The Sandy (OR) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against South Medford (Medford, OR) on Friday, November 15 at 4:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 Oregon High School Football Playoff Brackets: OSAA – 6A tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Oregon High School Football
Who: Sandy vs South Medford
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 4:00 PM
Bracket: 2024 Oregon High School Football Playoff Brackets: OSAA – 6A
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Game preview: Sandy vs South Medford

As the postseason heats up, the South Medford Panthers (7-4) are set to face off against the Sandy Pioneers (7-4) in a highly anticipated playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 4:00 PM. The matchup, which will take place at South Medford’s home field, promises to be an exciting contest between two teams that have both had successful seasons. Let’s break down the teams and what to expect from this thrilling playoff clash.

Team Records and Rankings

Both teams come into the game with identical 7-4 overall records. However, South Medford boasts a slight edge in league play with a 5-3 record, while Sandy sits at 4-3 in their league. In terms of home and away performance, South Medford has been solid at home with a 3-2 record, but Sandy has been dominant on the road, winning 4 out of 5 away games. Both teams have performed admirably in neutral-site games, each with a 1-0 record in such matchups.

With their balanced records and impressive regular seasons, both teams are ready to show what they can do in the playoffs.

Offensive and Defensive Breakdown

South Medford’s Attack:
The Panthers have averaged 27.5 points per game this season. Their scoring is led by senior running back Kameron Rague, who has racked up 126 rushing yards per game. South Medford’s passing game, however, has been less potent, averaging just 5.7 passing yards per game. Despite the modest passing attack, South Medford has excelled at grinding out yards on the ground, averaging 25.6 rushing yards per game.

Sandy’s Offense:
The Pioneers have been a high-scoring team, averaging 32.2 points per game. Their offense is powered by dual-threat star Mataio Olomua, who has put up 124.3 rushing yards per game and is also a key contributor in the passing game with 96.7 passing yards per game. Sandy’s balance on offense, coupled with their ability to put up big numbers, makes them a formidable opponent. Sandy has averaged 216.3 rushing yards per game, which could give South Medford’s defense a serious challenge.

Defensive Standouts

While South Medford has been solid defensively, allowing an average of 207 points throughout the season, Sandy’s defense has been slightly more porous, allowing 260 points. However, both teams have players who can disrupt the opposition’s offense. For South Medford, linebacker Jt Dalton leads the team with 8 tackles per game. For Sandy, it’s the relentless Olomua who provides a defensive presence as well as on offense.

Scoring Patterns

When it comes to scoring trends, both teams have been explosive in the final quarters of games. South Medford scores an impressive 10.3 points per game in the fourth quarter, while Sandy averages 10.5 in the same period. These teams are known for their resilience and ability to finish games strong, setting the stage for a potential high-stakes and dramatic finish.

Key Players to Watch

• South Medford:
  • Kameron Rague (126 rushing yards per game) – The standout running back is the focal point of the Panthers’ offense.
  • Makana Brown (57 passing yards per game) – While not as prolific through the air, Brown’s ability to manage the offense will be key.
• Sandy:
  • Mataio Olomua (124.3 rushing yards per game, 96.7 passing yards per game) – Olomua’s dual-threat ability makes him the most dangerous player on the field.
  • Micaiah Turin (96.8 passing yards per game) – Turin’s passing game complements Olomua’s running ability.

What to Expect

With both teams being evenly matched in terms of overall record and scoring ability, this game is likely to be decided by who can dominate the line of scrimmage and manage the clock late in the game. South Medford will need to control the ground game with Rague, while Sandy will look to utilize Olomua’s all-around skills to maintain offensive pressure.

This game is shaping up to be a hard-fought playoff battle, with both teams poised to advance to the next round. Fans can expect an exciting, high-energy contest with plenty of big plays, and given both teams’ ability to score in the fourth quarter, this one could come down to the wire.

Kickoff is set for 4:00 PM on Friday, November 15, at South Medford High School.