The Patterson Mill (Bel Air, MD) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against Havre de Grace (MD) on Friday, November 15.

What: Maryland High School Football
Who: Patterson Mill (MD) vs Havre de Grace (MD)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: Today
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Havre de Grace vs. Patterson Mill: A Showdown for the Ages

As the high school football season heads into its final stretch, two teams from Maryland’s northern region are set to face off in what promises to be an exciting matchup: Havre de Grace and Patterson Mill. Both teams finished the regular season with identical records of 7-3, but the road to the postseason has been a unique journey for each. The two squads, which are no strangers to success, will clash once more on November 15, 2024, for a neutral playoff game that could send one team to new heights and leave the other reflecting on what could have been.

Season Overview: A Strong Finish for Both Teams

Despite facing varying challenges, both Havre de Grace and Patterson Mill enjoyed strong regular-season campaigns.

Havre de Grace:

• Overall Record: 7-3
• Region Record: 4-2
• Home Record: 5-2
• Away Record: 2-1
• Scoring Average: 29.3 points per game
• Points Scored (PF): 293
• Points Allowed (PA): 155
• Region Win Percentage: .667

Havre de Grace demonstrated resilience throughout the season, particularly with standout wins against teams like Aberdeen (24-20) and Rising Sun (46-8). However, their season was not without setbacks, as they narrowly lost to Bohemia Manor (25-22), a result that ultimately shaped their path to the playoffs.

Patterson Mill:

• Overall Record: 7-3
• Region Record: 4-2
• Home Record: 4-2
• Away Record: 3-1
• Scoring Average: 30.3 points per game
• Points Scored (PF): 303
• Points Allowed (PA): 214
• Region Win Percentage: .667

Patterson Mill’s season saw them dominate opponents in big wins such as their 53-18 victory over Aberdeen. Despite a loss to Fallston (34-15), Patterson Mill has been an offensive powerhouse with a scoring average of 30.3 points per game, making them one of the most formidable teams in the region. Their victory over Bohemia Manor (24-10) is particularly notable, showcasing their ability to rebound after early-season setbacks.

Head-to-Head: Patterson Mill Takes the First Meeting

The first matchup of the season, which took place on September 13, 2024, saw Patterson Mill edge out Havre de Grace with a solid 29-20 win. The game, played at Patterson Mill, demonstrated the offensive firepower of the hosts, and their ability to control the game in critical moments.

Both teams struggled in the second half, but Patterson Mill’s early scoring advantage proved to be insurmountable. With both teams now heading into the postseason, this result will certainly fuel the competitive energy for their rematch.

Common Opponents: A Comparison of Strengths

Both teams faced similar opponents throughout the season, providing a strong foundation for comparing their performance:

• Aberdeen: Both teams secured victories over Aberdeen, though Patterson Mill did so in a more dominant fashion with a 53-18 scoreline, compared to Havre de Grace’s more narrow 24-20 win.
• Fallston: Havre de Grace triumphed 28-8, while Patterson Mill was handed a loss at home, 34-15.
• Rising Sun: Havre de Grace delivered a commanding 46-8 victory, while Patterson Mill won 28-0, underscoring both teams’ solid performances.
• Bohemia Manor: Havre de Grace fell short 25-22, while Patterson Mill secured a 24-10 win.
• North East: Both teams had no trouble dispatching North East, with Havre de Grace winning 43-6 and Patterson Mill coming out on top 35-26.

Scoring Breakdown: Explosive Offenses

Both teams have been high-scoring units this season, averaging well over 29 points per game. Havre de Grace has shown their ability to spread out scoring across all four quarters, with strong second-quarter performances. However, they tend to struggle in the final quarter, which could prove costly in a tightly contested playoff game.

On the other hand, Patterson Mill has been consistently strong throughout the game, with their offense hitting its peak in the second quarter and maintaining a steady pace through the second half. Their ability to finish strong, especially in close games, will be a key factor when facing Havre de Grace again.

What to Expect in the Playoff Showdown

With both teams entering the postseason with identical records and both having a history of success in previous years, this matchup is expected to be closely contested. Patterson Mill’s potent offense and ability to close games out will be a challenge for Havre de Grace, who will need to find a way to perform in the latter stages of the game.

If Havre de Grace is to have success in this rematch, they will need to take control early and avoid falling behind, as they have been prone to slow starts in previous matchups. In particular, their second-half struggles must be addressed if they are to overcome Patterson Mill’s balanced and dynamic offense.

Conclusion: A Clash of Titans

The November 15th playoff game between Havre de Grace and Patterson Mill is poised to be an epic showdown. With their high-powered offenses, strategic coaching, and history of tightly contested matchups, fans can expect an exciting and unpredictable contest. As both teams look to continue their playoff journey, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Who will emerge victorious? Time will tell.