The Adrian (MO) varsity football team will face Penney (Hamilton, MO) in a neutral playoff game on Saturday, December 7, at 3:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Missouri High School Football
Who: Penney vs. Adrian
When: Saturday, December 7, 2024
Time: 3:00 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 Missouri High School Football Playoff Brackets: MSHSAA – Class 1
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Penney vs. Adrian
The Penney Dragons (9-4) will take on the Adrian Blackhawks (13-1) in a matchup that pits a resilient Penney team against an Adrian squad with a dominant record. Adrian enters as the favorite after a standout season, while Penney will look to build on their strong playoff performance and exploit any openings in Adrian’s game.
Season Recap: Penney Dragons
- Record: 9-4
- District Record: 3-3
- Points For/Against: 383 PF, 196 PA
- Scoring Average: 29.5 points per game
Penney has found success with strong performances in the second half, averaging 20.5 points in the fourth quarter. Despite a balanced offense, their slow starts—particularly in the first quarter—could put them at a disadvantage early against a high-scoring team like Adrian.
Season Recap: Adrian Blackhawks
- Record: 13-1
- District Record: 3-1
- Points For/Against: 504 PF, 129 PA
- Scoring Average: 36.0 points per game
Adrian has been a dominant force this season, with an outstanding defense that allows just 9.2 points per game. Their offense is potent across all quarters, including a solid 8.5 points per first quarter. Adrian’s balance between defense and offense will make them a tough opponent for Penney.
Key Matchups
- Penney’s Offense vs. Adrian’s Defense:
Penney’s ability to close games strong will be put to the test against Adrian’s elite defense, which has been nearly impenetrable. Penney will need to execute well in the red zone and avoid early mistakes. - Adrian’s Balanced Attack vs. Penney’s Defensive Schemes:
Adrian’s offense averages 36 points per game, while Penney allows just under 20 points per game. Penney will need to match Adrian’s tempo to stay in the game and use their second-half success to pressure Adrian. - Turnover Battle:
Both teams must protect the football, as Adrian’s high-powered offense thrives when given extra possessions. Penney will need to capitalize on any mistakes and turn them into points.
Common Opponent Analysis
- Penney: Played several games against teams like Trenton, Lathrop, and North Platte.
- Adrian: Faced teams like Cole Camp, El Dorado Springs, and California.
While they do not share common opponents in terms of record, both teams have played tough competition throughout the season.
Key Statistics
| Team | Scoring Average | Points Allowed/Game | First-Quarter Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penney | 29.5 | 16.6 | 0 |
| Adrian | 36.0 | 9.2 | 8.5 |
Prediction
Adrian enters as the clear favorite with an impressive record and defensive performance. Penney’s ability to strike late in games will be critical, but it might not be enough to overcome Adrian’s offensive firepower and defensive discipline.
