The Northmor Golden Knights, with a perfect 12-0 record, will host the Ridgewood Generals, who are 11-1, for a playoff game on Friday, November 15 at 7:00 p.m. The matchup is part of the 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets for Region 23.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Ohio High School Football
Who: Northmor vs Ridgewood
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Bracket: 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 23
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Game preview: Northmor vs Ridgewood

As the 2024-2025 high school football season continues to unfold, two teams have emerged as juggernauts in Ohio’s Division 140-8 rankings: the Ridgewood Generals and the Northmor Golden Knights. Both teams have impressive records and a strong presence in their respective conferences, making for an exciting matchup in this year’s postseason and possibly beyond.

Ridgewood Generals: A Stellar Season with One Loss

Ridgewood enters this season with a highly impressive 11-1 overall record, reflecting a dominant performance on the field. Their only setback came during a conference clash, where they finished with a 4-1 record in their league. The Generals have excelled on their home turf, winning 6 out of 7 games, and remain undefeated in away games, boasting a perfect 4-0 record. Their offensive strategy has been marked by consistency and firepower, putting up an average of 35.7 points per game. With a total of 436 points scored against just 134 points allowed, Ridgewood has established itself as a force to be reckoned with.

Key to their success is the well-rounded offense, led by quarterback AJ Bower, who throws for an average of 197 yards per game. Bower’s leadership has been crucial, but he is supported by standout players such as running back Cowin Becker, who has accumulated 73.2 rushing yards per game, and wide receiver Jaxson Wenger, who averages 67.7 receiving yards per game. These numbers underscore the team’s offensive depth and balance. Defensively, Ashton Clark leads with an average of 8.4 tackles per game, ensuring Ridgewood can both move the ball efficiently and shut down opposing offenses.

Northmor Golden Knights: Perfect Season So Far

On the other side of the field, Northmor is currently undefeated, boasting a perfect 12-0 record. The Golden Knights have been dominant, not only in their league (with a flawless 7-0 conference record) but also in non-league games, where they finished 5-0. Northmor has been especially strong on the road, with a 5-0 record away from home, and has looked nearly unbeatable at every turn.

Northmor’s offensive performance has been nothing short of spectacular, with a team average of 39.7 points per game. They have scored 476 points on the season, allowing only 86 in return. Their game plan is centered around a high-powered offense that has excelled in both rushing and passing. Rushing leader Cowin Becker, who averages 73.2 yards per game, and the ever-strong passing attack, led by AJ Bower, who averages 197 yards per game, have been key contributors. The team’s scoring balance, with 14 points in the first quarter and an average of nearly 18 in the second, showcases their ability to put pressure on opponents from the start.

Statistical Comparison: Offense, Defense, and Efficiency

When comparing these two teams side-by-side, there are some noticeable similarities, particularly in offensive production. Ridgewood averages 354.3 total yards per game, while Northmor exceeds that with 476 yards per game. Both teams have excelled in both rushing and passing, with Northmor leading in overall yardage, thanks to their 150.4 rushing yards per game compared to Ridgewood’s passing-heavy attack.

Defensively, Ridgewood outperforms Northmor with 62.7 tackles per game compared to 45.4 for Northmor, but Northmor has been more efficient in limiting points, with just 86 total points allowed this season. Ridgewood’s 134 points allowed is still an impressive feat, highlighting their ability to stifle opposing offenses.

Conclusion: A Clash of the Titans

Both Ridgewood and Northmor are formidable opponents in Ohio high school football. Ridgewood has shown resilience, with a 4-1 conference record and an excellent 6-1 home performance, while Northmor has been nothing short of perfect, maintaining a flawless 12-0 record and a stellar 7-0 conference performance. As the season moves into its later stages, both teams will be looking to make their mark in the postseason, where fans can expect to see high-intensity matchups between two of Ohio’s finest.

Whether it’s Ridgewood’s offensive firepower or Northmor’s unbeatable consistency, one thing is clear: these teams are set to continue their dominance, and the rest of the state is on notice.