The Breese Central (Breese, IL) varsity football team will host Mt. Zion (IL) in a home playoff game on Saturday, November 16, at 5 p.m. This matchup is part of the “2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSA – Class 4A” tournament.

What: Illinois High School Football
Who: Breese Central (IL) vs Mt. Zion (IL)
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSA – Class 4A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Mt. Zion vs. Breese Central: A Comparative Look at Two Elite Teams

As we dive into the 2024-2025 football season, two teams have emerged as powerhouses in their respective conferences: Mt. Zion and Breese Central. Both squads have demonstrated impressive records and robust performance statistics, and their rivalry is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated matchups. Let’s break down the key numbers and see how these teams stack up against each other.

Overall Records and Win Percentages

Mt. Zion has had a solid season, holding an 8-3 record. Their performance in both home and away games is respectable, with a .727 overall win percentage and .600 in conference play. This shows consistency, but they’ve faced tougher competition in their league, managing a 3-2 record in conference games.

On the other hand, Breese Central has been absolutely dominant, maintaining an undefeated record of 11-0. Their perfect 5-0 conference record and strong performances both at home (6-0) and on the road (4-0) demonstrate a well-rounded team with few weaknesses. Breese Central’s consistency across all aspects of the game has set them apart as the team to beat in their conference this season.

Scoring Averages and Offensive Strength

When comparing scoring averages, Breese Central has the upper hand. They average an impressive 41.1 points per game, with their scoring spread evenly across the first three quarters of the game (15.0 in Q1, 15.9 in Q2, 6.3 in Q3, and 6.0 in Q4). Mt. Zion, by contrast, averages 30.9 points per game, with their scoring more concentrated in the second and third quarters (11.3 and 10.3 points per quarter, respectively).

Team Stat Comparison

• Rushing: Breese Central leads with 148.3 rushing yards per game compared to Mt. Zion’s 116.7. Their strong ground game has been a cornerstone of their offensive success.
• Passing: Mt. Zion excels in passing yards, averaging 244.1 per game compared to Breese Central’s 232.5. Mt. Zion’s ability to move the ball through the air makes them a more versatile offense, though Breese Central’s rushing attack compensates for this difference.
• Total Yardage: Breese Central averages 380.8 total yards per game, slightly ahead of Mt. Zion’s 360.8. This reflects Breese Central’s well-rounded offensive approach, efficiently balancing both the ground and passing game.
• Defensive Stats: When it comes to defense, Breese Central is slightly more aggressive. They average 69.7 tackles per game and 2.0 sacks per game. In comparison, Mt. Zion averages 62.5 tackles and 1.6 sacks, though both teams have shown they can make key defensive stops when necessary.

Key Players to Watch

Each team boasts standout players that have contributed significantly to their respective success this season.

For Mt. Zion, Keller Stocks is a dynamic force, leading the team with 50.5 rushing yards per game and 237.5 passing yards per game. Jacob Harvey is also a key contributor, with 95.1 receiving yards per game and 7.6 points per game. These players are crucial for Mt. Zion’s offensive success.

Breese Central’s offense is led by Kaden Rakers, who averages 58.2 rushing yards per game, and Preston Baker, who contributes 219.3 passing yards per game. Carter Deien and Griffen Becker add to the team’s balance with strong receiving stats. On defense, Jackson Kampwerth and Landen Ricklefs are forces to be reckoned with, leading the team in tackles and sacks.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced common opponents this season, and the results speak to their dominance. Mt. Zion defeated Salem 34-14 and Mater Dei 56-37. Similarly, Breese Central triumphed over Salem 49-7 and Mater Dei 49-13. Both teams emerged victorious in these matchups, showcasing their ability to handle similarly ranked opponents.

Head-to-Head Record and Playoff Implications

While these two teams haven’t met yet in the 2024-2025 season, the potential for a matchup in the playoffs is high. Mt. Zion holds a 2-0 record in the postseason, while Breese Central has also been perfect, sitting at 2-0. This gives both teams the confidence that they can perform under playoff pressure.

Conclusion

Breese Central’s undefeated record and superior scoring ability give them the edge overall, but Mt. Zion’s well-rounded offensive play and resilience make them a formidable opponent. As both teams continue to dominate in their respective leagues, it will be exciting to see who comes out on top when they finally meet on the field. Regardless of the outcome, it’s clear that both squads have earned their place among the top teams in Illinois high school football this season.