The Acadiana Christian varsity football team from Lafayette, LA, is set to face the Noblesville Lions from Noblesville, IN, in a neutral tournament game today at 11 a.m.
What: Illinois High School Football
Who: Acadiana Christian (IN) vs Noblesville Lions (IN)
When: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Time: 11 a.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
Noblesville Lions vs. Acadiana Christian: A Season in Review
The Noblesville Lions and Acadiana Christian football teams have concluded their 2024-2025 seasons, offering starkly contrasting narratives. Both programs have faced challenges but showcased key players and moments that defined their campaigns. Here’s a deep dive into their performance, stats, and areas for improvement.
Season Records and Standings
- Noblesville Lions:
- Overall Record: 4-6
- Conference Record: 2-2
- Home/Away Splits: 2-1 at home, 1-5 away, 1-0 neutral
- Points For/Points Against: 120 PF / 198 PA
- Win Percentage: 40%
- Acadiana Christian:
- Overall Record: 0-9
- District Record: 0-3
- Home/Away Splits: 0-3 at home, 0-6 away
- Points For/Points Against: 77 PF / 404 PA
- Win Percentage: 0%
The Lions outperformed Acadiana Christian across all metrics, highlighted by four wins compared to Acadiana’s winless campaign.
Scoring Averages
- Noblesville Lions: Averaged 12 points per game, peaking in the fourth quarter with 5.7 points.
- Acadiana Christian: Averaged only 8.6 points per game, with their strongest quarter being the first at 4.8 points.
The Lions demonstrated slightly better offensive consistency, especially in late-game situations, which helped them secure wins in tight matchups.
Team Performance Stats
- Total Yardage:
- Noblesville Lions: 139.6 yards per game
- Acadiana Christian: 24.4 yards per game
- The Lions’ offense far outpaced Acadiana’s, thanks largely to superior passing and rushing capabilities.
- Key Statistical Comparisons:
- Rushing Yards/Game: Lions (47.0) vs. Acadiana (6.7)
- Passing Yards/Game: Lions (92.6) vs. Acadiana (17.7)
- Points/Game: Lions (12.0) vs. Acadiana (0.9)
Acadiana Christian struggled to establish any offensive rhythm, significantly lagging behind national averages in key categories.
Player Highlights
- Noblesville Lions:
- Sully Stadler (#7): Averaged 24.8 rushing yards per game.
- Lance Hoffeditz (#15): 73.1 passing yards and 76.9 total yards per game.
- Brogan Wilson (#85): Led in receiving with 43.6 yards per game and 2.6 points per game.
- Nick Wheeler (#12): Anchored the defense with 10 tackles per game.
- Acadiana Christian:
- David Marcantel (#7): 47 rushing yards per game, showcasing individual effort amid a struggling offense.
- Luke Smith (#14): Contributed 124 total yards per game, providing most of the team’s offensive production.
- Gabriel Neuville (#12): Led in scoring with 6 points per game.
While both teams had standout players, Acadiana Christian leaned heavily on a few individuals, whereas the Lions spread contributions across multiple athletes.
Season Challenges
- Noblesville Lions: Inconsistency on the road proved costly, with a 1-5 away record. Additionally, they allowed nearly 200 points, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities.
- Acadiana Christian: Offensive struggles were evident, with less than 25 total yards per game. They also faced defensive issues, conceding over 400 points across nine games.
Outlook for Improvement
- Noblesville Lions: Building on their fourth-quarter scoring strength and bolstering their defense could elevate their record next season.
- Acadiana Christian: Establishing a reliable offensive system and improving their rushing attack will be crucial for competitive play.
The 2024-2025 season showcased the Lions’ potential for growth and Acadiana Christian’s determination despite adversity. Both programs have clear paths forward to build stronger campaigns in the coming years.