On October 3, 2024, at 1:25 AM GMT+6, two high school football powerhouses, Seneca Valley and Clarksburg, will face off in one of the most highly anticipated games of the Maryland high school football season. The rivalry between these two schools runs deep, and with both teams vying for playoff spots and local bragging rights, this game promises to be a must-watch for any fan of high school football. The game will be broadcast live on the NFHS Network, giving fans an opportunity to catch all the action as it unfolds.
The Seneca Valley Screamin’ Eagles, a team steeped in tradition and success, will be looking to assert their dominance over the Clarksburg Coyotes, a program that has steadily improved over the years and is eager to make a statement with a win over one of the most storied programs in Maryland football history. This game is expected to be a clash of contrasting styles: Seneca Valley’s well-rounded, disciplined play versus Clarksburg’s physical, hard-hitting approach.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive preview of the game, including how to watch, key players to look out for, team dynamics, and a prediction for how the game might unfold. We’ll also analyze the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, examine key matchups, and break down what each team needs to do to come away with a victory.
How to Watch the Game
- Date: October 3, 2024
- Time: 1:25 AM GMT+6
- Location: Seneca Valley High School, Germantown, Maryland
- Broadcast: NFHS Network
- Streaming: Available via the NFHS Network website or app (subscription required)
Fans can watch the game live on the NFHS Network, which is the go-to platform for high school sports coverage across the United States. If you can’t make it to the game in person, the NFHS Network provides a high-quality streaming experience that allows you to follow every play, no matter where you are. Whether you’re a dedicated Seneca Valley supporter, a Clarksburg fan, or just a general high school football enthusiast, this game is not one to miss.
Team Backgrounds
Seneca Valley Screamin’ Eagles
The Seneca Valley Screamin’ Eagles are one of the most successful high school football programs in Maryland history. With numerous state championships and a reputation for producing top-tier talent, Seneca Valley has a tradition of excellence that few teams in the state can match. Coached by Fred Kim, the Screamin’ Eagles have been competitive year in and year out, relying on a balanced attack and a disciplined approach on both sides of the ball.
Offensive Overview
Seneca Valley’s offense is led by senior quarterback Lucas Palmer, a dual-threat quarterback with the ability to hurt defenses with both his arm and his legs. Palmer’s leadership and football IQ are major reasons why the Screamin’ Eagles have been so successful this season. He’s shown a knack for making big plays in key moments, and his ability to extend plays with his feet makes him a dangerous player for opposing defenses to account for.
The running game is anchored by junior Jalen Thomas, a powerful and elusive back who has been the workhorse for Seneca Valley. Thomas is known for his ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact, making him one of the toughest runners in the region. His combination of speed, power, and vision has allowed him to rack up impressive numbers this season.
In the receiving corps, Jordan Carter stands out as the go-to target for Palmer. Carter is a speedy wide receiver with great hands and route-running ability. He has the capability to stretch the field and make big plays in the passing game, while also being a reliable target in short-yardage situations.
Defensive Overview
Defensively, the Screamin’ Eagles are led by senior linebacker Marcus Lewis, a hard-hitting player with a nose for the football. Lewis is the heart and soul of the defense, and his ability to read plays and make tackles in the open field has been critical to Seneca Valley’s success. He’s also a vocal leader on the field, helping to ensure that the defense stays organized and disciplined.
On the defensive line, Derrick Wells has been a force to be reckoned with. Wells is a disruptive player who excels at getting into the backfield and putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. His ability to collapse the pocket and stop the run has made him a key player for the Screamin’ Eagles.
In the secondary, Ethan Hall is a standout cornerback who has been excellent in coverage all season. Hall’s ability to lock down opposing receivers and make plays on the ball has helped Seneca Valley limit big plays and force turnovers.
Clarksburg Coyotes
The Clarksburg Coyotes are a program on the rise, having made significant strides under head coach Darren Murphy. Known for their physical style of play, the Coyotes rely on a powerful rushing attack and a defense that plays with toughness and intensity. While Clarksburg may not have the same storied history as Seneca Valley, they are a team that is more than capable of pulling off an upset, especially in a rivalry game.
Offensive Overview
The Coyotes’ offense is built around their run game, led by senior running back Devin Harris, who has been a standout player for Clarksburg this season. Harris is a tough, downhill runner who thrives on contact and has the ability to wear down defenses over the course of a game. His physical running style, combined with his ability to break off long runs, makes him the focal point of the Coyotes’ offense.
At quarterback, Clarksburg has junior Eli Jenkins, a game manager who excels at running the Coyotes’ offense efficiently. Jenkins isn’t asked to throw the ball much, but when he does, he’s shown the ability to make accurate throws in critical situations. His ability to manage the game and keep the offense on schedule will be crucial in this matchup.
The receiving corps is led by senior wide receiver Jeremiah Anderson, who provides a big target for Jenkins in the passing game. Anderson has the size and athleticism to make contested catches, especially in the red zone. While the Coyotes prefer to run the ball, Anderson has shown that he can make big plays when called upon.
Defensive Overview
Clarksburg’s defense is the strength of their team, with a front seven that is known for its physicality and ability to stop the run. The defense is anchored by senior linebacker Troy Jackson, a hard-nosed player who thrives in run support. Jackson’s ability to diagnose plays quickly and make tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage has made him one of the top defensive players in the region.
On the defensive line, Caleb Grant has been a standout, consistently disrupting opposing offenses with his ability to penetrate the backfield. Grant’s strength and quickness off the ball have made him a nightmare for offensive linemen, and his ability to collapse the pocket will be key in this game.
In the secondary, Isaiah Davis is the player to watch. Davis is a ball-hawking safety with great instincts and range. His ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and make plays on the ball has resulted in several interceptions this season. Davis will need to be at his best in this game to help Clarksburg contain Seneca Valley’s passing attack.
Key Matchups to Watch
1. Lucas Palmer (Seneca Valley) vs. Clarksburg Secondary
One of the most intriguing matchups in this game will be how Seneca Valley’s star quarterback, Lucas Palmer, fares against Clarksburg’s talented secondary, led by Isaiah Davis. Palmer has been one of the top quarterbacks in the region this season, but Davis and the rest of the Clarksburg secondary have the ability to make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks. If Palmer can find success through the air, it could open up the entire offense for Seneca Valley.
2. Jalen Thomas (Seneca Valley) vs. Troy Jackson (Clarksburg)
Seneca Valley’s running back, Jalen Thomas, has been a key player for the Screamin’ Eagles this season, but he’ll face a tough challenge going up against Clarksburg’s physical defense, led by linebacker Troy Jackson. Thomas’ ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact will be put to the test in this game, and if Jackson can consistently stop him at the line of scrimmage, it could force Seneca Valley to rely more heavily on their passing game.
3. Devin Harris (Clarksburg) vs. Marcus Lewis (Seneca Valley)
The battle between Clarksburg’s star running back, Devin Harris, and Seneca Valley’s standout linebacker, Marcus Lewis, will be one of the most important matchups of the game. Harris is the engine that makes Clarksburg’s offense go, and if he can have a big game, it will go a long way toward helping the Coyotes pull off the upset. However, Lewis is one of the best tacklers in the region, and if he can shut down Harris, it will put a lot of pressure on Clarksburg’s passing game.
Game Plans and Strategies
Seneca Valley Screamin’ Eagles
Seneca Valley will likely look to establish their passing game early, with Lucas Palmer leading the charge. Palmer has shown the ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs, so expect Seneca Valley to mix in some designed quarterback runs and rollouts to keep the Clarksburg defense off balance. If the Screamin’ Eagles can get their passing game going, it will open up running lanes for Jalen Thomas and allow them to control the tempo of the game.
Defensively, Seneca Valley will focus on stopping Clarksburg’s rushing attack. The Screamin’ Eagles will likely stack the box to stop Devin Harris, daring Clarksburg to beat them through the air. Marcus Lewis and Derrick Wells will need to play well in the front seven to keep Harris in check, while the secondary, led by Ethan Hall, will need to be disciplined in coverage to prevent big plays off play-action.
Clarksburg Coyotes
For Clarksburg, the game plan will revolve around their rushing attack. They’ll want to control the clock and keep Seneca Valley’s offense off the field by grinding out long drives with Devin Harris leading the way. If Harris can consistently pick up positive yards, it will allow Clarksburg to stay ahead of the chains and avoid obvious passing situations.
Defensively, Clarksburg will need to focus on containing Lucas Palmer. They’ll want to keep him in the pocket and prevent him from extending plays with his legs. Isaiah Davis and the secondary will need to be at their best to limit big plays in the passing game, while Troy Jackson and the front seven will need to stop Jalen Thomas in the run game.
Odds & Prediction
This game is expected to be a hard-fought, physical contest, with both teams having the potential to come away with the win. Seneca Valley’s balanced offense, led by Lucas Palmer, gives them an edge in terms of firepower, but Clarksburg’s physical defense and powerful rushing attack will keep them in the game.
In the end, Seneca Valley’s ability to make plays in the passing game, combined with their stout defense, will likely prove to be the difference. While Clarksburg will put up a strong fight and control the clock with their run game, Seneca Valley’s offensive versatility will give them the edge.
Prediction: Seneca Valley 28, Clarksburg 20
The Seneca Valley vs. Clarksburg high school football matchup on October 3, 2024, is set to be a thrilling game between two teams with contrasting styles. With both teams looking to secure a key victory in the Maryland high school football standings, the stakes are high. Fans can expect a physical, hard-fought battle that will likely come down to a few key plays in the second half. Make sure to tune in live on the NFHS Network to catch all the action as these two teams clash on the gridiron.