The Old Orchard Beach (ME) varsity football team will face off against Stearns/Schenck (Millinocket, ME) in a neutral playoff game today at 2:30 PM. This matchup is part of the “2024 MPA Football Championships presented by Hammond Lumber Company – 8-Man Small” tournament.
What: Maine High School Football
Who: Old Orchard Beach (ME) vs Stearns/Schenck (ME)
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 MPA Football Championships presented by Hammond Lumber Company – 8-Man Small
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
Stearns/Schenck vs. Old Orchard Beach: A Comparative Analysis of Two Dominant Teams
As the 2024-25 season unfolds, two of Maine’s top high school football teams—Stearns/Schenck and Old Orchard Beach—stand out with impressive records and accolades. Despite sharing dominance in their respective leagues, subtle distinctions in their performances reveal intriguing storylines heading into the playoffs. Let’s dive into the rankings, records, and scoring averages to see how these teams stack up against one another.
Rankings and Records
Stearns/Schenck (10-1)
- National Ranking: 485
- Maine State Ranking: 1
- Class Ranking: 1
- Win Percentage: .909
Stearns/Schenck has maintained an impressive 10-1 overall record, dominating the regional competition with a perfect 7-0 record. The team has displayed resilience, with standout performances both at home (3-1) and on neutral grounds (4-0). Their only loss came in a non-league matchup, highlighting room for growth against unfamiliar opponents. They’ve scored 596 points while allowing just 122, showcasing their defensive strength.
Old Orchard Beach (10-0)
- National Ranking: 896
- Maine State Ranking: 4
- Class Ranking: 2
- Win Percentage: 1.000
Old Orchard Beach boasts an unblemished 10-0 record, with a balanced mix of home (4-0), away (4-0), and neutral-site (2-0) victories. Notably, the team has excelled across all scenarios, maintaining a perfect record in league and non-league play alike. They’ve scored 610 points this season while conceding 124, slightly edging out Stearns/Schenck in offensive output.
Team Scoring Averages
Stearns/Schenck: 54.2 points per game
Old Orchard Beach: 61.0 points per game
Offensively, Old Orchard Beach leads the way with an average of 61.0 points per game, showcasing a potent attack. Stearns/Schenck, however, isn’t far behind, averaging 54.2 points per game. Both teams’ scoring prowess makes them formidable, setting the stage for exciting playoff clashes.
Common Opponents
Both teams faced Dexter/Piscataquis this season, with dominant victories:
- Stearns/Schenck defeated Dexter/Piscataquis 54-6 (9/13/24).
- Old Orchard Beach followed with a 60-14 win (9/21/24).
While both teams secured convincing wins, Old Orchard Beach’s larger margin of victory underscores their offensive efficiency.
Head-to-Head and Playoff Potential
Despite their stellar performances, Stearns/Schenck and Old Orchard Beach have yet to meet on the field this season. With both teams excelling in regional competition—Stearns/Schenck at 7-0 and Old Orchard Beach at 4-0—the potential for a head-to-head playoff showdown looms large.
Stearns/Schenck’s slight defensive edge, allowing just 122 points all season, contrasts with Old Orchard Beach’s higher scoring average, making this hypothetical matchup a clash of defensive grit versus offensive firepower.
Key Takeaways
- Consistency: Old Orchard Beach’s undefeated record and dominance in all categories signal a team firing on all cylinders.
- Balance: Stearns/Schenck combines offensive power with a staunch defense, making them a well-rounded threat.
- Potential Showdown: If the playoffs align these two powerhouses, it could be the most exciting game of the season, with contrasting styles on display.
Both teams have demonstrated why they are among Maine’s best. While Old Orchard Beach has the edge offensively, Stearns/Schenck’s overall balance could prove decisive in a tightly contested game. Fans can only hope these two meet to settle the debate on the field.
