The 9-3 Austintown-Fitch Falcons (Youngstown, OH) will face the undefeated 12-0 Walsh Jesuit Warriors (Cuyahoga Falls, OH) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 5 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Ohio High School Football
Who: Austintown-Fitch vs Walsh Jesuit
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Bracket: 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 5
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Game preview: Austintown-Fitch vs Walsh Jesuit

As high school football teams prepare for the upcoming clash, Walsh Jesuit and Austintown-Fitch are standing out as two of Ohio’s premier squads for the 2024-2025 season. Both teams have had remarkable runs this year, with Walsh Jesuit boasting an undefeated record and Austintown-Fitch showing strong resilience despite a few setbacks. Here’s a deep dive into both teams’ performances and how they stack up against each other.

Walsh Jesuit: Dominant and Unbeaten

With a perfect 12-0 record, Walsh Jesuit has been nothing short of dominant. The team has demonstrated exceptional consistency, going undefeated both at home (7-0) and on the road (5-0). Their offense has been a force to be reckoned with, averaging a remarkable 40.5 points per game. The Warriors have been especially potent in the first half, averaging 27 points across the first two quarters. Their defense has also been impressive, allowing just 138 points in total over the course of the season.

In terms of playoff performance, Walsh Jesuit is perfect with a 2-0 record. They’ve shown their ability to shine when it matters most, especially in close games like their 37-35 victory over Ursuline on August 22, 2024. This win, alongside a commanding 47-21 victory over McDowell, underlined Walsh Jesuit’s dominance in both their league and non-league matchups.

Austintown-Fitch: A Strong Contender

Austintown-Fitch has had a solid season, finishing with a 9-3 overall record. While they’ve experienced some difficulties in league play, with a 3-2 record in conference matchups, they’ve been perfect in non-league games, going 6-0. Like Walsh Jesuit, their offense has been explosive, averaging 30.5 points per game, though they’ve been a little slower to start, averaging just 7.7 points in the first quarter.

The Falcons’ losses this season came in close contests against common opponents, including a 35-0 defeat to Ursuline and a 38-35 loss to McDowell, both of which Walsh Jesuit triumphed over. Despite these defeats, Austintown-Fitch remains a dangerous team with the ability to challenge any opponent, especially at home, where they finished the regular season 6-1.

Common Opponents: Walsh Jesuit’s Edge

The head-to-head comparisons with common opponents reveal Walsh Jesuit’s superiority. Both teams faced Ursuline and McDowell, but Walsh Jesuit came out victorious in both matchups, while Austintown-Fitch suffered losses. Walsh Jesuit’s wins—especially their nail-biting 37-35 victory over Ursuline and 47-21 triumph over McDowell—highlight their ability to perform under pressure, while Austintown-Fitch’s 0-2 record against these teams shows where they’ve struggled.

Key Takeaways: Walsh Jesuit’s Offense and Austintown-Fitch’s Resilience

Walsh Jesuit’s explosive offense, coupled with their strong defense, gives them a clear edge going into any matchup. Their scoring ability, especially in the first half, has been a major factor in their undefeated run. On the other hand, Austintown-Fitch’s resilience cannot be overlooked. They’ve shown they can put up big numbers, but their struggles against top-tier teams like Ursuline and McDowell have been evident.

Looking Ahead: A Thrilling Showdown

With Walsh Jesuit’s perfect season and Austintown-Fitch’s fierce drive, this upcoming matchup promises to be an exciting and intense battle. Both teams have proven their mettle, but Walsh Jesuit’s unbeaten record and head-to-head dominance against common opponents give them a slight advantage. Austintown-Fitch will need to correct their past mistakes against high-quality teams to stand a chance against the Warriors. If they can, they might just pull off an upset.

Regardless of the outcome, both teams have showcased the level of talent and determination that makes high school football in Ohio so thrilling to watch.