The Atherton High School varsity football team will play a home non-conference game against Moore High School on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM in Louisville, KY.

What: Kentucky High School Football
Who: Atherton (KY) vs Moore (KY)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Preview: Moore vs. Atherton Football Showdown

In a highly anticipated non-conference football game, the Moore Mustangs (7-4) will face off against the Atherton Rebels (9-2) on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. This matchup pits two strong Louisville teams against each other, both with solid records and promising seasons. As the game approaches, here’s a breakdown of what fans can expect from the teams, their stats, and what could be the key to victory for each side.

Season Records & Performance Breakdown

Moore (7-4) has shown resilience throughout their season, with a strong 3-1 record in district play and a respectable 5-1 performance at home. The Mustangs’ overall win percentage stands at .636, with a dominant district record of .750. Moore has scored 247 points while allowing 221 over the course of the season, showing they can compete with top teams but also struggle defensively at times.

Atherton (9-2), on the other hand, enters the game with a stellar .818 win percentage and a perfect 3-0 district record. The Rebels have been particularly dominant at home, where they are 5-1, and their overall point differential is impressive, outscoring opponents 411-147. Atherton’s defense has been nearly airtight, with their offense also putting up an average of 37.4 points per game.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Both teams have faced off against similar opponents, with both Moore and Atherton securing victories in their respective matchups with Seneca and Butler.

• Moore vs. Seneca: Moore won 21-13 at home, while Atherton also defeated Seneca with a 34-12 scoreline.
• Moore vs. Butler: Moore narrowly won 13-10, and Atherton dominated Butler with a 34-0 victory at home.

This similarity in results against common opponents suggests that both teams are competitive, but Atherton’s consistency in dominating games, especially in district play, gives them the edge.

Team Scoring Averages

The Mustangs and the Rebels have different offensive styles, but both teams show strength in the second half of games:

• Moore: The Mustangs’ scoring averages per quarter are as follows: 2.3 in the first quarter, 0 in the second, 6.0 in the third, and 6.7 in the fourth. This suggests they are a second-half team, capable of making strong adjustments.
• Atherton: The Rebels are much more consistent, putting up 6.3 points in the first, 10.3 in the second, 4.3 in the third, and 6.7 in the fourth. Their balanced scoring shows they can execute well across all four quarters.

Key Players to Watch

Moore‘s offensive threats include:

• Maddox Knuckles: With 66.6 rushing yards per game, Knuckles is a key player in Moore’s ground game.
• Keyon Johnson: The Mustangs’ leader in passing yards (80.1 yards per game) and tackles (12 per game), Johnson’s dual-threat capabilities are pivotal for the offense and defense.
• Tristan Jackson: With 52.1 receiving yards per game and 7.3 points per game, Jackson is a crucial target in the passing game.

For Atherton:

• While specific rushing or passing stats were unavailable, Atherton’s balanced approach, combined with their strong defensive play, should make them tough to crack.

Game Breakdown: What to Expect

Both teams have a balanced offensive and defensive attack, but Atherton’s scoring prowess and stingy defense have put them in a dominant position this season. The Rebels’ ability to perform well in all four quarters contrasts with Moore’s tendency to heat up in the second half, making the first half crucial for the Mustangs.

Moore will need to capitalize on its strong home record (5-1) and continue to build momentum after some tight victories, including their 13-10 win over Butler. If they can break through Atherton’s defense early, they might be able to steal a win on the road.

Atherton, however, will likely rely on its consistent offensive execution and strong defense to control the tempo of the game. Their high scoring output could be the key factor in this matchup, especially if they can limit Moore’s big plays.

Conclusion

This is shaping up to be an exciting contest, as both teams have everything to play for. Atherton’s well-rounded team and impressive defensive play put them in the driver’s seat, but Moore has proven they can rise to the occasion. With the game set to begin in just 23 hours, the city of Louisville is in for a thrilling showdown between these two local rivals.