The Alexandria (MN) varsity football team will face Owatonna (MN) in a neutral playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 High School Football Playoff Brackets for MSHSL – Class AAAAA.

Owatonna vs Alexandria Football Game Info:

What: Minnesota High School Football Playoffs
Who: Owatonna vs Alexandria
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 7 p.m.
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Game preview: Owatonna vs Alexandria

As the high school football season reaches its peak, the stage is set for a thrilling clash between two powerhouse teams: Owatonna and Alexandria. With impressive records and formidable lineups, both teams have earned their spot in the postseason and are poised for an exciting matchup. Here’s a breakdown of the game, including rankings, team stats, and what fans can expect from this exciting showdown.

Team Records and Rankings

• Owatonna (24-25)
  • Overall Record: 11-0
  • Conference Record: 4-0
  • Home Record: 5-0
  • Away Record: 4-0
  • Neutral Record: 2-0
  • Win Percentage: 1.000
  • Conference Percentage: 1.000
  • Points For (PF): 340
  • Points Against (PA): 120
• Alexandria (24-25)
  • Overall Record: 9-2
  • Conference Record: 4-1
  • Home Record: 3-1
  • Away Record: 4-1
  • Neutral Record: 2-0
  • Win Percentage: .818
  • Conference Percentage: .800
  • Points For (PF): 414
  • Points Against (PA): 205

Owatonna enters this game with a perfect 11-0 record, having dominated their opponents both at home and away. Alexandria, while boasting an impressive 9-2 record, will look to overcome the undefeated team in what promises to be a hard-fought contest.

Team Scoring Averages

Both teams have demonstrated strong offensive and defensive performances throughout the season, but their scoring patterns vary:

• Owatonna
  • Q1: 22.0
  • Q2: 14.3
  • Q3: 4.7
  • Q4: 2.3
  • Final: 30.9 points per game
• Alexandria
  • Q1: 14.0
  • Q2: 10.0
  • Q3: 7.0
  • Q4: 3.5
  • Final: 37.6 points per game

Owatonna has been explosive in the first half, putting up 22.0 points in the first quarter and maintaining a strong lead. In contrast, Alexandria’s offensive strength grows as the game progresses, with a solid average of 37.6 points per game. This could make for an intriguing matchup, as Owatonna will aim to build an early lead while Alexandria will look to surge in the second half.

Key Stats and Team Comparisons

When comparing the two teams’ performance stats, several key differences emerge:

• Rushing Yards Per Game:
  • Owatonna: 132.2 yards per game
• Passing Yards Per Game:
  • Alexandria: 182.5 yards per game
• Receiving Yards Per Game:
  • Alexandria: 183.3 yards per game
• Total Yards Per Game:
  • Owatonna: 314.6 yards per game
• Points Per Game:
  • Owatonna: 30.3 points per game
  • Alexandria: 37.6 points per game

Owatonna excels in rushing, while Alexandria’s passing game is more potent, posting higher yardage both in the air and in receiving. This contrast in styles will be crucial as the teams face off.

Key Players to Watch

Both teams feature standout athletes who will play pivotal roles in this game:

• Owatonna:
  • Tristan Graham (94.6 rushing yards per game)
  • Hunter Theis (171.4 passing yards per game, 173.1 total yards per game)
  • Nolan Ginskey (106.9 receiving yards per game, 7.8 points per game)
• Alexandria:
  • Blake Davison (9.1 tackles per game)
  • Zach Haarstad (0.4 sacks per game)

Owatonna’s Tristan Graham is a powerhouse in the running game, while Hunter Theis leads the charge with his passing ability. Nolan Ginskey has been a reliable target in the receiving game. Alexandria’s Blake Davison will be crucial for the defense, and Zach Haarstad will look to disrupt the quarterback and create sacks.

Record Breakdown and Game Outlook

• Owatonna: The defending powerhouse is unbeaten at 11-0 and has been nearly flawless across all aspects of their game. Their perfect home and away records, along with an airtight defense, have kept opponents at bay.
• Alexandria: Despite a couple of setbacks, Alexandria has proven itself as a formidable opponent, with a strong overall record and the ability to perform on the road. They have scored 414 points this season and will look to use their passing attack to challenge Owatonna’s defense.

This game promises to be a thrilling encounter between two talented teams with contrasting styles—Owatonna’s ground game against Alexandria’s air attack. As the stakes grow higher, both teams will leave everything on the field in what could be a memorable postseason battle.

The matchup is set to be a true test of skill, determination, and strategy, and football fans are in for an exciting showdown!