martinez, who averages 58.9 rushing yards per game, and quarterback Karson Cournoyer, who adds 53.3 passing yards per game. Wide receiver Shaun Haynes contributes 21.4 receiving yards per game, while also earning 6.0 points per game. On the defensive side, linebacker Nathan Oliveira leads the team with 4.9 tackles per game.

Despite their competitive performances, Blackstone-Millville’s road record reflects some struggles, standing at 2-3 at home and 2-2 on the road. Their overall points for (PF) stand at 135, while points allowed (PA) are 224, indicating room for improvement in both offensive consistency and defensive resilience.

North Overview

North’s season has been a tougher challenge, with the team posting a 3-6 record overall. Their league performance has been particularly challenging, with a 0-2 standing, and their points per game average stands at 19.6. They have struggled on the road, posting an 0-4 record away from home. However, there have been some bright spots, including quarterback Karson Cournoyer (also featured on Blackstone-Millville’s roster), who averages 77.1 total yards per game. The team’s offense has been marked by inconsistent performances, especially in the third quarter where they have yet to score a point in most games.

Defensively, North has averaged 38.8 tackles per game but only 0.7 sacks per game, indicating that while they are solid in run defense, they have yet to generate the pressure needed on opposing quarterbacks. Despite these challenges, they’ve managed to secure impressive victories, particularly in their common matchups with teams like Sutton, where they won 46-20.

Key Statistics and Team Leaders

Blackstone-Millville Leaders:

• Anthony Carter-Martinez: 58.9 rushing yards/game
• Karson Cournoyer: 53.3 passing yards/game
• Shaun Haynes: 21.4 receiving yards/game, 6.0 points/game
• Nathan Oliveira: 4.9 tackles/game

North Leaders:

• Karson Cournoyer: 77.1 total yards/game
• Team’s Offensive Average: 19.6 points/game
• Defensive Average: 38.8 tackles/game, 0.7 sacks/game

Common Opponents Comparison

Both teams have faced common opponents this season, with Blackstone-Millville boasting a perfect 3-0 record against these teams, while North has a 2-2 record.

• Southbridge: Blackstone-Millville won 21-6, while North won 36-12.
• St. Paul: Blackstone-Millville won 36-26, but North lost 18-12.
• Ayer Shirley: Blackstone-Millville triumphed 27-16, while North fell 22-12.
• Sutton: Blackstone-Millville’s game against Sutton is yet to be played, but North claimed a 46-20 win against Sutton earlier in the season.

Home and Away Performance

Both teams have shown varied results when playing at home and on the road. Blackstone-Millville has performed better at home, securing a 2-3 record, while North has struggled significantly away, with a 0-4 record on the road. The home field advantage could play a significant role in Blackstone-Millville’s favor as they look to finish their season strong.

Final Thoughts

While Blackstone-Millville holds a better overall record and has shown a more consistent performance across the season, North’s challenges on the road and in league play have hurt their chances. Blackstone-Millville has the upper hand statistically, but North will need to improve its offense and defense in key moments to close out the season on a positive note. With common opponents adding an interesting dimension to their matchup, the remaining games will be crucial for both teams in shaping their futures this season.