The undefeated Rocky Mountain Grizzlies (10-0) varsity football team from Meridian, ID, will host a home playoff game against the Rigby Trojans (8-1) on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m.
What: Idaho High School Football
Who: Rocky Mountain (ID) vs Rigby (ID)
When: Friday, November 15 , 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
Rocky Mountain vs. Rigby: A Clash of Titans
In Idaho high school football, few matchups are as eagerly anticipated as the one between the Rocky Mountain Grizzlies and the Rigby Trojans. Both teams boast impressive records, strong rosters, and high-powered offenses that make this matchup one to watch. Here’s a breakdown of their season performances, stats, and what to expect when they clash on the field.
Season Overview
Rocky Mountain Grizzlies
With an undefeated record of 10-0 overall and 5-0 in conference play, Rocky Mountain is having an exceptional season. They’ve dominated at both home and away games, winning 7-0 at home and 3-0 on the road. The Grizzlies have demonstrated impressive consistency, boasting a flawless 1.000 win percentage in both overall and conference play. They’ve also outscored their opponents by a significant margin, with 449 points scored (PF) and only 97 points allowed (PA).
Rigby Trojans
Rigby stands at a strong 8-1 overall, with a perfect 3-0 conference record. Their only loss came in an away game, giving them a 4-0 home and 4-1 away record. Rigby’s offense has scored 359 points, and they’ve allowed 190, highlighting their robust, yet balanced, play style. Rigby’s win percentage of .889 still places them among the top teams in their class, even as they chase Rocky Mountain.
Team Scoring Averages by Quarter
Rocky Mountain’s ability to gain momentum after the first quarter has been a significant factor in their success. Their points-per-quarter average shows a steady increase from the first to the second quarter, with notable consistency in the second half of games:
- Q1: 9.3
- Q2: 14.1
- Q3: 11.7
- Q4: 11.6
- Final Score Average: 44.9
Rigby, on the other hand, starts strong, scoring an average of 10.0 in both the first and third quarters, with a slight dip in the fourth quarter. Their scoring averages reveal balanced performance throughout the game:
- Q1: 10.0
- Q2: 10.8
- Q3: 10.0
- Q4: 9.1
- Final Score Average: 39.9
Offensive and Defensive Stats Comparison
While Rigby and Rocky Mountain both have high-powered offenses, Rocky Mountain’s defensive stats are notably superior, allowing an average of only 97 points across ten games, compared to Rigby’s 190 points allowed over nine games.
| Category | Rigby | Rocky Mountain |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards/Game | – | 178.6 |
| Passing Yards/Game | – | 232.1 |
| Receiving Yards/Game | – | 232.4 |
| Total Yards/Game | – | 410.7 |
| Tackles/Game | – | 69.1 |
| Sacks/Game | – | 1.9 |
| Points/Game | 43.0 | – |
Key Players to Watch
Rocky Mountain’s Taeshaun Reese is a formidable rusher, averaging 73.7 yards per game, well above the national average. Austin Rovig, Rigby’s quarterback, shines in passing with 212.7 yards per game, while Isaiah Reed leads in tackles with 6.8 per game.
| Player | Category | Rigby | Rocky Mountain | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taeshaun Reese | Rushing Yards/Game | – | 73.7 | 20.4 |
| Austin Rovig | Passing Yards/Game | 212.7 | – | 51.8 |
| Isaiah Reed | Tackles/Game | 6.8 | – | 2.7 |
Strengths and Challenges
- Rocky Mountain’s Defense: Allowing only 97 points over ten games, Rocky Mountain’s defense is one of the strongest in the state, shutting down opponents with consistency and strength.
- Rigby’s Balanced Offense: With a scoring average of 39.9 points per game, Rigby shows consistent offensive production, led by standout performances in passing and receiving.
- Rocky Mountain’s Dominance at Home: Winning all seven of their home games, the Grizzlies have a near-impenetrable home-field advantage. Rigby, however, has shown resilience with an impressive away record of 4-1.
Conclusion
With Rocky Mountain’s undefeated record and defensive prowess, they enter as the favorites. However, Rigby’s balanced offense and solid away performance suggest they could be a formidable challenger. This matchup promises a high-stakes clash where both teams will bring their best. Rocky Mountain may have the statistical edge, but Rigby’s hunger for an upset could make all the difference in this exciting face-off.
