The Mainland Regional varsity football team from Linwood, NJ, will face Somerville, NJ, in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: New Jersey High School Football
Who: Somerville vs Mainland Regional
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: in progress
Bracket: 2024 New Jersey High School Football Playoff Brackets: NJSIAA – Group 3
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Somerville vs. Mainland Regional
The Somerville and Mainland Regional football teams will meet in an exciting playoff matchup. Somerville enters the game as the undefeated 12-0 team, while Mainland Regional holds a 9-3 record. Despite Mainland Regional’s strong performance in the regular season, Somerville has been dominant and is the favorite in this game.
Season Recap: Somerville (NJ)
- Record: 12-0
- Points For/Against: 415 PF, 98 PA
- Scoring Average: 34.6 points per game
Somerville has had an outstanding season, remaining undefeated and showcasing an explosive offense. They have averaged 34.6 points per game and have been particularly strong in the first half, averaging 26 points by halftime. Their defense has been equally impressive, limiting opponents to just 98 points across the season. Leading the team is Terrell Mitchell, a key player in the ground game, while Brenden Pacheco has been the catalyst for the passing attack.
Key Players:
- Terrell Mitchell (RB): 109.8 rushing yards per game.
- Brenden Pacheco (QB): 126.0 passing yards per game and 154.9 total yards per game.
- Brady Scheier (WR): 45.6 receiving yards per game.
- Maximus Nuzzi (LB): Leading tackler with 7.4 tackles per game.
Season Recap: Mainland Regional (NJ)
- Record: 9-3
- Points For/Against: 348 PF, 187 PA
- Scoring Average: 29.0 points per game
Mainland Regional has had a solid season but has faced challenges in their league matchups, finishing with a 1-3 record in conference play. Despite a few setbacks, their offense, led by key players such as Brady Scheier and Maximus Nuzzi, has been productive. They are averaging 29.0 points per game, but their defense has allowed more than 187 points over the course of the season. Mainland Regional will need to step up on both sides of the ball to compete with Somerville’s high-powered offense.
Key Players:
- Brady Scheier (WR): 45.6 receiving yards per game.
- Maximus Nuzzi (LB): 7.4 tackles per game and 0.3 sacks per game.
- Terrell Mitchell (RB) has been an outstanding force for Somerville.
Team Stat Comparison
| Stat | Somerville (NJ) | Mainland Regional (NJ) |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 207.2 | – |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 126.0 | – |
| Receiving Yards Per Game | 128.1 | – |
| Total Yards Per Game | 333.2 | – |
| Tackles Per Game | 41.2 | – |
| Sacks Per Game | 0.9 | – |
| Points Per Game | 34.0 | 29.0 |
Record Breakdown
| Category | Somerville (NJ) | Mainland Regional (NJ) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 12-0 | 9-3 |
| League Record | 4-0 | 1-3 |
| Non-League Record | 8-0 | 5-0 |
| Head to Head | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Home Record | 8-0 | 4-1 |
| Away Record | 4-0 | 2-2 |
| Neutral Record | 3-0 | 3-0 |
| Playoff Record | 3-0 | 3-0 |
Common Opponents
| Opponent | Somerville (NJ) | Mainland Regional (NJ) |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean City | W (30-14) | W (14-0) |
| Delsea | W (24-6) | W (21-14) |
Key Players to Watch
- Somerville (NJ):
- Terrell Mitchell (RB): A powerhouse in the running game.
- Brenden Pacheco (QB): Strong performance in both the passing and running game.
- Maximus Nuzzi (LB): A key figure in stopping opposing offenses.
- Mainland Regional (NJ):
- Brady Scheier (WR): A key target in the passing game for Mainland.
- Maximus Nuzzi (LB): A defensive leader with impressive tackle stats.
Prediction:
Somerville enters the game as the clear favorite, with an undefeated season and a high-powered offense. Mainland Regional will face a tough challenge against Somerville’s strong attack and stingy defense. While Mainland has some solid players, especially on defense, Somerville’s overall balance and playmaking ability make them the frontrunner in this matchup.
