The Scituate (MA) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Grafton (MA) on Saturday, November 23, at 1 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 MIAA Football State Championship, Division 4 tournament.

What: Massachusetts High School Football
Who: Scituate (MA) vs Grafton (MA)
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Where: Walpole High School
Bracket: 2024 MIAA Football State Championship – Division 4
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

High School Football Showdown: Grafton vs. Scituate – A Perfect Season Comparison

The 2024-2025 high school football season has seen two powerhouse teams emerge with undefeated records: Grafton and Scituate. Both squads finished their regular seasons with a perfect 10-0 record, dominating their opponents both in and out of their respective leagues. As they head into the playoffs, fans and analysts are eager to compare the two teams’ performances, strengths, and key players. Here’s a breakdown of how these two teams stack up in various aspects of the game.

Season Records & Breakdown

Grafton:

• Overall Record: 10-0
• League Record: 1-0
• Home Record: 5-0
• Away Record: 5-0
• Total Points Scored: 410
• Total Points Allowed: 45
• Win Percentage: 1.000

Grafton has been a defensive powerhouse, with a remarkable 45 points allowed throughout the season. Their offense, led by key players, has been just as efficient, averaging 41 points per game.

Scituate:

• Overall Record: 10-0
• League Record: 5-0
• Home Record: 5-0
• Away Record: 5-0
• Total Points Scored: 413
• Total Points Allowed: 61
• Win Percentage: 1.000

Scituate has been an offensive juggernaut, averaging 41.3 points per game, but unlike Grafton, they’ve also had a more explosive scoring presence, especially in the first and third quarters. Their defense has been solid, though they’ve allowed more points than Grafton with 61 total.

Team Scoring Averages

Grafton:

• Q1: 9.9
• Q2: 14.7
• Q3: 9.6
• Q4: 4.9
• Total: 41.0

Grafton’s offense tends to start strong, particularly in the second quarter, but they’ve been more methodical in the second half, showing a tendency to play conservatively after building a solid lead.

Scituate:

• Q1: 21.0
• Q2: 0
• Q3: 21.0
• Q4: 14.0
• Total: 41.3

Scituate’s scoring is front-loaded, with explosive first and third quarters. However, they face a lull in the second quarter, where they scored no points in several games. This trend may need addressing as they face tougher competition in the playoffs.

Team Stat Comparison

• Rushing Yards Per Game:
  • Grafton: 281.1
  • Scituate: N/A

Grafton excels in the run game, led by standout player Finn Gilmore. His 155.8 rushing yards per game has been a key factor in their undefeated run.

• Passing Yards Per Game:
  • Grafton: 48.3
  • Scituate: N/A

While not a high-passing team, Grafton has maintained a balanced offense. In contrast, Scituate’s passing yards per game isn’t recorded here, suggesting they focus more on running or other offensive strategies.

• Receiving Yards Per Game:
  • Grafton: 49.3
  • Scituate: N/A

Grafton also boasts a strong receiving game with standout players like Jake Robertson. Scituate’s receiving yards remain unspecified, possibly pointing to their more run-heavy approach.

• Tackles Per Game:
  • Grafton: 73.0
  • Scituate: N/A

Grafton’s defense has been efficient at tackling, averaging 73 tackles per game.

• Sacks Per Game:
  • Grafton: 2.9
  • Scituate: N/A

Both teams excel defensively, but Grafton has the edge in terms of disrupting the quarterback and pressuring the pocket.

Key Players to Watch

Grafton:

• Finn Gilmore – With a total of 155.8 rushing yards per game and 159.9 total yards per game, Gilmore has been a game-changer for Grafton’s offense. He is also a key contributor to the team’s point-scoring efforts.
• Austin McCormick – As a leader on defense, McCormick has been consistent with 8.4 tackles per game and 0.9 sacks per game.

Scituate:

• No individual player stats available: Scituate’s overall team effort has been their strength, with a balanced offensive attack that relies on multiple playmakers. Their ability to score quickly, especially in bursts, has been a defining characteristic of their season.

Playoff Readiness & Head-to-Head

Both Grafton and Scituate are entering the playoffs with unblemished 10-0 records. Their consistency and dominance in their respective leagues make them formidable contenders. While there is no head-to-head matchup this season, both teams have handled common opponents in impressive fashion. The next chapter for both teams will unfold in the playoffs, where their championship aspirations are on the line.

In terms of home-field advantage, both teams have proven to be equally dominant at home and away, with perfect records in both settings.

Conclusion

As the postseason begins, all eyes will be on Grafton and Scituate, two teams that have set the standard for excellence in the 2024-2025 high school football season. With strong offenses, solid defenses, and explosive playmakers, the playoffs are sure to be an exciting and competitive journey for both teams. Whether Grafton’s methodical approach will outlast Scituate’s high-octane scoring remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: these two teams are poised for an unforgettable postseason run.