The Alexandria High School varsity football team will face Evangel Christian Academy from Shreveport, LA, in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division I Select tournament.
What: Louisiana High School Football
Who: Alexandria (LA) vs Evangel Christian Academy (LA)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division I Select
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
Evangel Christian Academy vs. Alexandria: A Tale of Two Teams in the 2024-25 Season
The 2024-25 high school football season has highlighted contrasting narratives for Evangel Christian Academy and Alexandria. Both teams have shown strong performances, but their records, statistics, and styles of play tell two distinct stories.
Season Records and Rankings
Evangel Christian Academy stands at a respectable 6-5 overall record, with a balanced 4-4 in district play. Their performance at home and on the road remains even, showing no significant advantage in either environment. Evangel holds a win percentage of .545 and has scored 484 points while allowing 428—a positive margin but indicative of a competitive schedule.
Meanwhile, Alexandria has had a flawless season so far, boasting an impressive 10-0 record. Ranked 2nd in Louisiana Class and 53rd nationally, Alexandria’s dominance is reflected in their win percentage of 1.000 and their overwhelming 480 points scored against only 213 allowed. The Trojans’ ability to maintain a perfect record both at home and away further cements their reputation as a powerhouse.
Scoring Averages
Both teams show strong offensive capabilities, but Alexandria holds a slight edge in consistent scoring across quarters:
| Quarter | Evangel Christian Academy | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 12.8 | 15.7 |
| Q2 | 7.3 | 13.3 |
| Q3 | 8.3 | 9.3 |
| Q4 | 8.0 | 7.3 |
| Final | 44.0 | 48.0 |
Evangel’s explosive first-quarter performance sets a strong tone, but their scoring declines in subsequent quarters, suggesting challenges in sustaining momentum. In contrast, Alexandria demonstrates balanced scoring, particularly excelling in the first half to secure early leads.
Team Statistics
Despite Alexandria’s perfect record, Evangel Christian Academy outshines in some key statistical categories:
| Statistic | Evangel Christian Academy | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 170.9 | 114.8 |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 385.3 | 95.6 |
| Receiving Yards Per Game | 382.3 | 95.6 |
| Total Yards Per Game | 556.2 | 210.4 |
| Points Per Game | 40.8 | 48.0 |
Evangel’s potent passing game, led by standout quarterback Peyton Houston, has been a cornerstone of their offense. Averaging 385.3 passing yards per game and 450.1 total yards per game, Houston leads the team in multiple categories. However, Alexandria’s well-rounded efficiency and defensive prowess offset their more modest offensive totals, resulting in fewer yards but more wins.
Key Players
Evangel Christian Academy:
- Peyton Houston (#1): The team’s offensive engine, averaging 384.9 passing yards and 450.1 total yards per game.
- Demarkus Evans (#4): Top receiver, contributing 107.9 receiving yards per game.
- Damari Drake (#6): Defensive leader with 12.5 tackles per game.
Alexandria:
- JT Lindsey: Dominant in the run game, averaging 160 rushing yards per game.
- Karsen Sellers (#4): Key passer with 142.2 passing yards per game.
- Darius Washington: A reliable receiving option with 80 yards per game.
Common Opponent Analysis
The teams faced a common opponent in Neville, with opposite results:
- Evangel Christian Academy: Fell to Neville, 42-24.
- Alexandria: Defeated Neville convincingly, 42-16.
This stark difference in performance against a shared adversary underscores Alexandria’s superior execution and ability to handle high-pressure matchups.
What Lies Ahead
As the season progresses, Alexandria’s undefeated streak positions them as clear favorites heading into potential playoff contention. Evangel Christian Academy, while competitive, will need to address their inconsistencies to pose a serious challenge against top-tier teams.
Both teams have showcased remarkable talent and determination, but Alexandria’s dominance and unyielding momentum place them on a trajectory toward championship glory. Evangel Christian Academy, however, has the tools and resilience to evolve as a formidable contender.
This season is shaping up to be an exciting journey for both programs, with Alexandria leading the pack and Evangel aiming to refine their strategies for greater success.
