The Polo (IL) varsity football team will face Milledgeville (IL) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 15.
What: Illinois High School Football
Who: Polo (IL) vs Milledgeville (IL)
When: Friday, November 15 , 2024
Time: Today
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
Milledgeville vs. Polo: A High-Stakes Showdown
As we approach the much-anticipated neutral playoff game between Milledgeville and Polo on Friday, November 15, let’s break down the rankings, records, and head-to-head comparisons between these two Illinois high school football powerhouses. Both teams have had stellar seasons and come into the game with impressive statistics and a strong will to win.
Team Overview
Milledgeville
- National Rank: 470
- Illinois Rank (Class): 2
- Record: 10-1 overall, 7-1 in conference play
- Home Record: 4-0
- Away Record: 5-1
- Playoff Record: 2-0
- Points For (PF): 588
- Points Against (PA): 146
- Winning Percentage: 90.9%
Polo
- National Rank: 360
- Illinois Rank (Class): 1
- Record: 11-0 overall, 9-0 in conference play
- Home Record: 7-0
- Away Record: 4-0
- Points For (PF): 584
- Points Against (PA): 68
- Winning Percentage: 100%
Polo, with an undefeated season, holds the edge over Milledgeville in both national and state rankings. Their solid defense, allowing only 68 points this season, demonstrates their strength on both sides of the ball. Milledgeville, however, has put up an impressive offensive performance, scoring a total of 588 points, slightly more than Polo.
Team Scoring Averages
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milledgeville | 26.0 | 27.3 | 8.0 | 2.0 | 53.5 |
| Polo | 23.0 | 16.0 | 13.0 | 7.0 | 53.1 |
Milledgeville has a strong scoring presence in the first half, especially in the second quarter, where they average 27.3 points. Polo, on the other hand, shows consistency throughout the game but has a standout third quarter, with an average of 13 points. This suggests that Polo tends to pull ahead after halftime, maintaining stamina and focus as the game progresses.
Head-to-Head
The two teams last met on October 7, when Polo claimed a 30-14 victory in a conference game. This win highlights Polo’s defensive edge, as they held Milledgeville to only 14 points. Polo’s defense was a crucial factor in that game and will likely be a key focus in their upcoming matchup.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced and defeated all common opponents with ease, each maintaining an undefeated record in those matchups. Here’s a look at a few notable results:
| Date | Milledgeville Opponent & Result | Polo Opponent & Result |
|---|---|---|
| 8/30/24 | Ashton-Franklin Center, W 80-8 | Ashton-Franklin Center, W 50-0 |
| 9/6/24 | Alden-Hebron, W 70-20 | Alden-Hebron, W 54-6 |
| 10/18/24 | River Ridge, W 80-36 | River Ridge, W 56-0 |
| 10/25/24 | Hiawatha, W 58-28 | Hiawatha, W 54-0 |
Polo’s defense has been exceptionally strong, as shown in their shutout wins and low points allowed. Milledgeville’s offense, however, has been prolific, scoring high even against common opponents. This combination sets the stage for a matchup between Polo’s defense and Milledgeville’s explosive offense.
Keys to Victory
For Milledgeville:
- Fast Start: Milledgeville’s scoring average shows their strength in the first two quarters, so capitalizing on this early momentum will be critical.
- Adjustments in the Second Half: Since Polo tends to gain steam as the game progresses, Milledgeville will need to maintain its energy and make strategic adjustments post-halftime.
For Polo:
- Defensive Discipline: Polo’s ability to limit Milledgeville’s offense, as they did in the last matchup, will be a major factor.
- Consistency: Polo’s well-rounded performance across all quarters has served them well, and sustaining this balanced approach will likely help them continue their winning streak.
Final Thoughts
The stakes are high in this neutral playoff game, with Polo defending an undefeated season and Milledgeville looking for redemption after their previous loss. With Polo’s strong defense clashing against Milledgeville’s high-powered offense, fans can expect a thrilling game as these two Illinois titans battle it out for playoff glory.
