The excitement is building as two prominent teams in Minnesota high school football, Como Park and Harding Senior, prepare to face off in a crucial game that will likely impact their respective seasons. Set for October 6, 2024, at 12:00 AM GMT+6 (local time October 5, 2024, at 2:00 PM CDT), this game will be broadcast live on the NFHS Network.
This article will dive deep into the details of the matchup, including how to watch the game, a comprehensive preview, the key players to keep an eye on, team strengths and weaknesses, and predictions. Additionally, we’ll offer insight into the odds and what fans should expect when these two high school football powerhouses collide.
How to Watch Como Park vs. Harding Senior
For those unable to attend the game in person, it will be available for live streaming on the NFHS Network, which is the official partner for high school sports across the United States. Subscribers to the NFHS Network can enjoy live and on-demand broadcasts of a wide range of high school sports, including football, basketball, soccer, and more.
Game Details:
- Date: October 6, 2024
- Time: 12:00 AM GMT+6 (October 5, 2024, 2:00 PM CDT, local time)
- Venue: Como Park High School Stadium, St. Paul, Minnesota
- Streaming: Live on NFHS Network
Subscription Information:
A subscription to the NFHS Network is required to watch the game. The network offers both monthly and annual subscription packages, giving fans access to live and on-demand high school sports events across various sports disciplines.
Match Preview: Como Park Cougars vs. Harding Senior Knights
Como Park Cougars: Looking to Stay on Track
The Como Park Cougars come into this matchup riding a wave of momentum, having had a solid season so far. The team, led by head coach Gary Creer, has shown remarkable resilience and growth over the past few seasons. With a mix of veteran leadership and young talent, Como Park is aiming to secure a playoff berth this season.
- Current Record: 4-2
- Head Coach: Gary Creer
- Offensive Scheme: Como Park utilizes a spread offense that focuses on speed and spacing. They rely heavily on their quarterback’s ability to distribute the ball quickly and their wide receivers’ athleticism to make plays in space.
- Defensive Strategy: The Cougars’ defense is aggressive, particularly in the secondary. They play a lot of man-to-man coverage and look to create turnovers by pressuring the opposing quarterback.
Harding Senior Knights: Fighting for a Turnaround
The Harding Senior Knights have faced some challenges this season but remain a tough competitor in Minnesota high school football. The Knights, under head coach David Butler, are seeking to get back to winning ways. Known for their gritty play and a physical running game, Harding Senior aims to out-muscle their opponents in the trenches.
- Current Record: 3-4
- Head Coach: David Butler
- Offensive Scheme: Harding Senior runs a power-oriented offense, focusing on controlling the line of scrimmage with a strong run game and using play-action passes to keep defenses honest.
- Defensive Strategy: The Knights rely on their defensive front to control the line of scrimmage and stop the run. They play a conservative bend-but-don’t-break defense, aiming to force their opponents into long drives rather than giving up big plays.
Key Players to Watch
Both Como Park and Harding Senior have key athletes who will play pivotal roles in this matchup. Here’s a look at some of the standout players for each team.
Como Park Cougars
- Quarterback: Jalen Thompson (Senior)
- Position: Quarterback
- Strengths: Thompson is a dual-threat quarterback who excels in both the passing and running game. His ability to extend plays with his legs and make accurate throws downfield will be essential for Como Park’s success.
- Key Role: Thompson will need to command the offense effectively and create big plays, especially if Harding Senior’s defense focuses on stopping the run.
- Wide Receiver: Malik Johnson (Junior)
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Strengths: Johnson is a deep threat with excellent speed and hands. His ability to stretch the field will be critical in creating mismatches against Harding Senior’s secondary.
- Key Role: Johnson will be Thompson’s go-to target, and if he can get open consistently, it will open up the rest of the offense for the Cougars.
- Linebacker: Chris Matthews (Senior)
- Position: Linebacker
- Strengths: Matthews is the heart of the Como Park defense. Known for his leadership and tackling ability, he can disrupt the opponent’s run game and make plays sideline-to-sideline.
- Key Role: Matthews will need to be a force in the middle, stopping Harding Senior’s powerful rushing attack and ensuring his defense plays with discipline.
Harding Senior Knights
- Running Back: Marcus Henderson (Junior)
- Position: Running Back
- Strengths: Henderson is a physical, downhill runner who thrives between the tackles. His ability to churn out tough yards and wear down defenses will be a critical factor in this game.
- Key Role: Henderson will be the focal point of Harding Senior’s offense. If he can establish the run early, it will open up play-action opportunities and control the tempo of the game.
- Offensive Lineman: Josh Davis (Senior)
- Position: Offensive Line
- Strengths: Davis is the anchor of the Knights’ offensive line. His strength and ability to dominate in the trenches make him a key player in Harding Senior’s run-heavy attack.
- Key Role: Davis will need to control the line of scrimmage and give Henderson the room he needs to operate. His performance against Como Park’s defensive line could be a game-changer.
- Defensive Back: Tyrone Lewis (Senior)
- Position: Defensive Back
- Strengths: Lewis is a ball-hawking cornerback with great instincts and speed. He has a knack for making big plays in the secondary, whether it’s breaking up passes or coming down with an interception.
- Key Role: Lewis will be tasked with shutting down Malik Johnson and preventing Como Park from making big plays in the passing game.
Team Strengths and Weaknesses
Como Park Cougars
Strengths:
- Explosive Offense: Como Park’s spread offense is designed to create mismatches and score points in a hurry. Their ability to move the ball through the air and on the ground makes them a dangerous opponent.
- Solid Secondary: The Cougars’ defense excels in pass coverage, with athletic defensive backs capable of making plays on the ball.
- Home-Field Advantage: Playing at home gives Como Park an extra edge. The support of the home crowd could provide the energy boost needed in crucial moments of the game.
Weaknesses:
- Inconsistent Run Defense: Como Park has struggled at times to stop the run, which could be a concern against Harding Senior’s power-run game.
- Reliance on Big Plays: While their offense is capable of making big plays, Como Park sometimes struggles with sustained drives. If Harding Senior can limit their explosive plays, it could frustrate the Cougars’ offense.
Harding Senior Knights
Strengths:
- Physical Running Game: Harding Senior’s offense is built around a powerful running game that can control the clock and wear down opposing defenses.
- Strong Offensive Line: The Knights’ offensive line is one of the best in the conference, giving their running backs plenty of room to operate.
- Disciplined Defense: Harding Senior’s defense is tough and disciplined, especially against the run. They rarely give up big plays and force their opponents to earn every yard.
Weaknesses:
- Limited Passing Game: The Knights’ offense is heavily reliant on the run, and if they fall behind early, they may struggle to come back through the air.
- Vulnerable Secondary: While their defense is strong against the run, Harding Senior’s secondary has been exposed at times. This could be a problem against Como Park’s passing attack.
Odds and Predictions
Game Prediction
This matchup between Como Park and Harding Senior is shaping up to be a classic battle of contrasting styles. Como Park will look to use their dynamic passing game to stretch the field, while Harding Senior will aim to control the tempo with their power running attack.
The key to the game will be whether Como Park’s defense can slow down Harding Senior’s rushing attack. If they can force the Knights into passing situations, it will play into their strength in the secondary. On the other hand, if Harding Senior can control the clock and wear down Como Park’s defense, they could come away with the victory.
Final Score Prediction: Como Park 27, Harding Senior 21
Key Player: Jalen Thompson – Como Park’s quarterback will be the difference-maker in this game. His ability to create plays both through the air and on the ground will give Como Park the edge.
Betting Odds
- Moneyline: Como Park -135, Harding Senior +115
- Over/Under: 48.5 points
- Prediction: Bet on Como Park to win, but Harding Senior will likely keep the game close. The over/under is tricky, but given the styles of play, betting on the under could be a safer option.
The high school football clash between Como Park and Harding Senior is set to be a thrilling and hard-fought battle. With both teams bringing their own unique strengths to the field, fans can expect an exciting and competitive game that could go down to the wire.
Be sure to tune in live on the NFHS Network on October 6, 2024, at 12:00 AM GMT+6 (October 5, 2024, at 2:00 PM CDT, local time) to catch all the action!
