The Cahokia (IL) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against Normal University (Normal, IL) on Saturday, November 16 at 2:00 PM. This matchup is part of the “2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSA – Class 4A” tournament.

What: Illinois High School Football
Who: Cahokia (IL) vs Normal University (IL)
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSA – Class 4A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

A Look at the 2024-25 Football Season: Normal University vs. Cahokia

As we move through the 2024-25 football season, two standout teams from Illinois—Normal University and Cahokia—have captured the attention of fans with impressive records and strong individual performances. Both teams boast 9-2 overall records and have shown their prowess in conference play. Let’s break down how these two teams compare in key areas, including their scoring, offensive and defensive stats, and key players.

Team Records and Performance

• Normal University (24-25) has maintained an outstanding overall record of 9-2. Their conference record is equally impressive at 6-1, with an undefeated home record (5-0). The team’s offensive and defensive units have contributed significantly to their success, as evidenced by their dominant 515 points scored compared to just 178 points allowed. Their win percentage stands at an impressive .818, with a conference win percentage of .857.
• Cahokia (24-25) mirrors Normal University’s overall record with a 9-2 mark, but their conference dominance has been even more impressive, going a perfect 4-0 in league play. Cahokia has also excelled on the road with a 7-1 away record. With 390 points scored and 191 points allowed, Cahokia has posted a solid win percentage of .818, with a flawless 1.000 record in conference games.

Scoring and Offensive Stats

The scoring patterns between the two teams reveal some interesting differences.

• Normal University tends to score heavily early in games, averaging 20.3 points in the first quarter and 16.6 in the second. However, they taper off significantly in the second half, with only 5.8 points in the third quarter and 5.0 in the fourth. Their average points per game stands at 46.8, a reflection of their explosive offense.
• Cahokia, on the other hand, starts slower but finishes strong, with 8.5 points in the first quarter and 10.2 in the fourth. Their total points per game is 35.5, a solid figure, though not as high as Normal University’s output.

Offensive Team Stat Comparison

A comparison of the two teams’ offensive statistics reveals some notable strengths and weaknesses:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Cahokia leads in this category with 183.3 yards per game compared to Normal University’s 158.1. The presence of standout rusher Correyontae Midgett, who averages 84.9 yards per game, is a key factor in this success.
• Passing Yards Per Game: Normal University outpaces Cahokia with 309.4 passing yards per game, while Cahokia averages 229.5. Quarterback Alek Weiland’s impressive 293.7 yards per game leads the way for Normal University’s high-flying passing attack.
• Total Yards Per Game: Normal University also leads in this area with 467.5 total yards per game, while Cahokia gains 412.7 yards on average.

Defensive Team Stat Comparison

When it comes to defense, both teams have their strong points:

• Tackles Per Game: Cahokia outperforms Normal University by a wide margin with 85.7 tackles per game compared to just 41.7 for Normal University. The presence of linebacker Malik Mazyun, who averages 12.9 tackles per game, is a major factor in this difference.
• Sacks Per Game: Cahokia also has the advantage in sacks, recording 3.6 per game compared to 1.8 for Normal University.
• Pancake Blocks: One area where Normal University shines is in the offensive line, with 102 pancake blocks compared to just 5 for Cahokia.

Key Players

Both teams have standout players who drive their respective offenses and defenses.

• Normal University:
  • Carson Stevens: With 62.4 rushing yards per game and 11.4 points per game, Stevens is a key component of Normal University’s attack.
  • Alek Weiland: The quarterback’s 293.7 passing yards per game has been instrumental in the team’s success.
  • Cade Cunningham: Averaging 99.2 receiving yards per game, Cunningham is another key target in the passing game.
• Cahokia:
  • Correyontae Midgett: The team’s leading rusher with 84.9 yards per game.
  • Zion Taylor: A dynamic playmaker, Taylor leads the team with 222.3 passing yards per game.
  • Malik Mazyun: The linebacker’s 12.9 tackles per game makes him a dominant force on defense.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Both teams have had strong seasons, but their head-to-head matchups so far have been limited, with no results currently available between the two. It remains to be seen how these teams perform against each other should they meet in postseason play.

Conclusion

Both Normal University and Cahokia have demonstrated exceptional talent this season. Normal University’s high-powered offense, led by Alek Weiland’s passing game and Carson Stevens’ rushing, sets them apart in terms of total yards and points scored. On the other hand, Cahokia’s defensive strength, with significant tackles and sacks, as well as their solid rushing attack, makes them a formidable opponent. This season’s competition between these two teams is shaping up to be a thrilling one, with each squad bringing unique strengths to the field.