The Bloomington South (Bloomington, IN) varsity football team will host Decatur Central (Indianapolis, IN) for a home playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM. This game is part of the 2024 IHSAA Football State Tournament, presented by the Indianapolis Colts, in the Class 5A State Tournament.

What: Indiana High School Football
Who: Bloomington South (IN) vs Decatur Central (IN)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 IHSAA Football State Tournament presented by the Indianapolis Colts – Class 5A State Tournament
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Decatur Central vs. Bloomington South: A 2024 Football Showdown

The 2024 Indiana high school football season has brought thrilling matchups, and one of the most anticipated games involves two powerhouse teams—Decatur Central and Bloomington South. Both teams have demonstrated impressive performances this season, boasting strong records and standout players. Let’s dive into the stats, rankings, and head-to-head comparisons between these two teams.

Team Records and Rankings

Decatur Central has enjoyed a stellar season with a 9-2 overall record and a 6-1 conference mark, finishing first in their league with a high win percentage of .818. The Hawks have been dominant at home, posting a 5-1 record in their own stadium, and their overall scoring power has been impressive, racking up 393 points while allowing just 226.

On the other hand, Bloomington South has recorded an 8-4 overall record and a 3-2 conference record. While they haven’t been as dominant in their league, their performance on the road has been strong, finishing with a 5-2 record in away games. Bloomington South has scored 400 points this season but allowed 276, showcasing a slightly higher scoring output but also a more vulnerable defense compared to Decatur Central.

Scoring Averages

Looking at how each team scores, Decatur Central has averaged 35.7 points per game, with a consistent offensive output across all four quarters. The Hawks score 12.6 points in the first quarter, 10.3 in the second, 6.6 in the third, and 5.7 in the fourth, showing they can perform well from start to finish.

Bloomington South, while still a formidable offensive unit, has averaged 33.3 points per game. Their scoring is more spread out, with 9.6 points in the first quarter, 8.1 in the second, and similar numbers in the third (8.1) and fourth quarters (7.0).

Team Stat Comparison

When comparing key team statistics, Decatur Central and Bloomington South are closely matched. Both teams average impressive yardage figures across the board:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Decatur Central (200.8) vs. Bloomington South (206.3)
• Passing Yards Per Game: Decatur Central (159.9) vs. Bloomington South (157.6)
• Receiving Yards Per Game: Decatur Central (159.9) vs. Bloomington South (167.0)
• Total Yards Per Game: Decatur Central (360.7) vs. Bloomington South (363.9)

Defensively, Bloomington South leads slightly in Tackles Per Game (80.5 vs. Decatur Central’s 71.8) but both teams have similar sack totals, with Decatur Central averaging 2.0 sacks per game and Bloomington South just behind at 1.8 sacks per game.

Standout Players

Both teams have a wealth of talent, led by some standout individuals who can change the game:

• Decatur Central’s top performers include:
  • N’Po Dodo: Rushing leader with 63.5 yards per game
  • Bo Polston: Passing leader with 156.0 yards per game
  • Kasmir Hicks: Leading receiver with 64.3 yards per game
  • Brayden Smith: Tackles leader with 10.9 tackles per game
• Bloomington South boasts the talents of:
  • Braylen Townsend: Rushing leader with 164.4 yards per game
  • Duncan Combs: Passing leader with 151.2 yards per game
  • Sam Giles: Receiving leader with 59.5 yards per game
  • Ian Quick: Tackles leader with 9.2 tackles per game

Common Opponents and Head-to-Head

When comparing their performance against common opponents, both teams have faced similar challenges, with a 0-2 record against teams like Columbus North and Martinsville. This shows that while both teams have faced tough competition, neither has been able to beat these opponents this season.

Despite similar records, Decatur Central’s more consistent win rate in their conference games and their dominant home performance may give them a slight edge heading into the matchup.

Conclusion: A Highly Competitive Clash

This game between Decatur Central and Bloomington South is poised to be an exciting, high-stakes matchup. Decatur Central brings a balanced attack with a slight edge in overall scoring and defense, while Bloomington South counters with a potent offense led by dynamic players. Both teams will look to capitalize on their strengths and overcome their shared weaknesses.

As they head into the final stretch of the season, this game will undoubtedly have significant implications for the standings and playoff positions. Fans can expect a thrilling contest with plenty of offensive fireworks and strategic plays as these two teams battle for supremacy.