The Catholic High School (Baton Rouge, LA) varsity football team will host East Jefferson (Metairie, LA) in 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: Catholic (LA) vs East Jefferson (LA)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Catholic High School
Bracket: 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division I Select
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

A Clash of Powerhouses: East Jefferson vs. Catholic

As the high school football season heats up, two Louisiana teams are emerging as titans in their respective districts: East Jefferson and Catholic. Both teams boast impressive records, and as they head into the final stretch of the season, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown. Let’s break down their performances, statistics, and the key players that have led them to success.

East Jefferson: A Balanced and Efficient Team

East Jefferson enters the competition with a solid 8-3 overall record, including an undefeated 5-0 district record. Their dominance in district play has been undeniable, showing their depth and consistency. On average, East Jefferson puts up 24 points per game, with a well-rounded offensive approach. They’ve excelled on the ground, rushing for 169.8 yards per game, led by their standout player, Paul Jones. Jones has been a workhorse for the team, averaging an impressive 93.0 rushing yards per game and 93.8 total yards per game.

However, it’s not just the offense that shines for East Jefferson. Defensively, they’ve been effective as well, averaging 43.4 tackles per game. Drew Poche leads the team with 8.2 tackles per game, while Iago Henrique stands out with 0.9 sacks per game, helping keep their opponents at bay.

In terms of scoring, East Jefferson has been fairly balanced, with an average of 6.2 points in the first quarter, 8.7 in the second, 1.5 in the third, and 6.3 in the fourth. However, they are dangerous in overtime, with 14 points per game during extra periods. The team’s ability to adapt and perform in critical moments has made them a tough competitor.

Catholic: The Undefeated Force

On the other side, Catholic stands at an impressive 8-1 overall, with a perfect 5-0 district record. Their offensive performance has been nothing short of spectacular, averaging 37 points per game, with explosive first and second quarters. They have excelled both at home and on the road, boasting a perfect 5-0 record in away games and 3-1 at home.

Catholic’s offense has been dynamic, scoring at an explosive pace in the first two quarters. They average 17.3 points in the opening quarter and 13.0 points in the second quarter. Even in the second half, they continue to push, though their scoring slows slightly with 7.3 points in the third and 8.5 in the fourth quarter. This consistent production, especially in the early phases of the game, has been one of the key factors in their dominance.

The team has been particularly strong in the passing game, which sets them apart from East Jefferson’s ground-heavy approach. Catholic’s passing game has been potent, although their exact stats for passing and receiving yards per game were not provided. Nevertheless, their overall offensive prowess has allowed them to stay ahead in nearly every game.

Team Leaders

East Jefferson’s standout player is Paul Jones, whose 93.0 rushing yards per game is among the best in the nation. He also leads his team in total yards with 93.8 per game and points per game with 4.7. Jones’ ability to dominate on the ground makes him a key player for East Jefferson, both in maintaining possession and putting points on the board.

For Catholic, although individual statistics were not provided, their well-balanced team approach, both in rushing and passing, speaks to their high-level execution. Catholic also excels in offensive line play, evidenced by their 54 pancake blocks, which is an essential component in their running and passing success.

Comparison: Strengths and Strategies

East Jefferson’s strategy revolves around its balanced offensive attack and strong defense, particularly its rush-heavy offense. Catholic, on the other hand, relies more on a high-scoring, fast-paced offensive game and has been nearly perfect in both district and non-district play.

East Jefferson’s defense will need to step up to the challenge of Catholic’s high-powered offense. While East Jefferson excels in tackles, Catholic’s ability to score quickly and often in the first half could put East Jefferson at a disadvantage if they can’t contain the explosive plays early in the game.

Head-to-Head Matchup

Both teams have been undefeated within their districts, but they have yet to face off against each other. With their records nearly identical and both teams entering this game with plenty of momentum, this matchup promises to be a defining moment in the season.

East Jefferson’s physical running game will test Catholic’s defense, while Catholic’s explosive offense will challenge East Jefferson’s defensive unit. The key to victory for East Jefferson will be to control the clock and keep the game close, while Catholic will look to put up points early and overwhelm their opponent with their high-scoring offense.

Final Thoughts

The upcoming game between East Jefferson and Catholic is set to be an exciting battle between two high-powered teams. With East Jefferson’s balanced attack and strong defense facing off against Catholic’s explosive offense, this matchup will surely keep fans on the edge of their seats. Both teams have proven themselves to be dominant forces in Louisiana high school football, and this game could very well determine who emerges as the top contender in their district.