The Becker varsity football team from Becker, MN, will take on Totino-Grace from Fridley, MN, in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 1:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Minnesota High School Football
Who: Totino-Grace vs Becker
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 High School Football Playoff Brackets: MSHSL – Class AAAA
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Totino-Grace vs. Becker
The Minnesota high school football playoffs bring a marquee matchup between two dominant programs: Totino-Grace Eagles (12-0) and Becker Bulldogs (12-0). Both teams enter the contest undefeated, with explosive offenses and stingy defenses. Here’s a breakdown of the game and what each team brings to the table.
Team Profiles
Totino-Grace Eagles
- Record: 12-0
- Conference: 2-0
- Points For/Against: 383 PF, 123 PA
- Scoring Average: 31.9 points per game
Totino-Grace relies on balance and efficiency, highlighted by their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities in the second quarter, averaging 14.7 points in that period. Marquel Keten has been a standout performer, averaging 138.3 rushing yards and 12.5 points per game, making him the key to the Eagles’ offensive production.
Becker Bulldogs
- Record: 12-0
- Conference: 3-0
- Points For/Against: 442 PF, 85 PA
- Scoring Average: 36.8 points per game
Becker has showcased remarkable offensive firepower and a lockdown defense. With an average margin of victory of nearly 30 points, the Bulldogs have dismantled opponents consistently. Their playoff experience and dominant performances make them one of the most feared teams in the state.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Totino-Grace | Becker |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 31.9 | 36.8 |
| Points Allowed Per Game | 10.3 | 7.1 |
| Common Opponent Margin | +53 | +130 |
| Home Record | 6-0 | 4-0 |
| Away/Neutral Record | 6-0 | 8-0 |
Becker holds an edge in offensive production and defensive efficiency. Their ability to dominate common opponents like Hutchinson and Hill-Murray gives them a psychological advantage heading into this game.
Key Stats Breakdown
| Stat | Totino-Grace Leader | Becker Leader |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | Marquel Keten (138.3) | N/A |
| Passing Yards Per Game | Jake Person (74.4) | N/A |
| Tackles Per Game | Michael Strong (9.6) | N/A |
| Points Per Game | Marquel Keten (12.5) | N/A |
While Becker’s specific player stats are unavailable, their team performance indicates a cohesive, balanced unit capable of excelling in all facets of the game.
Common Opponent Analysis
Both teams faced and defeated five common opponents this season:
- Hutchinson:
- Totino-Grace won a close 21-20 game.
- Becker routed them 49-6, signaling a significant performance gap.
- Academy of Holy Angels:
- Totino-Grace: 28-12 win.
- Becker: 14-0 in the regular season, 35-15 in playoffs.
While Totino-Grace handled these opponents efficiently, Becker’s victories have been more convincing, showcasing their ability to dominate top-tier teams.
Keys to Victory
For Totino-Grace:
- Lean on Marquel Keten: The Eagles’ success hinges on Keten’s ability to control the ground game and keep Becker’s offense off the field.
- Win the Turnover Battle: Slowing down Becker’s offense requires capitalizing on mistakes.
- Defend the Big Play: Preventing Becker from breaking the game open with explosive plays will be crucial.
For Becker:
- Establish Early Momentum: Scoring early will force Totino-Grace to play catch-up, which is not their strength.
- Dominate in the Trenches: Winning the battle at the line of scrimmage could neutralize Keten and limit Totino-Grace’s offensive options.
- Stay Disciplined: Avoid penalties and turnovers that could swing the momentum in a tight contest.
Prediction
This game pits Totino-Grace’s balanced attack against Becker’s overwhelming dominance. While Totino-Grace has the star power in Marquel Keten, Becker’s team-oriented approach and proven track record against common opponents give them the edge. Expect Becker to pull away in the second half, leveraging their depth and defensive strength.
