The Althoff Catholic (Belleville, IL) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Casey-Westfield (Casey, IL) on Saturday, November 16, at 2:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets for the IHSA Class 1A tournament.
What: Illinois High School Football
Who: Althoff Catholic (IL) vs Casey-Westfield (IL)
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSA – Class 1A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
Casey-Westfield and Althoff Catholic: A Clash of Titans in Illinois High School Football
As the Illinois high school football season continues to unfold, two teams are standing out for their impressive records and powerful performances: Casey-Westfield and Althoff Catholic. Both programs have been dominant in their respective conferences and offer intriguing team dynamics that are making them highly anticipated competitors as the season progresses.
Casey-Westfield: A Force to Be Reckoned With
With a remarkable 10-1 overall record, Casey-Westfield has proven to be a formidable team in Illinois. Their record in conference play is equally impressive, standing at 6-1, with an undefeated mark of 6-0 at home. Their offensive strategy has been productive, scoring an average of 34.7 points per game, while allowing just 132 points on the season. Notable performances include standout players like Luke Karras, who has racked up 105.5 rushing yards per game and is also contributing significantly to the team’s defensive efforts with 10.5 tackles per game.
Their offensive stats show a balanced attack, with Nolan Clement leading the charge through the air with 133.4 passing yards per game, and Ryan Richards contributing 75.8 receiving yards per game. Despite these offensive numbers, it’s the team’s defensive resilience that stands out, as Casey-Westfield consistently keeps opponents from finding the end zone.
Althoff Catholic: Unbeaten and Unstoppable
On the other side, Althoff Catholic enters the season with a perfect 11-0 record. With a flawless 3-0 in conference play and 5-0 at home, they have dominated their competition. The team has been averaging an impressive 46.6 points per game, and their offense is firing on all cylinders. The Althoff offense is led by Dierre Hill Jr., who is averaging 171.5 rushing yards per game, while Jayden Ellington is posting 152.8 passing yards per game. In terms of total yards, they average 398.2 yards per game, nearly 100 more than their counterparts, Casey-Westfield.
Defensively, Althoff Catholic’s standout player is Drake Mosley, who records 6.4 tackles per game. The team also has an edge in sacks with 2.3 per game, showcasing their ability to disrupt opposing offenses. As a unit, they have been nearly unstoppable, with their 1.000 conference win percentage and perfect road record.
Head-to-Head Comparison
When comparing the two teams directly, there is a notable difference in their offensive production. Althoff Catholic has been more prolific, averaging nearly 47 points per game compared to Casey-Westfield’s 34.7. Their strong offensive play is complemented by their ability to control the ball and move the chains with 243.0 rushing yards per game, leading Casey-Westfield’s 180.8 rushing yards per game.
However, Casey-Westfield has shown it can compete with some of the state’s best. Their 5.1 points per game in the fourth quarter reveal a team that remains strong even in the final moments of the game, a quality that will serve them well in high-stakes matchups.
Key Players to Watch
Several players stand out as key contributors for each team. For Casey-Westfield, Luke Karras is undoubtedly the heart of their offense, while Nolan Clement will need to make big plays through the air to keep up with Althoff’s offensive juggernaut. Meanwhile, Althoff Catholic‘s Dierre Hill Jr. will be the focal point of their ground game, and Jayden Ellington will look to continue his strong passing performances. Defensively, both teams boast elite players, with Karras leading the Casey-Westfield defense and Drake Mosley leading Althoff’s efforts to stymie opponents.
Looking Ahead
As the season moves into its final stretch, both teams are set to face off against tough competition. Casey-Westfield will need to continue their balanced approach, blending a solid rushing attack with a strong defense. Meanwhile, Althoff Catholic will look to maintain their perfect record and prove that their high-powered offense is capable of sustaining success against elite defenses.
Conclusion
With an eye on playoff implications, Casey-Westfield and Althoff Catholic are two teams to watch closely as they head towards the postseason. Whether it’s Casey-Westfield’s resilient defense or Althoff Catholic’s high-scoring offense, one thing is for sure—both teams are poised to make a deep run and potentially challenge for state supremacy. For now, the focus will be on how each team finishes the season, and whether either will stumble as they march towards potential state championship glory.
