As the 2024 high school football season heads into the postseason, the Bethany (OK) and Tuttle (OK) teams are gearing up for an exciting neutral-site playoff matchup on December 6, 2024, at 7 p.m. Both teams have had impressive seasons, but with contrasting results when they met earlier this year, this game promises to be an intense showdown.

Season Overview:

• Bethany (10-2, 5-2 District): Bethany has had a strong campaign, finishing with an 83.3% win rate, including a solid 4-1 record at home and 6-1 on the road. Their offense has been formidable, averaging 39.6 points per game, with Jackson Payne leading the charge with 165.6 passing yards per game. Rushing backfield leader Judson Gilliland has been a consistent force, averaging 105 rushing yards per game.
• Tuttle (12-0, 6-0 District): Tuttle enters this matchup undefeated, with a perfect 12-0 record and a dominant 1.000 district win percentage. They’ve been exceptional both at home (7-0) and on the road (5-0). Tuttle’s offense has been high-powered, scoring 43.5 points per game on average. Cruz Campbell, with 211.3 passing yards per game, has been the team’s offensive leader, while running back Shawn Rounsaville Jr. has rushed for an impressive 104.5 yards per game.

Head-to-Head:

The teams have already faced off once this season, with Tuttle emerging victorious on October 11, 2024. In that game, Tuttle delivered a dominant 42-19 win over Bethany. Despite a strong first half from both sides, Tuttle’s offense proved too much for Bethany, pulling away to secure the win. This result has set the stage for what will undoubtedly be a revenge-fueled game for Bethany in the playoffs.

Team Comparisons:

• Offense:
  • Bethany: The Bronchos have averaged 356.9 total yards per game, with a balanced attack that includes both strong passing and rushing stats. Their top players, such as Jackson Payne (187.6 total yards per game) and Judson Gilliland (105 rushing yards), have been key to their offensive success.
  • Tuttle: The Tigers have averaged 379.8 total yards per game, with an explosive passing game that has averaged 234.2 yards per game. Their leading quarterback, Cruz Campbell, and wide receiver C.J. Simon have been standouts, helping them consistently put up big numbers.
• Defense:
  • Both teams have solid defensive units, with Bethany averaging 66.6 tackles per game and Tuttle slightly ahead with 66.3 tackles per game. Tuttle has a slight edge in sacks, averaging 1.8 per game compared to Bethany’s 2.2. However, Tuttle’s defense has been more effective at limiting points, with only 93 points allowed across their 12 games (an average of 7.75 per game).

Key Matchups to Watch:

• Bethany’s Offense vs. Tuttle’s Defense: Bethany will need to find ways to break through Tuttle’s stout defense, particularly in the passing game. Jackson Payne will need to be at his best to match the high-powered Tuttle offense.
• Tuttle’s Offense vs. Bethany’s Defense: Tuttle’s offense, led by Cruz Campbell, has been explosive all season long. Bethany’s defense will have to step up and find ways to stop their dynamic passing attack.

Common Opponents:

Both teams have faced a variety of opponents this season, but Tuttle has been the more dominant force against their common foes, finishing a perfect 7-0 in these matchups. Bethany has gone 6-1 against the same teams, with their only loss coming in a narrow 48-44 defeat to Blanchard.

Playoff Outlook:

While Tuttle heads into the game as the clear favorite with their undefeated record, Bethany will be motivated to avenge their earlier loss. The Broncos have shown resilience and the ability to bounce back after tough losses, and they’ll be looking to capitalize on the high stakes of playoff football. The neutral site of this game levels the playing field, giving both teams an equal shot at victory.

Conclusion:

This December 6 playoff game between Bethany and Tuttle is set to be an exciting and hard-fought contest. Tuttle has dominated the regular season, but Bethany will look to make a statement in the postseason. With both teams capable of putting up big offensive numbers and playing strong defense, it could go either way. Fans of Oklahoma high school football will want to tune in to see which team comes out on top and advances further in the playoffs.