What a match-up. Finally get to see how good these two teams, especially Bowling Green really are.
Bowling Green obviously has a prolific offense, albeit against less heralded competition. 762 points thus far through 11 games (just over 69 points per contest). Their defense has given up 85 points, with the vast majority of those in the 2nd half. Only one shutout, but 7 other one score allowed games. Palmyra and both Callaways were able to score twice.
District points were 47.98 heading into the playoffs.
They played 5 teams with a ranking in the 10,000+ range and St. Mary's, a school in Kansas who doesn't have a Cal Preps ranking. Average ranking of all opponents is 9767.
Higginsville has scored 570 points to date (just shy of 52 per game) and has allowed a very stingy 93 points to comparably better competition. Three shutouts, however allowed multiple scores in 4 contests with two of those being 3 scores allowed in the first two games of the season. The two Richmond contests have both been down to the wire so they do have the complete close game experience that BG lacks.
District points were 49.49 heading into the playoffs.
Highest Cal Preps ranked team played was Richmond at #3334 twice. They played 4 teams with a ranking above 10,000+. Average ranking of all opponents (included Richmond and Lawson twice, the highest two on their schedule) is 8148. The major difference in their shedule vs BG is the Holden game, which they won handily 48-0 on their fellow quarterfinalist's field.
Cal Preps projection is Bowling Green 42 Higginsville 38 on a neutral field, in spite of them being the #6 ranked team in Class 2 with Higginsville ranked at #2. Don't know what to make of that, but threw it in.
I think Bowling Green has the best athlete available in Starks. They also have last year's playoff experience in the bank, so I don't see the stage being too big for them. Higginsville has home field and has played the tougher schedule to get here. Weather looks good considering, 36° at kickoff but could be a tad breezy with no precipitation forecast.
IMO it boils down to if Higginsville can get enough empty possessions to keep it close. I can't see them winning a high scoring affair. Bowling Green's defense is largly overlooked, but they are a tough nut to crack. Here's to a good, injury free game.
I'm pulling for Bowling Green in this one not only because they are repping the region but also want to see them take on the Blair Oaks juggernaut next Saturday at Bowling Green. I think they present the biggest challenge still available to them on paper.
