The Batavia (IL) varsity football team will play a home playoff game against Downers Grove North (Downers Grove, IL) on Saturday, November 16, at 1 p.m. This matchup is part of the “2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSA – Class 7A” tournament.

What: Illinois High School Football
Who: Batavia (IL) vs Downers Grove North (IL)
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSA – Class 7A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Downers Grove North vs. Batavia: A Clash of Titans

As the high school football season progresses, the spotlight shines on two powerhouse teams in Illinois: Downers Grove North and Batavia. Both teams share impressive records, with each boasting a 10-1 overall record, showcasing their dominance on the field. However, when breaking down their performances, styles of play, and key matchups, there is much to analyze ahead of their upcoming clash.

Overall Performance and Record Breakdown

Both Downers Grove North and Batavia have been nearly unstoppable this season. With matching 10-1 records, these teams have proven themselves to be elite in their respective conferences.

• Downers Grove North:
  The Trojans have dominated their competition with a 10-1 record, including a 5-1 conference record and a perfect 3-0 in away games. Their average points scored per game (35.7) significantly outpaces their opponents’ (101 total points allowed over 11 games). They have a formidable defense as well, giving up only 9.2 points per game.
• Batavia:
  Batavia has posted a 10-1 record, with a 6-1 mark in conference play. Their offensive line has been explosive, averaging 39.2 points per game, while their defense has been equally impressive, allowing only 180 points on the season. The Bulldogs have shown resilience and strength, including an impressive 4-0 away record, making them tough to beat on the road.

Team Scoring Averages and Breakdown

Looking at scoring averages, both teams have explosive offenses, but with some noticeable differences:

• Downers Grove North:
  • First Quarter: 10.5
  • Second Quarter: 15.3
  • Third Quarter: 7.0
  • Fourth Quarter: 1.8
  • Total: 35.7 points per game

  The Trojans’ offense is well-rounded, scoring across all four quarters, although they tend to slow down in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter. They will need to find ways to maintain their intensity throughout the game to ensure a full 48 minutes of competitiveness.

• Batavia:
  • First Quarter: 8.7
  • Second Quarter: 14.9
  • Third Quarter: 8.2
  • Fourth Quarter: 7.4
  • Total: 39.2 points per game

  Batavia’s scoring is balanced throughout the game, with their strongest showing coming in the second half, especially in the fourth quarter. The Bulldogs’ ability to close out games with a solid final quarter could give them an edge in a close matchup.

Offensive and Defensive Comparisons

When comparing the offensive stats, Downers Grove North excels in rushing yards, while Batavia holds a slight edge in passing yards:

• Downers Grove North averages 203.1 rushing yards per game, led by star rusher Nathan Whitwell who contributes 130.6 yards per game, making him a key figure in their offensive success. Additionally, they boast a 167.2 passing yards per game and 167.5 receiving yards per game.
• Batavia, on the other hand, averages 431 total yards per game, with a mix of 203.1 rushing yards and 167.5 passing yards. Batavia’s passing game, led by Bodi Anderson, averages 116.0 yards per game, and their rushing attack is just as potent, balancing their offensive play.

Defensively, both teams show similar strengths:

• Downers Grove North racks up 64 tackles per game and 3.6 sacks per game, led by linebacker Chase Osborne, who averages 10.8 tackles per game. Their defense has been a major contributor to their impressive record.
• Batavia also features a stout defense with 64 tackles per game and 3.6 sacks per game. Their defense is key in stifling opponents’ offenses, and their ability to get pressure on the quarterback will be critical in containing Downers Grove North’s versatile attack.

Key Players to Watch

• Downers Grove North:
  • Nathan Whitwell: The team’s primary rusher and one of the top contributors to the Trojans’ offense, Whitwell has amassed 130.6 rushing yards per game.
  • Bodi Anderson: As the leader of the passing game, Anderson’s 116 passing yards per game will be pivotal in maintaining offensive balance.
  • Chase Osborne: One of the top defensive players with 10.8 tackles per game, he will be crucial in limiting Batavia’s scoring.
• Batavia:
  • Nathan Whitwell: Whitwell is also the leading rusher for Batavia, adding significant rushing yards to the team’s offensive total.
  • Bodi Anderson: A key player for Batavia, Anderson will need to manage the passing game effectively.
  • Chase Osborne: Osborne is a standout linebacker, and his leadership and high tackling rates could be a key factor for Batavia’s defense.

Common Opponents and Performance

Both teams share a similar record against common opponents, having both defeated Glenbard West and Wheaton-Warrenville South with dominant performances. These matchups highlight their ability to close out games and win decisively, regardless of venue.

Conclusion

As the season winds down, the matchup between Downers Grove North and Batavia will undoubtedly be a thrilling contest. Both teams have impressive records, and their balanced offenses and formidable defenses make them well-matched. The key to victory will likely come down to which team can make the most adjustments in the second half, where both squads have had varied levels of success.

With both teams unbeaten against common opponents and sitting atop their respective conferences, this clash promises to be one of the most exciting high school football games of the season. Whether it’s Downers Grove North’s ground game or Batavia’s offensive versatility that prevails, fans can expect a competitive and intense battle.