The Benedictine Bengals (10-2) will host the Padua Franciscan Bruins (7-5) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets for Region 10 in Ohio.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Ohio High School Football
Who: Benedictine vs Padua Franciscan
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Bracket: 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 10
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Game preview: Benedictine vs Padua Franciscan

As the 2024-2025 high school football season continues to unfold, two powerhouse teams in the state of Ohio, Padua Franciscan and Benedictine, are making waves. Both teams have impressive records, distinct playing styles, and a shared history of common opponents. Let’s break down how they compare across several key categories, providing an insight into what fans can expect when these teams take the field.

Team Records & Overall Performance

Padua Franciscan has had a solid season, finishing with a 7-5 record overall, and a 2-2 conference record. The team has shown resilience, managing a respectable .583 win percentage. They’ve had a balanced mix of success at home (3-2) and away (3-3), with a perfect 1-0 record in neutral-site games. Padua Franciscan’s total points scored for the season stand at 250, while they have allowed 267 points.

In contrast, Benedictine has been nearly flawless with a 10-2 overall record and an undefeated 1-0 conference mark. Their exceptional performance is reflected in their 83.3% win rate and perfect 1.000 conference percentage. Benedictine has also been dominant on the road, with a 4-0 record in away games and a solid 6-2 mark at home. Their offense has been high-powered, scoring 397 points and allowing only 134 over the season.

Scoring Breakdown & Offensive Power

When it comes to scoring averages, Padua Franciscan posts an average of 20.8 points per game. Their scoring is spread across all four quarters, with the highest output in the third quarter (6.8 points). The team tends to start slow, averaging just 4.4 points in the first quarter. Despite this, they finish strong, especially in the third quarter, where they outscore opponents.

On the other hand, Benedictine has been a scoring machine, averaging a high 33.1 points per game. Their first-half dominance stands out, with 10.5 points in the first quarter and 11.5 in the second. However, they often struggle to maintain this level of intensity in the fourth quarter, as shown by their 0-point output in that period. Their ability to put up big numbers early in the game has been key to their success.

Statistical Comparisons: Rushing & Passing Offense

Padua Franciscan’s standout player, Roderick Love, has been a dual-threat this season, leading the team in rushing, receiving, and total yardage. With 164.2 rushing yards per game, he is a key player for the offense. Additionally, Love has 41.4 receiving yards per game and 207.9 total yards per game, making him a major contributor. Nick Barker also contributes to the offense with 131.6 passing yards per game.

Benedictine’s offensive scheme, however, has been more diverse in terms of rushing and passing. Although specific rushing and passing yardage details are not provided, their offense has proven to be explosive, particularly through the air. The combination of strong offensive play and solid overall yardage has allowed them to score frequently throughout the season.

Defensive Stats: Tackles & Sacks

On defense, Padua Franciscan has averaged 59.7 tackles per game, led by Devin Shaw-Mason, who makes 12.5 tackles per game. Their defensive line has also shown strength, registering 1.0 sack per game, with Vinny Trainer leading the way with 0.5 sacks per game. Despite allowing more points overall, the defense has done well to disrupt opposing offenses.

In comparison, Benedictine has been tougher on defense, allowing only 134 points across 12 games. Their tackling figures are not listed in full, but their defense has certainly contributed to their impressive record. The team’s defensive dominance in the first half of games has been a factor in their early lead, often allowing them to coast to victory.

Head-to-Head & Common Opponents

Looking at common opponents, both teams had similar results against Elyria Catholic and Walsh Jesuit. Padua Franciscan defeated Elyria Catholic 21-0 on September 20, 2024, while Benedictine won 42-9 when they faced Elyria Catholic on October 4, 2024. Both teams lost to Walsh Jesuit, with Padua falling 42-0 on October 25, 2024, and Benedictine losing a close one 20-12 on September 27, 2024. These results show that while both teams have had similar experiences against top-tier opponents, Benedictine has generally been more dominant in their matchups.

Conclusion: A Clash of Styles

As the season progresses, both Padua Franciscan and Benedictine have proven themselves to be competitive teams with impressive records. Padua Franciscan is a balanced squad, with a focus on an efficient offense led by Roderick Love and a solid defense. Benedictine, meanwhile, relies on their explosive offensive capabilities and suffocating defense to maintain a perfect record in conference play.

Their showdown promises to be a thrilling contest of contrasting styles, with Padua looking to leverage their depth and consistency, while Benedictine aims to continue their dominance with a fast-paced, high-scoring approach. Fans of Ohio high school football will not want to miss this exciting matchup between two of the state’s finest teams.