The Catholic Central varsity football team from Novi, MI, will face off against Cass Tech from Detroit, MI, in a neutral-site playoff game today at 1:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 Michigan High School Football Playoff Brackets (MHSAA – Division 1) tournament.
What: Michigan High School Football
Who: Catholic Central (MI) vs Cass Tech (MI)
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Michigan High School Football Playoff Brackets: MHSAA – Division 1
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
Cass Tech vs. Catholic Central: A Comprehensive Analysis of the 2024-25 Season
The 2024-25 football season has been an electrifying showcase of talent, strategy, and competition in Michigan high school football. Two powerhouse programs—Cass Tech and Catholic Central—have emerged as top contenders, each carving out impressive records and dominating their respective leagues. Here’s an in-depth look at their performance this season, their strengths, and what sets them apart.
Team Performance and Records
Cass Tech
- Overall Record: 10-2
- League Record: 5-1
- Home Record: 4-1
- Away Record: 6-1
- Playoff Record: 3-0
- Scoring Stats: 436 points scored; 92 points allowed
Cass Tech demonstrated a strong season, showcasing an explosive offense and a stout defense, particularly at home and during the playoffs. Their .833 winning percentage and a league win percentage of .833 underline their consistency throughout the season.
Catholic Central
- Overall Record: 12-0
- League Record: 5-0
- Home Record: 5-0
- Away Record: 5-0
- Playoff Record: 3-0
- Scoring Stats: 441 points scored; 126 points allowed
Catholic Central’s perfect season is a testament to their dominance. With a 1.000 win percentage across all games and leagues, they have cemented their place as the top team in the state, boasting victories against every opponent they faced.
Scoring and Team Averages
Cass Tech’s scoring strategy is heavily front-loaded, averaging 21.5 points in the first quarter, but their offensive production diminishes significantly as the game progresses. Catholic Central, on the other hand, maintains a more balanced scoring pattern, with their strongest quarter being the second (14.0 points per game).
| Quarter | Cass Tech Avg. | Catholic Central Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 21.5 | 11.0 |
| Q2 | 10.5 | 14.0 |
| Q3 | 5.0 | 8.5 |
| Q4 | 3.5 | 3.3 |
Team Stats Comparison
| Category | Cass Tech | Catholic Central |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards/Game | 202.0 | — |
| Passing Yards/Game | 130.8 | — |
| Total Yards/Game | 332.8 | — |
| Tackles/Game | 55.0 | — |
| Sacks/Game | 2.1 | — |
| Points/Game | 36.8 | 36.8 |
While both teams average an identical 36.8 points per game, Cass Tech shows an edge in rushing and passing yardage, highlighting their versatile offensive schemes.
Team Leaders
Cass Tech’s key contributors include:
- #21 Jaden Pydyn: 96.5 rushing yards per game and 12 points per game.
- #2 Skyler Hunter: 119.4 passing yards per game and 144.9 total yards per game.
- #20 Lee Krueger: Leading the defense with 5.7 tackles per game.
Catholic Central’s standout players:
- #17 Jack McHugh: Dominates the defensive line with 1.0 sacks per game.
Head-to-Head and Common Opponents
While the two teams haven’t faced each other directly this season, their performances against common opponents offer some insights:
- Against King, Cass Tech lost once (18-12) but later won decisively (30-14). Catholic Central defeated King in their sole matchup (23-7).
- Both teams easily handled Dearborn, with Cass Tech winning 42-7 and Catholic Central prevailing 56-12.
Catholic Central’s consistent dominance over common opponents gives them a slight edge in this comparative analysis.
Conclusion
Cass Tech and Catholic Central have each had stellar seasons, with strengths that reflect their unique approaches to the game. Cass Tech’s explosive starts and balanced offense have propelled them to a strong playoff run, while Catholic Central’s consistent and methodical performance underscores why they are the team to beat. Should these two juggernauts meet in the postseason, fans can expect an epic clash of skill, strategy, and determination.
