The Byrd (Shreveport, LA) varsity football team will host Woodlawn-B.R. (Baton Rouge, LA) for a home playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division I Select tournament.

What: Louisiana High School Football
Who: Byrd (LA) vs Woodlawn-B.R. (LA)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division I Select
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

High School Football Showdown: Woodlawn-B.R. vs Byrd

The upcoming high school football matchup between Woodlawn-B.R. and Byrd promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams showcasing unique strengths and challenges. Let’s take a closer look at the statistics, performance trends, and team leaders to get a sense of how this game could unfold.

Team Overview

Woodlawn-B.R. (4-6 overall, 2-3 in District)

• Woodlawn-B.R. has faced a tough season, finishing with a .400 win percentage and a similar district record. They have been strong at home, securing a 3-2 record, but struggled on the road, with only one win in five games. Despite their losing record, the team has shown resilience, with an average of 18.0 points per game.

Byrd (7-3 overall, 5-3 in District)

• Byrd has had a more successful season, finishing with a 7-3 overall record, a 70% win percentage, and a solid district performance of 5-3. Their strength at home (5-1) and consistency on the road (2-2) have been key to their success. Byrd’s offense is potent, averaging 32.7 points per game, with a significant jump in their scoring during the final quarter (11.7 points per game).

Scoring Averages Breakdown

• Woodlawn-B.R. tends to have a more balanced but lower-scoring game, averaging just 18.0 points per game. They score the most in the fourth quarter (5.1 points) but struggle early, averaging only 2.0 points in the first quarter.
• Byrd, on the other hand, shows more offensive firepower, especially in the final quarter, with 11.7 points per game. Their first quarter is more productive than Woodlawn-B.R.’s (5.2 points), and they consistently increase their output as the game progresses, ending with an average of 32.7 points per game.

Team Stat Comparison

• Rushing: Byrd holds a notable advantage in rushing, averaging 320.7 yards per game, which is far ahead of Woodlawn-B.R.’s numbers. This high rushing total indicates Byrd’s physical style of play, potentially wearing down their opponents with consistent ground attacks.
• Passing: Both teams show a reliance on the passing game, though Byrd’s passing average (51.6 yards per game) slightly outpaces Woodlawn-B.R. at 44.7 yards per game. Neither team has a standout passing game, but Byrd’s ability to balance the run and pass game provides them with greater offensive flexibility.
• Total Yards: Byrd again leads in total yards per game, averaging 365.4 yards compared to Woodlawn-B.R.’s 365.4 total yards. The edge in rushing helps Byrd in this category, allowing them to dominate the game more effectively.

Key Players to Watch

• Woodlawn-B.R.:
  • Christian Maxie: The team’s standout rusher, averaging 121.1 yards per game. His performance could be pivotal for Woodlawn-B.R. to keep the game close and possibly grind out some key first downs against Byrd’s defense.
  • Alex Schoonover: Leading the receiving corps with 24.5 yards per game, Schoonover could be a key factor in the passing game, especially if Byrd’s defense focuses too much on the run.
• Byrd:
  • Christian Maxie (again): Byrd’s offensive line and rushing attack make them a formidable force in the running game, and Maxie will play a crucial role in exploiting Woodlawn-B.R.’s defense.
  • Harrison Ayres: With an average of 51.6 passing yards per game, Ayres is efficient in connecting with his receivers, potentially taking advantage of any defensive lapses by Woodlawn-B.R.

Record Breakdown & History

• Woodlawn-B.R. has had an up-and-down season, struggling against district opponents but showing promise with their performances at home. Their 4-6 record indicates a team that can be competitive but needs to refine its strategies, especially in the first half of games.
• Byrd has had a much more solid season with a 7-3 record, bolstered by a strong district showing. Their road and home splits indicate that they’re a more well-rounded team, capable of handling adversity on the road.

Conclusion

While both teams come into this game with distinct styles, Byrd has the advantage in terms of overall performance, offensive firepower, and consistency. Woodlawn-B.R. will need to capitalize on its home-field advantage and hope to slow down Byrd’s potent rushing attack if they want to keep this game competitive. With Byrd’s ability to put up points in all four quarters, it may be difficult for Woodlawn-B.R. to keep up, but with a strong performance from key players like Maxie and Schoonover, they could surprise.

In the end, Byrd’s overall strength and balanced offensive attack make them the favorites, but as always in high school football, anything can happen on the field.