The Troy (PA) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Bedford (PA) today at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 PIAA Football Championship in the 2A division.

Troy vs Bedford Football Game Info:

What: Pennsylvania High School Football
Who: Troy vs Bedford
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 PIAA Football Championship – 2A
Watch here: Watch here

Game preview: Troy vs Bedford

The high school football season has reached its thrilling conclusion, with Bedford and Troy standing as two of the most impressive teams in Pennsylvania. Both teams have displayed exceptional skill and determination, but their paths to success have been markedly different. Here’s a breakdown of their performance this season and how they stack up against each other.

Bedford: A Strong Contender

With a record of 10-3 overall, Bedford has had a solid season, finishing with a .769 win percentage. Their conference record of 7-3 and a home record of 5-2 indicate a team that is tough both at home and on the road. Despite their success, Bedford has faced challenges when competing against top-tier teams, which is evident from their point differential of 270 points scored and 211 points allowed. Bedford’s strength lies in their balanced offensive attack and solid defense.

Offensively, Bedford averages 20.8 points per game, with their scoring distributed fairly evenly across the four quarters. Their most prolific player, Quincy Swaim, leads the team with 138.8 rushing yards per game and contributes significantly to the passing game with 68.1 yards per game. Swaim’s ability to break through defenses has been a key factor in their success. Owen Tedrow, the team’s primary receiver, has also contributed with 38.9 receiving yards per game, giving Bedford a diverse offensive weaponry.

Defensively, Bedford maintains a steady attack, recording 67.5 tackles per game. Treg Nave leads the defense with 12.1 tackles per game, showcasing his role as a key defensive presence. However, the team will need to elevate its performance in key situations to advance further.

Troy: Unstoppable Force

On the other hand, Troy has been absolutely dominant this season, finishing with a perfect 13-0 record, and a perfect 6-0 in conference play. They have been nearly untouchable, with a win percentage of 1.000. Their ability to consistently win—whether at home, on the road, or in neutral-site games—has set them apart from other teams. Troy’s offense has been simply explosive, averaging a staggering 54.4 points per game, thanks in large part to their impressive running and passing attack.

Brendan Gilliland and Evan Woodward lead the charge for Troy, combining for over 200 yards of offense per game. Gilliland’s 87.2 rushing yards per game and Woodward’s 118.5 passing yards per game make them a lethal duo. The team’s balance is further complemented by receiver Lincoln Chimics, who adds 58.2 yards per game in the air. Troy’s offense has been relentless in putting up points, with significant production across all four quarters of each game. Their first-quarter average of 15.1 points shows that they come out firing, setting the tone early in games.

Defensively, Troy has been nearly as dominant, recording 86.5 tackles per game. Their defensive line, led by players like Brendan Gilliland (1.1 sacks per game), has been suffocating. Their ability to stop opponents in their tracks has allowed the offense to shine even brighter.

Comparing the Two Teams

When comparing Bedford and Troy head-to-head, the numbers tell a compelling story. Troy’s total yards per game (442.2) dwarf Bedford’s (261.8), with Troy gaining an impressive 307.1 rushing yards per game, far exceeding Bedford’s 186.2. This disparity in offensive production is one of the biggest differences between the two teams.

Troy’s defense also surpasses Bedford’s, with nearly 20 more tackles per game (86.5 compared to 67.5) and a greater ability to sack the quarterback (2.8 sacks per game versus 0.9 for Bedford). Both teams are led by standout players, with Quincy Swaim for Bedford and Brendan Gilliland for Troy each being key to their respective team’s offensive success.

Season Overview and Playoff Outlook

Troy enters the postseason undefeated, holding a perfect 1.000 record both in conference and overall. Their 707 total points scored this season is a testament to their offensive power. Meanwhile, Bedford has shown resilience with an impressive 10-3 record but will need to tighten their defense and elevate their scoring efficiency if they are to match up with a team like Troy.

Both teams have dominant home records, with Troy finishing 8-0 at home and Bedford 5-2. The contrast between their overall records—Troy’s perfect season and Bedford’s more balanced but still impressive campaign—creates a fascinating narrative for any potential playoff matchup. Bedford’s ability to keep games close and Troy’s overwhelming offensive firepower are bound to make for a thrilling contest if these two teams meet.

In conclusion, while Bedford has had a strong season, it will take everything they have to overcome the sheer dominance and depth of Troy, who have proved nearly invincible. As the playoffs unfold, all eyes will be on Troy, but Bedford remains a formidable contender, capable of surprises if they can raise their game to new heights.