The Andover Central High School varsity football team (Andover, KS) will host a home playoff game against Buhler (KS) on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 Kansas High School Football Playoff Brackets (KSHSAA) for Class 4A.

What: Kansas High School Football
Who: Andover Central (KS) vs Buhler (KS)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Kansas High School Football Playoff Brackets: (KSHSAA) – Class 4A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Football Showdown: Buhler vs. Andover Central

As the 2024-2025 Kansas high school football season reaches its peak, two powerhouse teams—Buhler and Andover Central—are setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating matchup. With both teams boasting impressive records and standout performances throughout the season, fans are eagerly anticipating this clash of titans. Let’s break down the key stats and factors that make this game a must-watch.

Team Records and Overall Performance

Buhler enters the game with a strong 9-2 overall record, finishing their district play undefeated at 5-0. Their balanced play, with a solid performance at home (4-1) and on the road (5-1), has been a defining factor in their success. Buhler’s offense has been particularly potent, averaging 37.3 points per game (PPG), while their defense has allowed just 183 total points across the season.

Andover Central, on the other hand, comes into the game with a nearly perfect 10-1 record. Their district play stands at 5-1, with impressive results in both home (6-1) and away (4-0) games. Known for a strong defensive unit and efficient scoring, Andover Central has averaged 36.9 PPG, slightly less than Buhler, but still a formidable total. Their defense has been equally dominant, allowing just 132 points over the season.

Scoring Breakdown

The scoring averages of the two teams are closely matched, with Buhler slightly edging out Andover Central.

• Buhler averages 16.0 points in the first quarter, followed by 18.7 in the second. However, their offense tends to slow down after halftime, managing just 4.3 points in the third quarter and 9.0 points in the fourth, resulting in a final average of 37.3 points per game.
• Andover Central starts slightly slower, with 12.5 points in the first quarter and 13.4 in the second. Their offense also dips in the second half, with a total of 6.2 points in the third quarter and just 5.0 points in the fourth. However, they are more consistent throughout the game, averaging 36.9 points per game.

Offensive and Defensive Stats

The offensive efficiency of both teams has been impressive, but they approach the game with slightly different strategies.

• Buhler has an explosive offense with a balanced attack. Their rushing game, led by Maddox Archibald (130.1 yards per game), has been highly productive, while the passing game, spearheaded by Jace Jefferson (192.1 passing yards per game), complements their ground attack. Buhler’s offense averages 378 total yards per game, with Brandt Stupka contributing 83.8 receiving yards per game.
• Andover Central has been dominant in the passing game, with Jace Jefferson also leading the charge in total yards per game (199.4). Their rushing attack is more modest but still effective, with Maddox Archibald contributing significantly to the team’s offensive output. Andover Central’s defense has also been solid, with an average of 59.5 tackles per game, while Buhler averages 1.5 sacks per game.

Key Players to Watch

• Maddox Archibald (Buhler): Archibald is a dual threat for Buhler, excelling both on the ground (130.1 rushing yards per game) and as a key scorer, averaging 13.1 points per game. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes him a player to watch.
• Jace Jefferson (Buhler): The quarterback for Buhler has been pivotal in both passing and total yardage. With 192.1 passing yards per game, Jefferson is a key playmaker who can lead his team downfield.
• Brandt Stupka (Buhler): With 83.8 receiving yards per game, Stupka is the go-to target in the receiving game, providing a dynamic threat in the passing attack.
• Andover Central Defense: The defense, led by key contributors like Landon Preston (9.0 tackles per game), has been highly effective in shutting down opponents, allowing just 132 points over the season. The ability to contain Buhler’s high-scoring offense will be crucial for Andover Central’s success.

Common Opponents and Head-to-Head Results

Both teams have faced some of the same opponents, and the results have been consistent. Against teams like El Dorado, Winfield, and Arkansas City, both Buhler and Andover Central secured dominant victories. These common opponents’ results demonstrate that both teams are capable of handling strong competition, making their upcoming matchup even more thrilling.

Record Breakdown

Buhler has a 9-2 overall record, with a 5-0 district record and an impressive 4-1 home record. They’ve proven themselves to be strong contenders, especially on the road.

Andover Central comes into the game with a 10-1 record, including a 5-1 district record and a solid 6-1 home record. They’ve shown consistent dominance throughout the season, particularly in their strong defense and high-powered offense.

Conclusion

As Buhler and Andover Central prepare to face off, both teams bring impressive stats and a wealth of talent to the table. Buhler’s powerful offense, led by Archibald and Jefferson, faces off against Andover Central’s more balanced but equally effective approach. With both teams having perfect records against common opponents, this game promises to be an exciting and high-stakes contest that will highlight the best of Kansas high school football.