The Andrean High School varsity football team from Merrillville, IN, will host Adams Central High School from Monroe, IN, in a playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 IHSAA Football State Tournament, presented by the Indianapolis Colts, in the Class 2A division.

What: Indiana High School Football
Who: Andrean (IN) vs Adams Central (IN)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 IHSAA Football State Tournament presented by the Indianapolis Colts – Class 2A State Tournament
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Adams Central vs. Andrean: A Comprehensive Comparison of Two Top Football Programs

As we move deeper into the football season, two standout teams have caught the attention of fans, analysts, and scouts alike—Adams Central and Andrean. Both programs have had impressive performances in the 2024-2025 season, boasting solid records and notable players. In this article, we take a detailed look at the strengths, statistics, and key differences between these two teams, offering a comparison that highlights their path to success.

Team Records & Rankings

• Adams Central: With a 12-1 record overall and a perfect 6-0 in conference play, Adams Central has been nothing short of dominant. The team’s overall win percentage stands at an impressive .923, and they’ve also showcased remarkable defensive and offensive capabilities, outscoring opponents 482 to 126.
• Andrean: Andrean, with a 9-4 record, has also shown considerable strength, especially in conference play, where they went 5-1. Despite a strong performance, they haven’t been as dominant as Adams Central, with a win percentage of .692. Andrean has scored 298 points, while allowing 166, reflecting their more balanced but slightly less potent offense.

Scoring Breakdown

A closer look at the team’s scoring across quarters provides further insights into their respective playstyles:

• Adams Central consistently produces strong performances in each quarter, with an average of 11.3 points in the first quarter and maintaining a solid scoring rhythm throughout the game, finishing with a total of 37.1 points per game.
• Andrean, on the other hand, has struggled to maintain momentum, particularly in the second half of games. They average 7.8 points in the first quarter but drop to just 2.4 points in the third quarter, finishing the game with 22.9 points per game.

This scoring pattern indicates that Adams Central has a well-rounded and consistent offense, while Andrean may need to improve in the second half to close out games stronger.

Team Stat Comparison

The statistical breakdown between the two teams reveals distinct differences in their offensive and defensive approaches:

• Adams Central excels in both rushing and passing. They average 135.8 rushing yards per game and 136.2 passing yards per game, showing they can strike from both the ground and through the air. Their total yards per game of 272.1 ranks them highly, giving them multiple avenues to move the ball downfield.
• Andrean puts up a balanced effort but struggles in comparison. Their rushing yards per game (76.0) and passing yards per game (123.0) still make them competitive, but they don’t reach the level of consistency Adams Central showcases in both categories.

Defensively, Adams Central has the edge, with 54.7 tackles per game and 2.5 sacks per game—both stronger than Andrean’s averages. The defensive intensity and ability to disrupt the opposing offense have been critical in Adams Central’s success this season.

Key Players to Watch

Both teams have key contributors who have led them to success:

• Adams Central:
  • Emmett Leader: Ranked #28 in rushing yards, averaging 76.0 yards per game.
  • Brady Elish: A standout quarterback, ranked #4 in passing yards, with 123.0 passing yards per game.
  • James Finley: A top receiver, ranked #15 in receiving yards, averaging 61.7 yards per game.
  • Ethan Reyna: Defensive leader, with 8.0 tackles per game, ranked #10 in the nation.
• Andrean:
  • Brady Elish: Also a key player for Andrean, showing up on the leaderboard for passing yards.
  • Henry Macri: A critical contributor, with 6.0 points per game, ranked #82.
  • Angel Torres: A defender with 0.6 sacks per game, ranked #27.

These individual performances show Adams Central’s superior overall production, especially in key roles like quarterback and defense.

Home vs. Away Performance

When looking at home and away performance:

• Adams Central has a perfect 7-0 record at home, making their home field a stronghold, and an impressive 5-1 away record shows they can also perform under pressure on the road.
• Andrean, while 5-1 at home, struggled more on the road with a 4-3 record. Their ability to win in different environments will be important as the season progresses.

Playoff Potential

Both teams have demonstrated playoff potential, but Adams Central stands out. With a 4-0 record in playoffs, they have proven their ability to perform in high-stakes situations. Andrean, while showing resilience, has a 4-0 playoff record as well, and they could be a dark horse to watch in future games.

Conclusion

In summary, while both Adams Central and Andrean have strong seasons under their belts, Adams Central’s overall consistency, powerful offense, and dominant defense make them the stronger team heading into the latter stages of the season. Andrean, with their balanced approach, will need to improve their second-half play and find more consistency on the road to challenge for the top spot. Regardless, both teams are poised to make an impact, and their continued development will be exciting to follow as the season unfolds.