The South Medford varsity football team (Medford, OR) will host Sandy (OR) for a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 4:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 Oregon High School Football Playoff Brackets: Columbia Cup tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

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

As the 2024 high school football season reaches its thrilling conclusion, the Sandy Pioneers (7-4) and the South Medford Panthers (7-4) are set to face off in a highly anticipated neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 4:00 PM. Both teams have displayed strong performances this season, boasting identical records and similar stats, making this showdown one of the most exciting matchups of the postseason.

Team Overview

Sandy Pioneers
The Pioneers have enjoyed a solid campaign, with a 7-4 overall record, finishing 4-3 in league play. Their offensive strength lies in the dynamic rushing game, led by standout running back Mataio Olomua, who averages a remarkable 124.3 rushing yards per game. Sandy also excels in total yards, averaging 313.0 per game, and putting up 30.9 points per game, thanks in part to their explosive fourth-quarter performances (10.5 points per game). Despite a tough 2-3 away record, Sandy has proven resilient, especially in their playoff push, where they have gone 1-0 in neutral-site games.

South Medford Panthers
Equally formidable, the South Medford Panthers carry a 7-4 record as well, finishing 5-3 in their league. While their offense isn’t quite as potent as Sandy’s, South Medford has been consistent, averaging 27.5 points per game. Much like Sandy, they have been particularly strong in the second half, averaging 10.3 points in the fourth quarter. Kameron Rague has been their leading rusher, putting up 126 yards per game. The Panthers’ defensive unit has been solid, with linebacker Jt Dalton leading the way with 8.0 tackles per game. On top of their impressive 3-1 away record, South Medford also boasts an undefeated 2-0 playoff record.

Head-to-Head Stats

• Rushing: Sandy dominates in the rushing department, averaging 216.3 yards per game, compared to South Medford’s 25.6. A key battle will be whether the Panthers’ defense can slow down Olomua and the Pioneers’ powerful ground attack.
• Passing: Sandy also holds an advantage in passing yards, averaging 96.7 per game, with Micaiah Turin leading the charge at 96.8 yards per game. Meanwhile, South Medford’s passing game has been less potent, averaging only 5.7 yards per game.
• Total Yards: Sandy has a significant advantage in total yards per game, averaging 313.0, while South Medford only manages 31.3 yards per game. This disparity could be crucial, as Sandy’s offensive firepower will test the Panthers’ defensive depth.

Key Players to Watch

• Mataio Olomua (Sandy): The cornerstone of Sandy’s offense, Olomua has been unstoppable this season, not only rushing for over 120 yards per game but also contributing heavily in the total yards and points department.
• Kameron Rague (South Medford): South Medford’s top rusher, Rague will be key in trying to establish a ground game for the Panthers. Expect him to take on a significant workload to keep Sandy’s high-powered offense off the field.
• Jt Dalton (South Medford): Defensively, Dalton’s ability to disrupt Sandy’s offensive rhythm could make a big difference, as he leads his team in tackles per game.

Game Prediction

This playoff matchup promises to be a battle of strengths. Sandy will look to control the game on the ground, utilizing Olomua to wear down the South Medford defense. South Medford, on the other hand, will need to find a way to neutralize Sandy’s rushing attack while also finding success on offense, especially in the passing game, where they have struggled.

Given the offensive disparity, Sandy enters as the slight favorite, but with South Medford’s strong defense and explosive potential, the Panthers are more than capable of pulling off the upset. It will all come down to execution—who can impose their will, who can execute in the clutch, and who can make the most of their big-play opportunities.

Conclusion

The Pioneers and Panthers will face off on Friday, November 15, at 4:00 PM, in what promises to be an electrifying playoff clash. Will Sandy continue their dominant run, or will South Medford’s defense and balanced attack prove to be the difference-maker? Either way, fans can expect an exciting contest, with plenty of talent on display.