The Alexandria (LA) varsity football team will host Byrd (Shreveport, LA) for a playoff game on Friday, November 29, at 7:00 PM at Butch Stoker Stadium. This matchup is part of the 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division I Select tournament.

Alexandria vs Byrd Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Alexandria vs Byrd
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division I Select
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Game preview: Alexandria vs Byrd

As the 2024-2025 high school football season winds down, two teams have stood out with impressive records and strong performances: Byrd and Alexandria. Both teams have achieved remarkable success, each excelling in different areas. In this article, we break down the key statistics, team leaders, and common opponents to understand how Byrd and Alexandria have performed and how they compare to one another.

Overall Performance

Byrd has put together a solid 9-3 record this season, with a 5-3 district mark and an impressive 6-1 record when playing on the road. The team’s overall win percentage sits at a strong .750, with a district win percentage of .625. Byrd’s offense has been potent, scoring a total of 384 points, averaging 32.0 points per game, while allowing 261 points, giving up an average of 21.8 points per game.

On the other hand, Alexandria has remained perfect throughout the season, finishing with an unblemished 11-0 record. Their district performance is flawless, with a 5-0 district record, and they have been equally dominant at home, away, and on neutral grounds. Alexandria has outscored opponents by a significant margin, with a total of 529 points, averaging an impressive 48.1 points per game, while allowing just 219 points for an average of 19.9 points per game.

Scoring Trends

The scoring patterns of the two teams reveal interesting contrasts. Byrd tends to start slower, averaging just 5.2 points in the first quarter and gradually building momentum, with their highest average in the fourth quarter (11.7 points). Their strong finish is a key aspect of their offensive approach.

Alexandria, however, comes out strong from the start, averaging 15.5 points in both the first and second quarters. Their second-half scoring dips slightly, but they still manage to maintain a commanding lead throughout most games. Alexandria’s ability to score consistently in the first half has been a hallmark of their season.

Team Statistics Comparison

When comparing the two teams in key statistical categories, several trends emerge:

• Rushing yards per game: Byrd leads with 316.0 rushing yards per game, significantly outpacing Alexandria’s 104.4 yards. This demonstrates Byrd’s strong ground game, led by standout running back Desmond Simmons, who has amassed 123.6 yards per game.
• Passing yards per game: Byrd also leads in passing with 44.1 yards per game, while Alexandria records 86.9 yards per game. Alexandria’s ability to spread the ball in the air complements their rushing attack, with Karsen Sellers contributing 142.2 total yards per game (rushing and passing).
• Receiving yards per game: Both teams are fairly similar in this category, with Byrd at 41.8 receiving yards per game and Alexandria at 86.9 yards. Alex Schoonover, a key target for Byrd, averages 20.6 receiving yards per game, while Alexandria’s Darius Washington adds a solid 80.0 receiving yards per game.
• Total yards per game: Byrd’s offensive output totals 360.1 yards per game, while Alexandria’s offensive attack averages 191.3 yards. Despite the disparity in total yards, Alexandria’s balanced offensive game plan has allowed them to maintain a perfect record.

Key Players

Both teams feature standout individual performers who have been crucial to their success.

For Byrd, Desmond Simmons is the player to watch. He leads the team in rushing, averaging over 123 yards per game. Harrison Ayres contributes in the passing game, with 41.8 yards per game. Alex Schoonover is another key weapon for Byrd, contributing in the receiving game with 20.6 yards per game.

For Alexandria, Jt Lindsey is the standout rusher, averaging 160 yards per game. Karsen Sellers, the team’s quarterback, has been a dual-threat, contributing both in the air and on the ground with 142.2 total yards per game. Darius Washington, a top receiver, has been another key playmaker for the team.

Common Opponents

Both Byrd and Alexandria have faced Evangel Christian Academy during the season, and both teams came away with victories. Byrd defeated Evangel Christian Academy 35-23 on September 20, 2024, while Alexandria dominated in a 49-6 victory on November 22, 2024. This common win demonstrates both teams’ ability to compete against high-level opposition.

Record Breakdown

A closer look at the record breakdown for each team shows Byrd’s strength in out-of-state play, with a 3-2 record in home games and a 6-1 record away. Alexandria, on the other hand, has excelled across all facets, maintaining a perfect 5-0 record both at home and away.

In the playoff picture, Byrd has a 2-0 record, while Alexandria is also undefeated in postseason play at 1-0.

Conclusion

As the 2024-2025 season heads toward its conclusion, both Byrd and Alexandria have shown themselves to be formidable forces in high school football. Byrd’s strong rushing game and late-game scoring ability make them a tough opponent, while Alexandria’s balanced attack and flawless record reflect their dominance this season. Fans can expect more thrilling football as these teams continue to make their mark in the postseason.