The St. Paul (OR) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against Heppner (OR) today at 2 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 Oregon High School Football Playoff Brackets: OSAA – 2A 9-Man tournament.
St. Paul vs Heppner Football Game Info:
What: Oregon High School Football
Who: St. Paul vs Heppner
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 2 PM
Bracket: 2024 Oregon High School Football Playoff Brackets: OSAA – 2A 9-Man
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Game preview: St. Paul vs Heppner
The stage is set for a thrilling showdown between two powerhouse teams in Oregon high school football: the Heppner Mustangs and the St. Paul Buckaroos. Both teams have stormed through the 2024-2025 season undefeated, and now, they will face off with their perfect records on the line.
Heppner Mustangs: A Dominant Force
Heppner has been nothing short of dominant in their 2024 campaign. With a perfect 11-0 record, the Mustangs have lived up to their ranking as the 309th national team, 8th in Oregon, and 3rd in their class. Heppner’s offense has been on fire, averaging an impressive 41.3 points per game. Their defense, led by key contributors like Alakae Rodriguez, has stifled opponents, allowing just 89 points throughout the season.
Heppner’s offense has been heavily reliant on their strong rushing game, led by senior standout Hayden McMahon, who averages 53.5 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Mason Orem has also contributed with a solid 65.0 passing yards per game. The Mustangs’ ability to control the ground game, coupled with solid passing, has made them an extremely well-rounded team.
St. Paul Buckaroos: An Unstoppable Force
St. Paul has equally proven themselves as one of Oregon’s top teams in 2024. With a perfect 11-0 record, the Buckaroos are ranked 148th nationally, 3rd in Oregon, and 1st in their class. St. Paul has outscored opponents by an average of 47.6 points per game, a testament to their explosive offense. They’ve been a juggernaut on both sides of the ball, allowing just 80 points throughout the season.
St. Paul’s well-balanced attack has been equally effective, but it’s the play of key players like their running backs and defense that stands out. The team has managed to remain perfect through a tough schedule, including impressive wins against teams like Waldport (38-8) and Lost River (32-22).
Head-to-Head Comparison
When comparing the two teams statistically, Heppner has a clear advantage in rushing yards, averaging 253.1 yards per game compared to St. Paul’s unknown rushing average. However, St. Paul has been more explosive offensively, with their 47.6 points per game far surpassing Heppner’s 41.3. Both teams excel in controlling the ball and limiting their opponents’ scoring opportunities, with both allowing fewer than 100 points this season.
In terms of individual performances, Heppner’s Hayden McMahon leads the team with 53.5 rushing yards per game, while St. Paul has spread their offense more evenly. Heppner’s Mason Orem has been productive both in the air and on the ground, totaling 74.2 yards per game. Both teams also boast strong defenses, with Heppner’s Alakae Rodriguez recording 5.2 tackles per game and St. Paul’s defense stifling any offensive threats.
Common Opponents
Both teams have shared victories against common opponents this season. Heppner dominated Waldport (58-0) and defeated Lost River in a close 16-12 game. St. Paul, on the other hand, also defeated Waldport (38-8) and triumphed over Lost River (32-22). These results indicate that both teams have the ability to handle similar competition with relative ease.
Record Breakdown
Heppner’s perfect 11-0 record is made up of 6-0 league play and 5-0 non-league victories. St. Paul’s record mirrors that, with 5-0 league play and 4-0 non-league performance. Both teams are undefeated at home, with Heppner going 7-0 and St. Paul 5-0. Their consistency on the road has also been noteworthy, as both teams hold a perfect 4-0 record away from home.
The Big Game Ahead
As the two undefeated titans prepare to clash, all eyes will be on their matchup. Both Heppner and St. Paul have proven themselves to be dominant forces in their respective leagues, and this game will likely determine who emerges as the premier team in Oregon’s 2024 high school football landscape.
With both teams bringing high-powered offenses and stout defenses, this game promises to be an exciting and competitive affair. Fans can expect a battle of strength, strategy, and willpower, as these two undefeated teams fight for supremacy.
In the end, only one will remain undefeated. Will it be the Heppner Mustangs or the St. Paul Buckaroos who claim the victory and cement their place as the champions of Oregon high school football?
