The Lafayette varsity football team from Wildwood, MO, will play against Cardinal Ritter College Prep from St. Louis, MO, in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Missouri High School Football
Who: Cardinal Ritter College Prep vs Lafayette
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: in progress
Bracket: 2024 Missouri High School Football Playoff Brackets: MSHSAA – Class 5
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Cardinal Ritter College Prep vs. Lafayette
In an exciting playoff matchup, Cardinal Ritter College Prep (9-1) will face Lafayette (11-1) in a game that promises to be high-paced and competitive. Both teams have had stellar seasons, showcasing their talents both offensively and defensively. Cardinal Ritter comes in with a strong offensive and defensive record, while Lafayette’s impressive overall performance has made them a tough contender.
Season Recap: Cardinal Ritter College Prep
- Record: 9-1
- Points For/Against: 420 PF, 136 PA
- Scoring Average: 42.0 points per game
Cardinal Ritter College Prep enters the game as a well-rounded team, with a potent offense led by Carson Boyd and a solid defense anchored by Bryce Gray. Their offense has been dynamic, with their passing and rushing games equally effective. Defensively, they have been formidable, giving up just 136 points over the course of the season, and they have been consistent across all quarters.
Season Recap: Lafayette
- Record: 11-1
- Points For/Against: 477 PF, 130 PA
- Scoring Average: 39.8 points per game
Lafayette has been dominant this season with a perfect district record. They have proven themselves to be a strong team with both offensive firepower and defensive resilience. Their offense is capable of putting up big numbers, while their defense has been stifling, allowing fewer than 11 points per game in most contests.
Head-to-Head:
- Cardinal Ritter College Prep vs. Lafayette: This will be the first meeting between these two teams in the 2024 season, adding intrigue to this matchup.
Team Stat Comparison
| Stat | Cardinal Ritter College Prep | Lafayette |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 188.8 | – |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 187.9 | – |
| Receiving Yards Per Game | 190.2 | – |
| Total Yards Per Game | 376.7 | – |
| Points Per Game | 24.2 | 39.8 |
| Tackles Per Game | 39.3 | – |
| Sacks Per Game | 2.1 | – |
Common Opponents
- There are no common opponents for these two teams in the 2024 season.
Keys to Victory
For Cardinal Ritter College Prep:
- Explosive Start: Cardinal Ritter has had a strong second half of the season, but they will need to ensure they don’t fall behind early, especially with Lafayette’s strong second-half play.
- Balance Offense: Their offensive attack, led by Carson Boyd and Jamarion Parker, must remain balanced between the pass and the run to keep Lafayette’s defense on their toes.
- Defensive Pressure: Keeping Lafayette’s offense in check, especially in the passing game, will be vital. With Bryce Gray anchoring the defense, they must force key turnovers and limit big plays.
For Lafayette:
- Maintain Offensive Consistency: Lafayette must continue their efficient offensive play, especially in the second half, where they tend to be most dangerous.
- Stifle Cardinal Ritter’s Offense: Limiting Boyd’s passing attack and keeping Parker in check will be key. The defense must capitalize on any opportunities for turnovers.
- Control the Game Tempo: Lafayette’s ability to control the ball and clock, especially in the second half, will be critical to wearing down Cardinal Ritter’s defense.
Prediction:
This will be an exciting and closely contested matchup between two strong teams with excellent offensive and defensive units. Cardinal Ritter has the edge in terms of overall scoring and defensive prowess, but Lafayette’s ability to control the game and score consistently, especially late in games, gives them a good chance to pull off the win.
