The Mansfield (LA) varsity football team has a home playoff game vs. Avoyelles (Moreauville, LA) on Friday, November 15 at 7 pm et.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Louisiana High School Football
Who: Mansfield (LA) vs. Avoyelles (LA)
When: Friday, November 15
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
Preview of Avoyelles vs. Mansfield: Division III Non-Select LHSAA Playoff Showdown
This Friday, Avoyelles and Mansfield will meet under the Friday night lights for a high-stakes matchup in the Division III Non-Select bracket of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association playoffs. Mansfield, with the home advantage, aims to defend their 6-4 record, while Avoyelles, coming in at 5-5, is determined to pull an upset.
Team Records and Rankings
Avoyelles Mustangs
- Overall Record: 5-5
- District Record: 2-2
- Home Record: 3-2
- Away Record: 2-3
- Power Ranking: #211 in Louisiana Class
- Points For (PF): 278
- Points Against (PA): 197
Mansfield Wolverines
- Overall Record: 6-4
- District Record: 3-1
- Home Record: 3-2
- Away Record: 3-2
- Power Ranking: #164 in Louisiana Class
- Points For (PF): 356
- Points Against (PA): 273
Mansfield’s slight edge in rankings and win percentage gives them a statistical advantage, but Avoyelles’ resilience and balanced record reflect their ability to compete in challenging games.
Scoring Patterns
A breakdown of scoring averages per quarter for each team reveals different play styles:
- Avoyelles scores progressively through the game, with their highest points typically coming in the fourth quarter (9.1 points).
- Mansfield shows strength early, averaging 10.3 points in the second quarter but tends to taper off in the final quarter with just 4 points.
This scoring pattern could lead to a fast Mansfield start with Avoyelles potentially catching up later in the game, making for an exciting playoff clash.
Offensive and Defensive Stats Comparison
Rushing and Passing:
Both teams rely heavily on their rushing games, though Mansfield has a slight edge with 235.7 rushing yards per game compared to Avoyelles’ 226.3. However, Mansfield’s passing game also provides them with a significant advantage, boasting 108.0 yards per game in the air against Avoyelles’ 18.3 passing yards per game.
Defensive Stats:
Mansfield’s defensive stats are unavailable, but Avoyelles averages 43.7 tackles and 1.8 sacks per game, with #25 Preston Barnes leading the tackles. If Mansfield’s defense can slow down Avoyelles’ rushing, they could set up opportunities for their potent offense to exploit the gaps.
Players to Watch
Avoyelles Mustangs Key Players:
- #2 Kevin Jones (Rushing Yards): 105.4 yards per game
- #3 Kaise Gauthier (Passing Yards): 14.4 yards per game
- #5 Zayden Williams (Points): 9.8 points per game
Mansfield Wolverines Key Players:
- #9 Terrell Pegues (Total Yards and Points): 129.8 total yards per game and 12.8 points per game
- #1 Sharmal Booker (Passing Yards): 91.0 yards per game
- #2 Kalvin Jackson (Receiving Yards): 24.3 yards per game
With top performances from Jones and Pegues, both teams will rely on these players to make critical plays that could shift the game’s outcome.
Game Outlook and Prediction
Mansfield’s strong offense and balanced attack, particularly with their advantage in passing yards, suggest a slight edge. Their early scoring patterns could put Avoyelles on their heels. However, Avoyelles’ fourth-quarter surge potential can’t be underestimated, especially if the game remains close entering the final quarter.
The matchup promises playoff intensity, with Mansfield likely looking to capitalize on home-field advantage and offensive depth. If Avoyelles can control the clock with their ground game and keep Mansfield’s offense off the field, they stand a solid chance of breaking through.