The Ascension Episcopal (Lafayette, LA) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against Kentwood (LA) today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division IV Select tournament.
What: Louisiana High School Football
Who: Ascension Episcopal (LA) vs Kentwood (LA)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division IV Select
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
Kentwood and Ascension Episcopal: A Tale of Two High School Football Programs
As the 2024-2025 Louisiana high school football season heats up, two standout teams—Kentwood and Ascension Episcopal—have shown impressive performances that set them apart in their respective districts. With notable records, dynamic players, and an exceptional blend of offensive and defensive prowess, both teams have carved their own paths to success. Here’s a closer look at these teams, comparing their key stats, leaders, and overall performance.
Kentwood Football Team: A Strong, Yet Balanced Contender
Record and Performance Overview:
- Overall Record: 9-3
- District Record: 3-1
- Home Record: 6-1
- Away Record: 3-2
- Win Percentage: .750
- District Win Percentage: .750
- Points For (PF): 406
- Points Against (PA): 173
Kentwood has been a strong contender this season, with a solid win percentage of .750. Their offense, while potent, averages 33.8 points per game, largely driven by their diverse attack. Kentwood’s success has been particularly impressive on home turf, where they’ve won 6 of 7 games. In terms of offensive production, the team’s balance between rushing, passing, and receiving has been key. They average 167.4 rushing yards per game and 139.5 passing yards, making them a versatile threat on offense.
Key Players:
- Ja’marion Burton: Rushing Yards Per Game: 76.4
- Ahmade Bickham Jr.: Passing Yards Per Game: 107.1
- Dahmari Myers: Receiving Yards Per Game: 70.0
- Lamikal Callahan: Tackles Per Game: 11.5, Sacks Per Game: 1.5, Pancake Blocks: 58
Burton’s ability to rack up 76.4 rushing yards per game and Bickham’s 107.1 passing yards per game have made Kentwood’s offense difficult to stop. Meanwhile, Callahan has been a key defensive and offensive player, recording 11.5 tackles per game and 58 pancake blocks, which has helped the team maintain dominance at both ends of the field.
Ascension Episcopal: Dominant in Every Phase of the Game
Record and Performance Overview:
- Overall Record: 10-1
- District Record: 3-1
- Home Record: 6-0
- Away Record: 4-1
- Win Percentage: .909
- District Win Percentage: .750
- Points For (PF): 401
- Points Against (PA): 130
Ascension Episcopal has been nearly unstoppable this season, with a remarkable overall record of 10-1. Their dominant offensive performance, averaging 36.5 points per game, has been a standout feature. The team has been especially effective at home, where they are unbeaten in 6 games, showing their true strength in front of their home crowd. With a solid defense allowing just 130 points, they have proved to be a well-rounded team capable of both high-scoring games and shutting down their opponents.
Key Players:
- No notable individual stats available
Despite not listing individual statistics, Ascension Episcopal’s collective team performance is enough to make them a powerhouse in Louisiana football. They have shown consistency and depth in every aspect of their play, from a high-powered offense to a suffocating defense.
Team Comparisons: Strengths and Areas of Dominance
Both teams have excelled in different areas, and their season performance speaks to their respective strategies:
- Offense: Kentwood’s balanced offense, led by Burton’s rushing and Bickham’s passing, has allowed them to average 33.8 points per game. Ascension Episcopal, on the other hand, has averaged a higher 36.5 points per game, thanks to a more explosive and fast-paced style.
- Defense: Kentwood’s defense has allowed just 173 points this season, with Callahan leading the charge. Ascension Episcopal’s defense has been even stingier, allowing only 130 points, which has been key in their dominance.
- Rushing & Passing: Kentwood has the edge in rushing yards per game with 167.4, while Ascension Episcopal has not posted rushing or passing yards data, indicating a possible focus on a more dynamic, diverse offensive scheme.
- Tackling & Sacks: Kentwood’s Callahan leads in tackles (11.5 per game) and sacks (1.5 per game), giving them a strong presence on defense.
Looking Ahead: Playoff Potential
With both teams securing strong district records and impressive overall performances, they are well-positioned for deep playoff runs. Kentwood will look to continue its balanced attack, relying on Burton and Bickham to power their offense, while Ascension Episcopal’s undefeated home record and suffocating defense make them a formidable opponent in any playoff matchup.
As the postseason approaches, these two teams will certainly be contenders to watch, with the potential to make a deep impact on Louisiana high school football in 2024-2025.
