The Roman Catholic (Philadelphia, PA) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against Bishop McDevitt (Harrisburg, PA) on Friday, December 6, at 7:00 PM. This game is part of the 2024 PIAA Football Championship – 5A tournament.

Roman Catholic vs Bishop McDevitt Football Game Info:

What: Pennsylvania High School Football
Who: Roman Catholic vs Bishop McDevitt
When: Friday, December 6, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 PIAA Football Championship – 5A
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Game preview: Roman Catholic vs Bishop McDevitt

As the 2024-2025 high school football season continues to captivate fans, Bishop McDevitt and Roman Catholic stand out as two of the most exciting teams in Pennsylvania. Both teams have proven themselves dominant on the field, with impressive records and strong individual performances. Let’s dive into the key statistics and breakdowns of both teams as they head into postseason play.

Team Records and Rankings

Bishop McDevitt comes into the season with an overall record of 13-2, having finished 7-2 in conference play. Their home record is a strong 7-1, with just one loss on the road (5-1). The team has been dominant in non-conference games, winning their only neutral-site matchup. With a winning percentage of .867 and a conference win percentage of .778, Bishop McDevitt has proven to be one of the top teams in the state.

Roman Catholic, with an overall record of 11-4, had a more balanced season. Their conference record stands at 3-3, while they excelled at home with a 6-1 record. Their away record, however, reflects a few more challenges at 4-3. Their neutral-site game is also a win. With a win percentage of .733 and a conference win percentage of .500, Roman Catholic has shown resilience throughout the season.

Scoring Averages

Both teams are known for their high-scoring games, with Bishop McDevitt averaging 39.9 points per game, just slightly ahead of Roman Catholic, which posts 39.8 points per game. A closer look at their scoring breakdown reveals that Bishop McDevitt is more consistent throughout the game, averaging 10.8 points in the first quarter and 13.3 in the second. However, Roman Catholic has shown explosive starts, averaging 16.3 points in the first quarter, although their scoring tends to dip in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter where they average just 3.3 points.

Team Statistics

Offense Comparison
Bishop McDevitt has a clear advantage in total offensive yardage, averaging a robust 430.3 yards per game. Their balanced offensive attack features 206.8 rushing yards per game and 223.5 passing yards per game, making them one of the most difficult teams to defend. Roman Catholic, on the other hand, has been much more pass-heavy, averaging just 37.4 rushing yards per game but generating 81.6 passing yards per game, which contributes to their total of 119.0 yards per game.

Defense
On defense, Bishop McDevitt has dominated, averaging 58.1 tackles per game and 2.0 sacks per game. This strong defensive presence has helped them maintain a stout defense while limiting their opponents to just 250 points throughout the season. Roman Catholic’s defense, while not as dominant, has been solid, with 12.6 tackles per game and 1.2 sacks per game. However, they have allowed 341 points, showing some vulnerabilities, particularly against high-powered offenses.

Key Players to Watch

Bishop McDevitt has several standout players who have contributed heavily to their success. Nazir Jones-Davis leads the team in rushing, averaging 109.5 yards per game, while quarterback Stone Saunders has been exceptional with 219.3 passing yards per game. Saunders is also a dual-threat, accumulating 228.2 total yards per game. On defense, Venny Brooks and Lucas Lawler provide solid leadership, with Brooks averaging 7.7 tackles per game.

Roman Catholic’s star player is Semaj Beals, who has put up jaw-dropping numbers, averaging 297.8 total yards per game. His passing prowess and ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground make him a dangerous threat. Eyan Stead, averaging 89.3 receiving yards per game, has been a top target for Beals, while JoJo Delecce has been a reliable tackler, with 5.5 tackles per game.

Record Breakdown

• Bishop McDevitt: 13-2 overall, 7-2 in conference play, and 5-1 away.
• Roman Catholic: 11-4 overall, 3-3 in conference play, and 4-3 away.

Both teams have shown their strength in the postseason, with Bishop McDevitt going 3-0 in playoff games and Roman Catholic matching that record, making both teams formidable contenders as the season progresses.

Conclusion

As Bishop McDevitt and Roman Catholic continue their runs through the postseason, they each bring unique strengths to the table. Bishop McDevitt’s balanced offensive attack and solid defense make them a well-rounded team, while Roman Catholic’s high-scoring offense, led by Semaj Beals, will look to outpace opponents. The stage is set for an exciting finish to the 2024-2025 high school football season, and these two teams will undoubtedly be at the forefront of the action.