The Ottawa Hills Green Bears (11-1) varsity football team will face the Bluffton Pirates (11-1) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM. This game is part of the 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets for Region 22.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Ohio High School Football
Who: Ottawa Hills vs Bluffton
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Bracket: 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 22
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Game preview: Ottawa Hills vs Bluffton

As the high school football playoffs heat up, two powerhouse teams are set to face off in what promises to be an exciting match. The Bluffton Pirates (11-1) will square off against the Ottawa Hills Green Bears (11-1) in a neutral-site game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. Both teams have shown incredible strength this season, with impressive records and high-scoring offenses. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from this thrilling playoff showdown.

Team Records and Statistics

Bluffton Pirates (11-1)

• Overall Record: 11-1
• Conference Record: 6-1
• Home Record: 5-1
• Away Record: 5-0
• Neutral Record: 1-0
• Win Percentage: .917
• Conference Win Percentage: .857
• Points For (PF): 480
• Points Against (PA): 107

Bluffton has been a dominant force this season, with only one loss on their record. Their offense has been firing on all cylinders, averaging 40 points per game. The Pirates have also proven tough on defense, allowing just 107 points across 12 games.

Ottawa Hills Green Bears (11-1)

• Overall Record: 11-1
• Conference Record: 4-0
• Home Record: 8-0
• Away Record: 2-1
• Neutral Record: 1-0
• Win Percentage: .917
• Conference Win Percentage: 1.000
• Points For (PF): 554
• Points Against (PA): 153

Ottawa Hills has been equally impressive this season, with an undefeated conference record (4-0) and a remarkable 8-0 record at home. Their offense has been potent, averaging 46.2 points per game, while their defense has been strong, allowing only 153 points across 12 games.

Scoring Averages

• Bluffton:
  • 1st Quarter: 10.3
  • 2nd Quarter: 7.5
  • 3rd Quarter: 7.0
  • 4th Quarter: 5.3
  • Total: 40.0 points per game
• Ottawa Hills:
  • 1st Quarter: 7.0
  • 2nd Quarter: 19.3
  • 3rd Quarter: 7.0
  • 4th Quarter: 8.5
  • Total: 46.2 points per game

Both teams show impressive offensive firepower, though Ottawa Hills has been particularly strong in the second quarter, putting up an average of 19.3 points in that period alone. Bluffton, on the other hand, has been more consistent in the first quarter, averaging 10.3 points in the opening frame.

Record Breakdown

• Bluffton:
  • Non-League: 5-1
  • Home: 5-1
  • Away: 5-0
  • Neutral: 1-0
  • Playoff Record: 2-0
  • In-State: 11-1
  • Out-of-State: 0-0
• Ottawa Hills:
  • Non-League: 4-1
  • Home: 8-0
  • Away: 2-1
  • Neutral: 1-0
  • Playoff Record: 2-0
  • In-State: 10-1
  • Out-of-State: 1-0

Both teams are undefeated on neutral fields, and both come into the game with a strong playoff pedigree (each with a 2-0 playoff record).

Head-to-Head

Although both teams boast identical 11-1 records, this will be their first-ever meeting, and the outcome will be crucial for advancing further in the playoffs. The game will take place at a neutral site, which levels the playing field in terms of home-field advantage.

Key Factors to Watch

• Bluffton’s Defense vs. Ottawa Hills’ Offense: With Bluffton allowing just 107 points all season, they will be tasked with stopping Ottawa Hills’ high-powered offense, led by their explosive second-quarter performances.
• Ottawa Hills’ Streak at Home: Ottawa Hills has been nearly perfect at home this season, but Bluffton will look to continue their perfect away record to pull off the upset.
• Clutch Performances: Both teams have players capable of stepping up in crucial moments, so expect a highly competitive game with potential late-game drama.

Conclusion

The Bluffton Pirates and Ottawa Hills Green Bears have each proven themselves to be elite teams this season, and their playoff meeting is set to be a thrilling contest. With both teams averaging over 40 points per game and boasting formidable records, it’s anyone’s game. Fans can expect a fast-paced, high-scoring affair as these two powerhouse squads battle for a spot in the next round of the playoffs.