The Randallstown (MD) varsity football team will host Middletown (MD) today at 6:30 p.m. for a home playoff game. This matchup is part of the “2024 Maryland High School Football Playoff Brackets: MPSSAA – 2A/1A” tournament.
What: Maryland High School Football
Who: Randallstown (LA) vs Middletown (LA)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Where: Randallstown High School
Bracket: 2024 Maryland High School Football Playoff Brackets: MPSSAA – 2A/1A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
Middletown vs. Randallstown: A Clash of Maryland High School Football Titans
As the Maryland high school football season heats up, two teams stand out in terms of their impressive records and standout players: Middletown and Randallstown. These teams have demonstrated their dominance in different ways, and their respective achievements throughout the season set the stage for what promises to be an exciting matchup.
Middletown Falcons: A Season of Strong Defense and Balanced Offense
Middletown has established themselves as a formidable force in Maryland high school football with an overall record of 8-2. They have showcased strength in both their regional and non-regional matchups, boasting a win percentage of .800 and a regional win percentage of .667.
Offensively, the Falcons rely heavily on a balanced attack. Led by Elijah Lee, who has rushed for an average of 104.5 yards per game, Middletown’s offense also incorporates a solid passing game, with quarterback William Pinkett contributing 105.5 passing yards per game. Meanwhile, Kendall Dorsey stands out as a key receiver, averaging 30 receiving yards per game.
On defense, Middletown has been strong, averaging 26.3 tackles per game and generating 2.4 sacks per game. The team’s defense has allowed only 173 points in the season, an average of just 17.3 points per game. This defensive resilience is matched by an efficient offense that puts up an average of 29.2 points per game.
Randallstown Rams: Unstoppable in the Region
Randallstown enters the contest with a near-perfect record of 10-1, proving to be one of the most dominant teams in their region. Their regional success is particularly noteworthy, as they remain undefeated in league play with a 7-0 regional record. Their overall win percentage stands at a remarkable .909, and they have proven nearly unbeatable in both home and away games.
The Rams’ offense is an explosive unit, led by a high-scoring attack that averages 37.8 points per game, more than eight points higher than Middletown’s. Their rushing game is formidable, with an average of 157.7 rushing yards per game. Quarterback William Pinkett plays a key role in the passing game as well, accounting for 76.9 yards per game through the air. Randallstown’s offense is built on speed and balance, contributing 416 points while allowing just 92 points throughout the season.
Defensively, Randallstown stands out with an average of 2.4 tackles per game, a critical part of their success in shutting down opponents. Their defensive line, led by players like Xavier Lott, has accounted for 0.9 sacks per game, consistently putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Team Stat Comparison:
When comparing the two teams statistically, Randallstown has the edge in several key areas. Their scoring offense is stronger, averaging 37.8 points per game compared to Middletown’s 33.8 points. Randallstown also has a more potent rushing attack, averaging 157.7 rushing yards per game, significantly outpacing Middletown’s 92.9 receiving yards per game.
However, Middletown’s defense has been a hallmark of their success, allowing fewer points per game than Randallstown (17.3 compared to 9.2). The Falcons’ defense, combined with their ability to execute in crucial moments, makes them a well-rounded team.
Team Leaders: Key Players to Watch
Both teams feature standout players who will be crucial to their success. For Middletown, Elijah Lee’s explosive playmaking ability is a focal point, and his average of 7.0 points per game shows just how impactful he has been. On defense, Asanti Stephenson has been a leader with an average of 4.6 tackles per game, contributing to their stingy defense.
For Randallstown, running back Elijah Lee has been dominant on the ground, while quarterback William Pinkett continues to prove himself as a versatile leader in both the passing and rushing games. Defensively, Xavier Lott’s ability to sack opposing quarterbacks will be key in disrupting Middletown’s rhythm.
Head-to-Head:
Both teams have had strong seasons, and while they are yet to face each other, their records suggest a highly competitive matchup is on the horizon. Middletown’s experience in tight games and their balanced offensive and defensive attack will certainly test Randallstown’s explosive offensive play. However, Randallstown’s undefeated regional record and their ability to dominate on both sides of the ball make them the team to watch.
Conclusion:
As the season draws to a close, Middletown and Randallstown are two of the most exciting teams in Maryland high school football. While both squads have proven their mettle in various aspects of the game, Randallstown’s high-powered offense and undefeated regional record make them slight favorites going into this clash. Nevertheless, Middletown’s balanced approach and strong defense could very well prove to be the difference in what promises to be a thrilling matchup.
For fans of Maryland football, the game between Middletown and Randallstown will be one not to miss.
