The Ballard (Louisville, KY) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Male (Louisville, KY) on Friday, November 15 at 7 p.m.

What: Kentucky High School Football
Who: Ballard (KY) vs Male (KY)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Kentucky High School Football Playoff Brackets: KHSAA – Class 6A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Male vs. Ballard Football Showdown: A Look at the Stats and Head-to-Head Rivalry

As the football season heats up, the Male Bulldogs (9-2) are set to face off against their rivals, the Ballard Bruins (5-6), in a pivotal playoff game on November 15, 2024. With Male coming off a dominant 49-21 victory in their regular-season matchup, both teams are looking to make a statement as they prepare for the neutral-site playoff showdown at 7:00 p.m. Let’s break down the key stats, players, and records as we look ahead to this exciting contest.

Team Overview: Male Bulldogs

Male has had a highly successful season, finishing with an impressive 9-2 record, including a perfect 3-0 mark in district play. Their overall dominance has been evident both at home (4-1) and on the road (5-1). The Bulldogs have been a high-scoring team, averaging 33.6 points per game and showing offensive firepower, particularly in the first quarter (12.3 points per game). Their defense has also been effective, allowing just 182 points over the course of the season, which speaks to their balanced approach to both sides of the ball.

Key players like Chayce Burton have led the offense, with Burton averaging 142.7 rushing yards per game and contributing significantly to Male’s 94.3 total yards per game. On defense, Solomon Conley leads the charge with 6 tackles per game, ensuring the Bulldogs can stop opposing offenses when needed.

Team Overview: Ballard Bruins

Ballard, in contrast, has faced a more challenging season, with a 5-6 overall record. The Bruins have been somewhat inconsistent, especially in their away games, where they’ve managed just one win out of five attempts. Ballard has shown some resilience, particularly in district play (2-1), but has struggled to maintain momentum, as evidenced by their overall 0.455 win percentage. They’ve averaged just 21.2 points per game and have been held to low scoring, especially in the later stages of games. In fact, Ballard has struggled to score more than 7 points in the final quarter of most contests.

While Ballard’s offense hasn’t been as explosive as Male’s, players like Isaac “Spike” Sowells Jr. have stood out, especially with his 14 pancake blocks. Ballard will need strong performances from its leaders to overcome Male’s overwhelming offense and aggressive defense in the playoffs.

Head-to-Head: Male Dominates in Regular Season

The most recent encounter between these two teams came on August 30, 2024, when Male triumphed in a commanding fashion, defeating Ballard 49-21. The Bulldogs exploded for 14 points in both the first and second quarters, then closed out the game with another 14 in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Ballard struggled to find consistency, managing just 7 points per quarter and faltering in the second half.

While the result of this earlier matchup is certainly in Male’s favor, both teams know that the stakes are much higher in the playoffs.

Key Player Matchups:

• Chayce Burton (Male): Burton’s 142.7 rushing yards per game will be a key factor for Male. His ability to control the clock and wear down the Ballard defense could be the difference in this game.
• Tyson Kinsel (Male): Kinsel has been effective in the air, averaging 79 passing yards per game, giving Male a dual-threat offense.
• Isaac “Spike” Sowells Jr. (Ballard): With 14 pancake blocks, Sowells Jr. will need to play a dominant role in the trenches to create opportunities for the Bruins.

Looking Ahead: Playoff Implications

The upcoming playoff game between Male and Ballard will be a true test of Ballard’s resolve. The Bruins have the talent to be dangerous, but Male’s overall balance and depth make them the favorites heading into this matchup. With both teams facing a 1-0 record in the postseason so far, Male will look to extend their playoff run, while Ballard hopes to turn the tide and pull off an upset.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced a similar set of opponents this season, with both teams having a 3-1 record against their common foes. This includes games against Trinity, Pleasure Ridge Park, Bullitt East, and Eastern. However, Male’s victories have been more convincing, particularly their 49-7 win over Eastern, a performance that will likely give them confidence heading into this matchup.

Conclusion

The stage is set for an exciting playoff showdown between Male and Ballard, with the Bulldogs heavily favored after their regular-season dominance. However, in a rivalry game, anything can happen, and Ballard will be determined to make the most of their postseason opportunity. As the game kicks off at 7:00 p.m. on November 15, fans can expect an intense, hard-fought contest that will showcase the heart and determination of both teams.