The Jackson County Central varsity football team from Jackson, MN, will face Staples-Motley from Staples, MN, in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 4:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Minnesota High School Football
Who: Staples-Motley vs Jackson County Central
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 4:00 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 High School Football Playoff Brackets: MSHSL – Class AA
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Staples-Motley vs. Jackson County Central
The upcoming high school football game between Staples-Motley Cardinals (10-0) and Jackson County Central Huskies (12-1) promises to be a thrilling battle. Both teams bring strong records, dynamic offenses, and stout defenses into this matchup, making it a must-watch for fans across Minnesota.
Team Profiles
Staples-Motley Cardinals
- Record: 10-0
- Conference: 6-0
- Points For/Against: 366 PF, 163 PA
- Scoring Average: 36.6 points per game
The Cardinals have been a model of consistency, remaining undefeated with a perfect 10-0 record. Staples-Motley shines in the second and third quarters, averaging 14.0 and 8.0 points, respectively. Their ability to control the pace of the game is evident, especially in overtime, where they have tallied 16 points across two periods.
Jackson County Central Huskies
- Record: 12-1
- Conference: 5-0
- Points For/Against: 582 PF, 166 PA
- Scoring Average: 44.8 points per game
The Huskies bring an explosive offense that has outscored opponents by wide margins. They’ve averaged nearly 45 points per game this season, showcasing their ability to strike early and often. Despite one blemish on their record, Jackson County Central remains one of the strongest teams in the state.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Staples-Motley | Jackson County Central |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 36.6 | 44.8 |
| Points Allowed Per Game | 16.3 | 12.8 |
| Home Record | 7-0 | 4-1 |
| Away/Neutral Record | 3-0 | 8-0 |
| Playoff Record | 4-0 | 4-1 |
Jackson County Central holds an edge in offensive production, while Staples-Motley boasts a flawless record and the confidence of an undefeated season.
Key Stats Breakdown
| Scoring by Quarter | Staples-Motley | Jackson County Central |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 0.0 | 7.3 |
| Q2 | 14.0 | 7.3 |
| Q3 | 8.0 | 9.0 |
| Q4 | 8.0 | 4.7 |
| Overtime | 8.0 | N/A |
Staples-Motley has shown resilience in tight games, excelling in overtime scenarios, while Jackson County Central tends to build early leads and control the game from start to finish.
Common Opponents and Playoff Experience
Jackson County Central’s 7-0 record against common opponents underlines their strength against quality teams, while Staples-Motley lacks any shared matchups for comparison. The Huskies’ deep playoff experience, including four neutral-site wins, may provide them with an edge in high-pressure situations.
Keys to Victory
For Staples-Motley:
- Start Strong: A slow start could spell trouble against a team like Jackson County Central, which thrives in the early stages of games.
- Sustain Drives: Keep Jackson County Central’s offense off the field by maintaining long, methodical drives.
- Defense in the Red Zone: Limiting touchdowns and forcing field goals will be critical to keeping the game close.
For Jackson County Central:
- Exploit Fast Starts: Build an early lead and put pressure on Staples-Motley to play from behind.
- Limit Mistakes: Avoid turnovers that could give Staples-Motley short fields and easy scoring opportunities.
- Stop Overtime Threats: Staples-Motley has thrived in overtime scenarios, so finishing strong in regulation is key.
Prediction
This game presents a clash of styles: Staples-Motley’s steady approach versus Jackson County Central’s high-octane offense. While the Cardinals have the advantage of an unblemished record and resilience in tight contests, the Huskies’ firepower and depth make them formidable.
