The Catholic Central varsity football team from Grand Rapids, MI, will face Frankenmuth, MI, in a neutral-site playoff game today at 1 PM. This matchup is part of the “2024 Michigan High School Football Playoff Brackets: MHSAA – Division 5” tournament.
What: Michigan High School Football
Who: Catholic Central (MI) vs Frankenmuth (MI)
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Michigan High School Football Playoff Brackets: MHSAA – Division 5
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
Frankenmuth vs. Catholic Central: A Comparative Analysis of the 2024-2025 Season
The 2024-2025 high school football season has brought impressive performances from two Michigan teams, Frankenmuth and Catholic Central. Both teams have showcased their strengths in different capacities, and a side-by-side analysis provides intriguing insights into their respective successes.
Team Records and Rankings
Frankenmuth has been nothing short of dominant this season, boasting an unblemished 13-0 overall record. Ranked 10th in their class, they also stand out as one of the most formidable teams statewide, thanks to their 1.000 winning percentage both overall and in league play. Their scoring differential is remarkable, with 508 points for and only 106 points against.
On the other hand, Catholic Central has had a solid season, posting a 7-4 overall record. Ranked 47th in their class, they maintain a respectable .636 overall winning percentage and a .600 league-winning percentage. While their total points scored (256) and allowed (177) are not as striking as Frankenmuth’s, Catholic Central has demonstrated resilience in close games.
Performance by the Numbers
Quarterly Scoring Averages
Frankenmuth has consistently outperformed their opponents across all four quarters, averaging an impressive 39.1 points per game. Their scoring is especially dominant in the first half, with 13.7 points in Q1 and 16.3 points in Q2, allowing them to establish commanding leads early.
In contrast, Catholic Central averages 23.3 points per game, with their highest output coming in the fourth quarter (6.9 points). Their slower starts, particularly in the first quarter (3.0 points on average), have sometimes left them trailing early.
Record Breakdown
Frankenmuth’s perfect record extends across all game environments:
- League games: 7-0
- Non-league games: 3-0
- Home: 8-0
- Away: 4-0
- Neutral sites: 1-0
Catholic Central, while not as dominant, has excelled at home (4-1) and in playoff games (3-0). Their performance away from home (2-3) and in non-league play (1-2) has been less consistent.
Playoff Outlook
Both teams have been successful in the playoffs, with Frankenmuth continuing their undefeated streak and Catholic Central showing strong form. If these two teams were to meet, it would likely come down to whether Catholic Central’s defense can slow Frankenmuth’s high-powered offense.
Strengths and Challenges
- Frankenmuth: Their balanced and explosive offense, combined with a stingy defense, makes them one of the most complete teams in the state. Their challenge lies in maintaining focus against tougher opponents as they aim to preserve their perfect record.
- Catholic Central: The team’s resilience and ability to close games in the fourth quarter are commendable. However, their slower starts could be a vulnerability against stronger teams like Frankenmuth.
Conclusion
Frankenmuth’s dominance and Catholic Central’s resilience make both teams worth watching. Frankenmuth’s undefeated record and statistical superiority give them the edge, but Catholic Central’s tenacity ensures they remain a dangerous opponent. As the season progresses, these teams will continue to showcase why Michigan high school football remains as competitive as ever.
