The Sandy Creek (Fairfield, NE) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Stanton (NE) today at 2:45 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Nebraska High School Football
Who: Stanton vs Sandy Creek
When: today, November 25, 2024
Time: 2:45 p.m ET
Bracket: 2024 NSAA State Football Championships (Nebraska) – Class D1
Live Stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Stanton vs. Sandy Creek

This exciting playoff matchup features two undefeated teams, Stanton (12-0) and Sandy Creek (12-0), who both have perfect records heading into the postseason. Both teams have displayed dominant performances all season, and this game promises to be a thrilling battle of high-scoring offenses and tough defenses.

Stanton (24-25) Season Overview

Stanton enters this matchup with a 12-0 record, including a perfect 5-0 district record. The team has been dominant on both sides of the ball, with an offense averaging 52.0 points per game. Stanton excels in rushing with 388.6 yards per game, but also has a strong passing game with 65.8 yards per game.

Scoring Averages

• Q1: 19.5 points
• Q2: 21.0 points
• Q3: 3.0 points
• Q4: 11.0 points

Stanton tends to come out strong in the first half but has some slowdown in the third quarter before regaining their scoring momentum in the final period.

Key Players

• Barrett Wilke: The team’s rushing leader with 218.7 yards per game and 21.7 points per game. He’s also been pivotal in their passing game with 65.1 yards per game.
• Becker Pohlman: The receiving leader with 25.8 yards per game and a defensive force with 9.0 tackles per game.

Stanton’s offense is grounded in a powerful running game but complemented by efficient passing plays. Their defense is also solid, allowing just 256 points this season.

Sandy Creek (24-25) Season Overview

Sandy Creek has also had an impressive 12-0 season, including a 5-0 district record. They have a high-powered offense averaging 57.6 points per game, with a balanced attack featuring a strong rushing game and passing attack. They have put up 691 points while allowing only 106 points this season.

Scoring Averages

• Q1: 12.0 points
• Q2: 21.0 points
• Q3: 13.7 points
• Q4: 9.4 points

Sandy Creek tends to score most of their points in the second and third quarters, where they’ve been particularly dominant, and although their scoring drops off in the fourth, their early lead often carries them to victory.

Key Players

• Ethan Shaw: Sandy Creek’s dual-threat leader with 125.8 rushing yards per game and 160.3 passing yards per game, making him a significant threat on the field.
• Connor Rempe: The team’s receiving leader with 66.0 yards per game and a solid tackler with 9.2 tackles per game.

Sandy Creek’s defense has been exceptional this season, holding their opponents to just 106 points overall, giving them an advantage on that side of the ball.

Team Stat Comparison

• Stanton:
  • Rushing Yards per Game: 388.6
  • Passing Yards per Game: 65.8
  • Total Yards per Game: 454.4
  • Points per Game: 52.0
  • Tackles per Game: 65.8
• Sandy Creek:
  • Rushing Yards per Game: 235.1
  • Passing Yards per Game: 162.1
  • Total Yards per Game: 397.2
  • Points per Game: 57.6
  • Tackles per Game: 77.7

Sandy Creek has a more balanced offense, with a greater focus on passing. However, Stanton’s rushing game is much stronger, which could be a crucial factor in this matchup.

Head-to-Head

These two teams have never faced each other during the season, but both have beaten their common opponent, Exeter-Milligan/Friend. Stanton defeated them 48-8 (11/1/24), while Sandy Creek won 58-22 (10/11/24). Both teams dominated this matchup, though Sandy Creek’s margin of victory was slightly higher.

Record Breakdown

• Stanton: 12-0 overall, 5-0 district, 5-0 home, 4-0 away, 3-0 neutral
• Sandy Creek: 12-0 overall, 5-0 district, 8-0 home, 4-0 away

Both teams are undefeated, but Sandy Creek has a slight edge in terms of home-field advantage, where they have played all but one game.

Key Factors

• Stanton’s Ground Game: Stanton’s ability to dominate the rushing game will be a key factor in this game. With Barrett Wilke leading the charge, they could control the clock and keep Sandy Creek’s high-powered offense off the field.
• Sandy Creek’s Balanced Attack: Sandy Creek is more balanced offensively, with Ethan Shaw providing both a strong running and passing game. If they can move the ball efficiently, they could neutralize Stanton’s strong rushing attack.
• Defense: Both teams have solid defenses, but Sandy Creek’s has been more dominant, allowing fewer points over the course of the season. They will need to find a way to contain Wilke and limit big plays.

Conclusion: Who Has the Advantage?

Both teams come into this game undefeated, with high-powered offenses and strong defenses. Sandy Creek’s balanced offense and strong defense give them a slight edge, especially with their ability to score quickly and often. However, Stanton’s rushing game and ability to control the clock could be key in this game.

Prediction: Sandy Creek wins a close game, with a strong second-half performance leading them to a hard-fought victory. Stanton will need to dominate early to have a chance, but Sandy Creek’s ability to score from multiple facets of their game will likely make the difference.