The Blue Valley Northwest varsity football team (Overland Park, KS) will play a neutral playoff game against Gardner-Edgerton (Gardner, KS) on Friday, November 15 at 7:00 PM.

What: Kansas High School Football
Who: Blue Valley Northwest (KS) vs Gardner-Edgerton (KS)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Gardner-Edgerton vs. Blue Valley Northwest: A Detailed Football Team Comparison for the 2024-25 Season

As the 2024-25 high school football season progresses, two teams from Kansas, Gardner-Edgerton and Blue Valley Northwest, have stood out with impressive records and strong performances. Let’s take a deep dive into their season stats, team comparison, and head-to-head performance to see how these two teams stack up.

Team Overview: Gardner-Edgerton vs. Blue Valley Northwest

Gardner-Edgerton has had an excellent season so far with a 9-1 record. They are leading their district with a 6-1 record and boast a .900 overall win percentage and a .857 district win percentage. The team’s offense has been potent, scoring an average of 44.4 points per game. They have posted a total of 444 points against 214 points allowed, showcasing both offensive firepower and solid defense.

On the other hand, Blue Valley Northwest holds a 7-3 record, with a 3-3 district record. Their win percentage stands at .700, and their district win percentage is .500. With 338 points scored and 224 points allowed, they average 33.8 points per game. While not as dominant as Gardner-Edgerton, Blue Valley Northwest has proven to be competitive.

Offensive Breakdown: Scoring Averages and Stat Comparison

Gardner-Edgerton leads the way in offensive performance, averaging 44.4 points per game. Their scoring is spread across all four quarters, with 15.1 points in the first, 14.0 in the second, 7.0 in the third, and 6.9 in the fourth. This balanced approach allows them to consistently apply pressure and close out games effectively.

In contrast, Blue Valley Northwest has a slightly lower average of 33.8 points per game. Their scoring distribution shows a strong first half, with 10.5 points in the first quarter and 6.8 points in the second. However, they struggle a bit more in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they only manage 5.3 points per game.

Team Stat Comparison:

• Rushing Yards Per Game:
  • Gardner-Edgerton: 185.5 yards
  • Blue Valley Northwest: 182.3 yards
• Passing Yards Per Game:
  • Gardner-Edgerton: 182.3 yards
  • Blue Valley Northwest: 131.7 yards
• Total Yards Per Game:
  • Gardner-Edgerton: 367.8 yards
  • Blue Valley Northwest: 338 yards
• Tackles Per Game:
  • Gardner-Edgerton: 53.1 tackles
  • Blue Valley Northwest: 53.1 tackles
• Sacks Per Game:
  • Gardner-Edgerton: 1.5 sacks
  • Blue Valley Northwest: 1.0 sack

Key Players to Watch

Gardner-Edgerton has several standout players this season:

• LJ Bowens: With 108 rushing yards per game, Bowens has been a key offensive weapon for the team. He is ranked #26 nationally in rushing yards.
• Nathan Baxter: Baxter leads the team in passing yards with 131.7 yards per game, ranked #16 nationally.
• Trevor Garlington: A key receiving threat, Garlington averages 71 yards per game, ranking #7 nationally in receiving yards.
• Luke Wolverton: Defensively, Wolverton leads the team with 7.1 tackles per game, ranking #6 in the nation.

For Blue Valley Northwest:

• Nathan Baxter: Despite not leading the passing game for his team, Baxter has still managed 131.7 yards per game, ranking high in the country.
• Luke Wolverton: Wolverton ranks highly, playing a key role as a defensive player.
• Trevor Garlington: Garlington had a crucial role as a defensive powerhouse..

Performance Against Common Opponents

Both teams have proven themselves against common opponents this season, going 2-0 in these matchups.

• Gardner-Edgerton’s victories over Shawnee Mission North (49-27) and Shawnee Mission Northwest (28-27) highlight their ability to compete in close games and come out on top.
• Blue Valley Northwest’s wins against Shawnee Mission North (31-12) and Shawnee Mission Northwest (38-7) showcase their strong performances, particularly in dominant victories.

Playoff Implications and Record Breakdown

Both teams have playoff aspirations with Gardner-Edgerton having an edge in overall performance. Their 9-1 record, including 6-1 in the league, positions them strongly for a deep playoff run. On the other hand, Blue Valley Northwest will look to capitalize on their 7-3 record and their ability to perform well in district matchups, despite a tougher road ahead in the postseason.

Conclusion

As the season nears its close, Gardner-Edgerton and Blue Valley Northwest are two of the top teams to watch in Kansas high school football. With both teams showing strength on offense and defense, their head-to-head performances will likely be a highlight in the final stretch of the season. Whether Gardner-Edgerton can maintain their dominant form or Blue Valley Northwest can close the gap remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain: both teams are primed for an exciting postseason battle.