On Friday, November 10th, at 7pm ET, the Mt. Vernon Mountaineers (10-1) will travel to Seneca, Missouri, to face the Seneca Indians (10-0) in the third round of the 2023 MHSAA (Missouri) Class 3 Football State Tournament.
What it is: Missouri High School Football
Matchup: Mt. Vernon Mountaineers vs. Seneca Indians
Time: Friday Nov 10, 2023, 7pm ET
Game Type: Playoffs
Bracket: 2023 MHSAA (Missouri) Class 3 Football State Tournament
Round: Third Round
Locations: Seneca – Seneca, MO
Live stream: Watch here
The Mountaineers enter the game ranked 6th in the state, while the Indians are ranked 17th. Mt. Vernon is averaging 39.9 points per game this season, while Seneca is averaging 45.7 points per game.
The two teams have never met before.
How to watch Mt. Vernon vs Seneca High School Football
The game can be watched live on the NFHS Network app or website. A subscription is required.
Keys to the game
Mt. Vernon’s offense: The Mountaineers have a high-powered offense led by quarterback Gavin Johnston and running back Braden Dodson. Johnston has thrown for 1,650 yards and 14 touchdowns this season, while Dodson has rushed for 1,245 yards and 23 touchdowns.
Seneca’s defense: The Indians have a strong defense that is led by linebacker Luke Robinson and defensive lineman Evan Smith. Robinson has 100 tackles and 15 sacks this season, while Smith has 80 tackles and 10 sacks.
Turnovers: The team that makes the fewest turnovers will likely win the game. Both teams have been good at taking care of the ball this season, but turnovers can happen at any time.
Other factors to consider:
Home field advantage: Seneca will be playing at home, which could give them a slight edge.
Weather: The weather forecast for Seneca on Friday is partly cloudy with a high of 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This could be a factor in the game, as both teams are used to playing in warmer weather.
Momentum: The Indians are coming into the game on a 10-game winning streak, while the Mountaineers lost their last game of the regular season. However, Mt. Vernon bounced back with a big win in the first round of the playoffs.
Prediction
This is a tough game to predict, as both teams are evenly matched. However, I am going to give the edge to Mt. Vernon because of their high-powered offense and their experience in big games.
Prediction: Mt. Vernon 42, Seneca 35
Additional thoughts:
The Mt. Vernon Mountaineers are a well-coached team that has a lot of experience playing in big games. They are led by quarterback Gavin Johnston, who is one of the best players in the state. The Mountaineers also have a strong running game led by Braden Dodson.
The Seneca Indians are a young and talented team that has been on a tear all season long. They are led by linebacker Luke Robinson, who is one of the best defensive players in the state. The Indians also have a strong offense led by quarterback Jake Smith.
This game should be a close and exciting one. I am looking forward to seeing who comes out on top.