The Springfield Tigers (10-2) from New Middletown, OH, will host the Dalton Bulldogs (10-3) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets, Region 21.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Ohio High School Football
Who: Springfield vs Dalton
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Bracket: 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 21
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Game preview: Springfield vs Dalton

The 2024-2025 high school football season has showcased strong performances from both Dalton and Springfield, two teams that have dominated their respective conferences and made their mark in state playoffs. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their rankings, records, and key statistics as they head into the final stretch of the season.

Dalton High School Football Overview

Dalton’s football team has had a remarkable 2024-2025 season, finishing with a 10-3 overall record and a solid 5-2 mark in conference play. The team has been strong both at home and on the road, with a 5-1 record at home and a 4-2 record on the road. Dalton’s win percentage stands at an impressive .769, and their conference win percentage is .714. Their offensive firepower has been their driving force, as they scored a total of 523 points while allowing 218, with a scoring average of 40.2 points per game.

Dalton’s offensive leaders include #19 Dante Gentile, who has dominated both rushing and total yardage. Gentile averages 180.9 rushing yards per game, and his total yards per game stand at 184.4. Quarterback Brayden Baird has been efficient, throwing for 61.4 yards per game, while wide receiver Carson Cunningham leads in receiving with 31.8 yards per game. Defensively, Wyatt Kuboff has been a standout with 10 tackles per game, while Evan Mericle contributes with 0.3 sacks per game.

Springfield High School Football Overview

Springfield, with an even more impressive overall record of 10-2, has been a powerhouse in their conference, finishing an undefeated 7-0 in league play. Their overall win percentage is .833, and they have been dominant in their home games with a 6-1 record, while their away record stands at 4-1. Springfield has managed to score 382 points while allowing only 172, with an average of 31.8 points per game. Despite not having the same offensive output as Dalton, Springfield’s consistency across all four quarters has been evident in their ability to maintain a strong finish, scoring an average of 8.2 points per fourth quarter.

On offense, Springfield’s key players include #19 Dante Gentile, who has also led in rushing yards per game with 180.9, a feat he shares with Dalton’s Gentile. Quarterback Brayden Baird has thrown for 61.4 yards per game, a solid mark for Springfield’s passing game. In terms of receiving, Carson Cunningham leads with 31.8 yards per game. Defensively, Springfield has relied on their steady tackling, with Wyatt Kuboff making an average of 10 tackles per game.

Team Comparisons: Dalton vs. Springfield

• Rushing Yards: Both teams are led by standout running backs. Dalton’s #19 Dante Gentile averages 180.9 yards per game, while Springfield’s #19 Dante Gentile matches that mark.
• Passing: Springfield has a slight edge in passing yards per game, with Brayden Baird averaging 61.4 yards, compared to Dalton’s 65.4 yards. Both teams, however, prioritize their ground game.
• Points Per Game: Dalton outpaces Springfield in scoring, averaging 40.2 points per game, while Springfield scores 31.8. Dalton’s explosive offense, especially in the first half of games, has been a key factor in their success.
• Defensive Play: Dalton averages 62 tackles per game, with key performances from Kuboff and Mericle. Springfield, meanwhile, holds teams to just 172 points throughout the season, reflecting their stingy defense and ability to limit opposing offenses.

Record Breakdown

• Overall Records: Dalton has a 10-3 record, while Springfield has a 10-2 record.
• Conference Play: Springfield has been perfect in conference play with a 7-0 record, while Dalton has a 5-2 mark.
• Home and Away: Dalton has performed slightly better at home (5-1) compared to Springfield’s 6-1 record, but Springfield boasts a better away record (4-1 compared to Dalton’s 4-2).
• Playoff Success: Both teams have shown strength in the postseason, with Dalton holding a 2-0 record in playoff games and Springfield also at 2-0.

Key Takeaways

As Dalton and Springfield head into the final weeks of the 2024-2025 season, both teams have proven themselves as formidable contenders in their respective divisions. Dalton’s explosive offense, led by Dante Gentile and a strong rushing attack, makes them a dangerous team, while Springfield’s undefeated conference record and consistent overall play make them a top contender for state honors. With solid defense, key individual performances, and strong team dynamics, both teams are poised for a successful postseason run.