One team likes to spread things out and get its playmakers in space. The other is a throwback to the past with an offensive attack Army and Navy would enjoy.

On Thursday at Gillette Stadium, Salem and Fairhaven will clash for the Division 6 Super Bowl title in a game that features teams that have defeated opponents by an average of almost three touchdowns per game.

Fairhaven (11-1) was the No. 8 seed entering the playoffs and rolled through the first two rounds before surviving a late Hudson rally to earn its spot in Foxboro. Even more important for coach Derek Almeida’s squad was its win over Dartmouth on Thanksgiving morning in a game that saw them kick a last-second field goal to win.

“Dartmouth was as good as anyone,” Almeida said. “I’m really proud of a lot of our young kids who stepped up in a big situation in that game.”

The Blue Devils’ option based attack comes in averaging 33.8 points per game and is led by running back Justin Marques, who has been a workhorse.

“We had a loss against Apponequet where we felt like we could have used him more to help us win,” Almeida said. “We sat down and talked and decided we were going to play him as much as we needed to from there on.”

Salem coach Matt Bouchard knows his club could have its hands full trying to stonewall Fairhaven’s offense.

“They run that option like the old Navy teams used to do but they add a little bit of the Wing-T that adds another element to it,” Bouchard said.

The Witches (10-2) have been one of the true feel good stories of the season. After winning a Division 2A Super Bowl in 1999, Salem had gone through its share of struggles before Bouchard took the reins of his hometown team. Since he arrived from Bishop Fenwick, it’s been a steady climb that has reached its peak this season thanks to an offense that’s averaged 37 points per game.

“These guys have committed to some bigger goals and they wanted to do bigger things,” Bouchard said. “One of the things we preach is that habits equal dreams. And these kids have really changed their habits to make this possible.”

The Witches have been a big-play machine all year, led by the dynamic backfield of quarterback Corey Grimes, and running backs Devante Ozuna, Quinn Rocco Ryan and Shane Field.

“They can score in so many ways,” Almeida said. “They are very creative offensively and get their best players in space. We need to be good with our personnel groups.”

One thing both coaches can agree on is getting to Gillette is the culmination of a spectacular season.

“Everyone wants this opportunity when the year starts,” Almeida said. “Each opportunity you get during the year leads to the next one and this is the last one.”

DIVISION 6 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

Salem (10-2) vs. Fairhaven (11-1), Thursday, 3 p.m. at Gillette Stadium

SALEM WITCHES

Head coach: Matt Bouchard

SEPT. 8: SALEM 51, Arlington 26

SEPT. 15: SALEM 15, Danvers 7

SEPT. 22: Salem 28, GREATER LAWRENCE 0

SEPT. 29: SALEM 40, Gloucester 6

OCT. 6: SALEM 55, Saugus 20

OCT. 13: Salem 48, LYNN CLASSICAL 44

OCT. 20: WINTHROP 20, Salem 19

OCT. 27: PEABODY 27, Salem 26

NOV. 3: SALEM 33, Dennis-Yarmouth 27

NOV. 10: SALEM 55, Cardinal Spellman 0

**NOV. 17: Salem 38, Stoneham 14

NOV. 23: Salem 35, BEVERLY 14

* – Home team in caps. ** – Neutral field

FAIRHAVEN BLUE DEVILS

Head coach: Derek Almeida

SEPT. 8: FAIRHAVEN 38, Durfee 13

SEPT. 14: FAIRHAVEN 35, Medway 0

SEPT. 22: FAIRHAVEN 21, Greater New Bedford 19

SEPT. 29: FAIRHAVEN 46, Bourne 10

OCT. 6: Fairhaven 49, CASE 6

OCT. 13: FAIRHAVEN 28, Old Rochester 0

OCT. 20: FAIRHAVEN 40, Seekonk 0

OCT. 27: APPONEQUET 26, Fairhaven 21

NOV. 3: FAIRHAVEN 35, Winthrop 21

NOV. 10: Fairhaven 28, NORWELL 14

**NOV. 17: Fairhaven 40, Hudson 37

NOV. 23: Fairhaven 24, DARTMOUTH 21

* – Home team in caps. ** – Neutral field

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME HISTORY

Salem is playing in its fourth championship game. The Witches are 1-2, with the one win coming in their last appearance in 1999 when Matt Horgan ran for 178 yards and three touchdowns, while adding a TD reception in a 25-12 win over Attleboro in the Div. 3 Eastern Mass. Super Bowl.

Fairhaven is a perfect 3-0 in championship games, all three victories coming under Hall of Fame coach Dana Almeida, the father of current Blue Devils’ coach Derek Almeida. Fairhaven’s last title appearance came in 2000 when Joe Charpentier ran for 128 yards and a touchdown, while Jon Tadeau added a pair of rushing scores in a 35-14 win over Carver in the Div. 4 Eastern Mass. Super Bowl.