The Taft (Cincinnati, OH) varsity football team will host a playoff game against Archbishop Alter (Kettering, OH) on Friday, November 22 at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 16 tournament.

Taft vs Archbishop Alter Football Game Info:

What: Ohio High School Football
Who: Taft vs Archbishop Alter
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 16
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Game preview: Taft vs Archbishop Alter

As the playoff season heats up, the Archbishop Alter Knights are set to face the Taft Senators in an exciting matchup on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 p.m. This will be a rematch of their non-conference encounter earlier in the season, where Taft came out on top with a decisive 36-7 victory. However, the stakes are now much higher as both teams are looking to advance further in the postseason.

Team Profiles

Archbishop Alter (8-5 overall, 3-2 conference)
The Knights of Archbishop Alter have had a strong season, despite some ups and downs. With a solid record of 8-5 overall, they have showcased resilience, particularly in their road games, where they are 4-4. Their offense has averaged 18.8 points per game, with notable contributions from their quarterback and skill players. However, their performance in the first half of games has been inconsistent, averaging just 3.5 points in the first and third quarters, and 0 in the second. They will need to improve on these early game struggles if they want to challenge Taft in this playoff matchup.

Taft (11-2 overall, 4-1 conference)
Taft enters the game with a highly impressive record of 11-2 and a dominant playoff run. The Senators’ offense has been a powerhouse, averaging an incredible 42.2 points per game. With explosive starts, especially in the first half, they’ve averaged 16 points in the first quarter alone. Taft’s defense has been equally strong, allowing just 94 points all season. Their balanced offense and stifling defense will make them formidable opponents for Alter, who will need to find ways to control the tempo of the game.

Head-to-Head History

The two teams first met on September 6, 2024, when Taft secured a convincing 36-7 victory. Archbishop Alter struggled to generate offense, scoring just 7 points in the fourth quarter, while Taft’s offense was explosive early on, putting up 21 points in the first quarter alone. That game was a stark reminder of Taft’s offensive firepower, but Archbishop Alter will be looking to bounce back in this playoff rematch.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced common opponents during the season, and the results have provided some insight into their respective strengths.

• Archbishop Alter defeated Withrow 13-12 in a tight contest, while Taft lost to Withrow 19-14.
• Both teams beat Chaminade Julienne Catholic, but Alter won in dominant fashion, 31-6, while Taft edged them out 12-7.

Team Breakdown

Archbishop Alter

• Overall Record: 8-5
• Conference Record: 3-2
• Home Record: 3-1
• Away Record: 4-4
• Playoff Record: 3-0
• Scoring Average: 18.8 points per game

Taft

• Overall Record: 11-2
• Conference Record: 4-1
• Home Record: 5-1
• Away Record: 5-1
• Playoff Record: 3-0
• Scoring Average: 42.2 points per game

Key Matchup

The key to the game will be how well Archbishop Alter’s defense can handle Taft’s high-scoring offense. Alter has allowed an average of 141 points this season, while Taft’s offense has proven to be potent in almost every game. If Alter can stifle Taft’s early game success, they may have a chance to control the tempo and stay in the game longer. However, if Taft jumps out to an early lead, it could be a long night for the Knights.

Looking Ahead

As both teams head into this playoff showdown, they bring their own strengths to the table. Alter will need to prove that their playoff experience and ability to step up in high-pressure situations can overcome Taft’s overwhelming offense. On the other hand, Taft will look to continue their dominant form and prove why they are one of the top teams in the state.

With everything on the line, fans can expect a thrilling and hard-fought contest as these two teams battle for a spot in the next round of the playoffs.