The Patrick Henry varsity football team from Hamler, OH, will face Bluffton, OH, in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 PM. This matchup is part of the “2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 22” tournament.

Patrick Henry vs Bluffton Football Game Info:

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

The Ohio high school football season is heating up, and two powerhouse programs, Bluffton and Patrick Henry, are set for what promises to be an electrifying matchup. Both teams boast impressive records, high-scoring offenses, and playoff aspirations. Let’s dive into the details of their seasons and what to expect when they collide.

Team Records and Performance

Bluffton (12-1) enters the matchup as a Division III contender with an outstanding .923 win percentage. Their offense has been explosive, scoring 541 points this season while allowing just 129, showcasing dominance on both sides of the ball. Bluffton’s lone blemish came against Columbus Grove in a 42-0 defeat late in the season, highlighting their vulnerability against tough competition.

Patrick Henry (11-2) is equally formidable as a Division IV team. With a .846 win percentage, their defense has been stellar, surrendering only 83 points all season. Patrick Henry’s two losses included a competitive 27-13 defeat to Columbus Grove, a common opponent they share with Bluffton. Notably, Patrick Henry has performed well on the road, with a 5-1 away record and an unbeaten 3-0 record in playoff games.

Scoring Averages

Bluffton has been a consistent scoring machine, averaging 41.6 points per game. They excel early, with strong first-quarter (10.3 points) and second-quarter (7.5 points) performances. Their ability to start fast could be a key factor in this matchup.

Patrick Henry averages 33.6 points per game, relying on dominant second quarters, where they average 16.4 points. However, their production dips significantly in the second half, scoring just 5.6 points combined in the third and fourth quarters. Bluffton will look to capitalize on this trend as they aim to control the later stages of the game.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced Ayersville and Columbus Grove during the regular season, with identical results against these opponents:

• Ayersville: Bluffton won 63-7, while Patrick Henry cruised to a 48-2 victory.
• Columbus Grove: Both teams suffered losses, with Bluffton falling 42-0 and Patrick Henry losing 27-13.

These outcomes highlight Bluffton’s higher scoring capacity and Patrick Henry’s defensive strength, setting the stage for an intriguing matchup.

Keys to Victory

• Bluffton: To maintain their winning ways, Bluffton will need to dominate early, leveraging their first-half scoring prowess. Sustaining drives and neutralizing Patrick Henry’s defensive front will be critical.
• Patrick Henry: Patrick Henry’s defense must rise to the occasion, particularly in the first half. If they can keep Bluffton’s high-powered offense in check early and extend their own second-quarter dominance, they’ll be in a strong position to pull off a win.

What’s at Stake

Both teams have had remarkable seasons and are vying for playoff glory. With Bluffton excelling in Division III and Patrick Henry standing tall in Division IV, this matchup could serve as a defining moment in their respective campaigns. Fans can expect a hard-fought battle that showcases the best of Ohio high school football.

Let the showdown begin!