The Mt. Vernon varsity football team from Mt. Vernon, MO, will play against Seneca, MO, in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Missouri High School Football
Who: Seneca vs Mt. Vernon
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: in progress
Bracket: 2024 Missouri High School Football Playoff Brackets: MSHSAA – Class 3
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Seneca vs. Mt. Vernon
The Seneca Indians (11-0) will face off against the Mt. Vernon Mountaineers (9-3) in a highly anticipated neutral-site playoff game. Seneca enters this matchup as the undefeated team, while Mt. Vernon has come off a strong but somewhat inconsistent regular season. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors and matchups for this game.
Season Recap: Seneca
- Record: 11-0
- Points For/Against: 582 PF, 127 PA
- Scoring Average: 52.9 points per game
Seneca has been dominant all season, entering the playoffs undefeated and averaging over 52 points per game. Their offense has been nearly unstoppable, and their defense has been equally impressive, allowing just 127 points over the course of the season. Their comprehensive victory over Mt. Vernon in their earlier meeting (35-14) adds confidence to their strong start.
Key Performances:
- Offense: Seneca’s offense is explosive, scoring at will against almost every opponent. They have averaged over 50 points per game, with key victories coming against teams like Cassville and Monett.
- Defense: The defense has been a brick wall, allowing very few points, with only a handful of opponents scoring more than 20 points against them.
Season Recap: Mt. Vernon
- Record: 9-3
- Points For/Against: 452 PF, 305 PA
- Scoring Average: 37.7 points per game
Mt. Vernon enters the game with a strong overall record, but their defense has been a concern at times, as they’ve allowed over 300 points on the season. However, their offense has been productive, and they’ve managed to secure wins against some tough teams, including McDonald County and Lamar.
Key Performances:
- Offense: Mt. Vernon has been capable of scoring, averaging 37.7 points per game, but they’ve also been prone to giving up big plays on defense.
- Defense: The defense will need to step up against Seneca’s high-powered offense. They have allowed over 30 points per game, which could spell trouble against a team as prolific as Seneca.
Team Stat Comparison
| Stat | Seneca | Mt. Vernon |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | – | – |
| Passing Yards Per Game | – | – |
| Total Yards Per Game | – | – |
| Points Per Game | 52.9 | 37.7 |
Record Breakdown
| Category | Seneca | Mt. Vernon |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 11-0 | 9-3 |
| League Record | 8-0 | 4-3 |
| Non-League Record | 2-0 | 1-0 |
| Playoff Record | 3-0 | 2-0 |
Head-to-Head:
In their earlier matchup on 9/6/2024, Seneca defeated Mt. Vernon 35-14. This victory highlights Seneca’s dominance in this series, giving them a psychological edge heading into the playoff game.
Key Players to Watch
- Seneca:
- Offensive Line: Seneca’s offensive line has been dominant all season, opening up lanes for their running backs and providing excellent protection for their quarterback.
- Skill Players: Seneca has multiple weapons at skill positions, making their offense difficult to stop.
- Mt. Vernon:
- Quarterback Play: Mt. Vernon’s quarterback will need to be at his best to keep Seneca’s defense on its toes. He has the ability to make big plays but will need to minimize mistakes.
- Defense: The defense will have to find a way to slow down Seneca’s high-powered offense, focusing on forcing turnovers and preventing big plays.
Keys to Victory
For Seneca:
- Exploit Offensive Depth: Seneca has multiple offensive weapons that can score quickly. They need to continue spreading the ball around and keeping the defense guessing.
- Shut Down Mt. Vernon’s Big Plays: While Mt. Vernon has scored well, Seneca’s defense must limit their explosive plays and not allow any momentum shifts.
- Stay Balanced: Seneca’s ability to run and pass the ball effectively has been a big key to their success. They will need to continue this balanced attack against Mt. Vernon.
For Mt. Vernon:
- Defensive Adjustment: Mt. Vernon will need to adjust its defense, particularly in the secondary, to avoid being burned by Seneca’s passing and rushing attacks.
- Control the Clock: Keeping Seneca’s offense off the field by controlling time of possession will be crucial. Mt. Vernon needs long, sustained drives to stay in the game.
- Limit Turnovers: Mt. Vernon cannot afford to make mistakes against Seneca. Turnovers could easily turn into points for the Indians, so securing the ball will be essential.
Prediction:
Seneca enters this game as the heavy favorite, thanks to their undefeated season, strong defense, and explosive offense. Mt. Vernon will have to play a near-perfect game to pull off an upset, but given their ability to score, they may keep the game competitive for a while. However, Seneca’s overall dominance throughout the season, coupled with their commanding victory in the earlier matchup, suggests they will come out on top in this playoff showdown.
