The Central Catholic varsity football team from Lawrence, MA, will host a non-conference game against Lawrence High School today at 5:00 PM.

What: Massachusetts High School Football
Who: Central Catholic (IA) vs Lawrence (IA)
When: Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Lawrence vs. Central Catholic Football Preview: A Clash of Contrasts

The stage is set for an intriguing matchup as the Lawrence (MA) varsity football team travels to face Central Catholic (Lawrence, MA) in a non-conference game today at 5 PM. With starkly different records and scoring profiles, this game promises to be a test of resilience for Lawrence and a chance for Central Catholic to solidify their dominance.

Season Snapshot

• Lawrence (Record: 3-7, League: 0-1):
  The Lancers have had a challenging season, with a .300 overall win percentage. While they’ve struggled in league play, their performances in non-league games (3-6) show flashes of competitiveness. Offensively, they’ve averaged 16.6 points per game, but slow starts have been a consistent issue, scoring just 0 in the first quarter on average. Their defense has also had difficulty containing opponents, allowing 282 points over ten games.
• Central Catholic (Record: 6-4, League: 2-0):
  The Raiders boast a stronger resume, with a .600 win percentage and an undefeated league record. They’ve been consistent across the board, excelling at home (4-2) and in non-league games (3-3). Their offense averages 29.1 points per game, with a particularly strong first quarter, where they score 11.7 points on average. Defensively, they’ve allowed slightly fewer points than they’ve scored, showcasing a balanced team.

Key Comparisons

• Scoring Trends:
  Central Catholic’s ability to jump out to early leads contrasts sharply with Lawrence’s slow starts. This disparity could set the tone for the game if the Raiders capitalize on their strong opening quarter.
  • Q1 Average: Central Catholic 11.7, Lawrence 0.
  • Q4 Average: Lawrence 3.5, Central Catholic 6.7.
• Common Opponents:
  Both teams faced Haverhill and Chelmsford this season, with contrasting outcomes.
  • Haverhill: Lawrence won 40-28, while Central Catholic scored a dominant 57-40 victory.
  • Chelmsford: Lawrence fell 39-14, but Central Catholic claimed a 49-35 win.
    Central Catholic’s 2-0 record against these common opponents suggests they have the upper hand in comparative strength.

Home vs. Away Performance

Lawrence has struggled on the road, managing only a 1-3 record, while Central Catholic thrives at home with a 4-2 record. The Raiders’ comfort playing at home could be a significant factor in determining the outcome.

What’s at Stake?

For Lawrence, this game represents a chance to disrupt expectations and build momentum heading into their next game. For Central Catholic, maintaining their winning record and dominant form will be the priority.

Prediction

Given Central Catholic’s stronger record, scoring efficiency, and defensive consistency, they enter as the clear favorites. However, if Lawrence can find a way to start strong and tighten their defense, they may keep the game competitive. Expect Central Catholic to leverage their home-field advantage and early-game dominance to secure a win.

Stay tuned as the game kicks off this evening at 5 PM. Fans can look forward to another exciting chapter in this local football rivalry!