The Central Catholic Fighting Irish (11-1) from Toledo, OH, will host the Lexington Minutemen (7-5) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets for Region 10.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Ohio High School Football
Who: Central Catholic vs Lexington
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 10
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Game preview: Central Catholic vs Lexington

As the high school football season enters the final stretch, a matchup between two Ohio teams — Lexington and Central Catholic — looms large for fans and players alike. Central Catholic, boasting a dominant 11-1 overall record and a nearly undefeated conference mark of 5-1, is heavily favored to come out on top. On the other hand, Lexington, with a solid 7-5 record and a respectable 4-2 conference finish, will need to pull off an upset if they want to advance further in the postseason.

Record Breakdown: Dominance vs. Resilience

Central Catholic enters the game as the clear favorite, with a win percentage of .917, significantly higher than Lexington’s .583. The team has shown impressive offensive prowess, averaging 32.9 points per game, with a strong offensive line that has helped them rack up an average of 338.8 total yards per game. Their scoring is especially potent in the first half, where they average 33.0 points through the first three quarters, allowing for an almost insurmountable lead going into the final period.

Lexington, however, has proven resilient throughout the season. Despite a few setbacks, they finished 4-1 at home, proving difficult to beat in their own territory. Their offense averages 23.3 points per game, with standout performances from quarterback Isaiah Fox and running back Tyler Morgan. They’ll need to elevate their game on the road, where they have a more challenging 3-4 record.

Key Players to Watch

Both teams are led by players who can change the game at any moment. For Lexington, the dynamic duo of Fox and Morgan will be crucial. Fox leads the team with 140.3 passing yards per game, while Morgan contributes significantly on the ground, rushing for 91.0 yards per game. If Lexington is to succeed, they will need to find ways to balance their offense and keep Central Catholic’s defense guessing.

Central Catholic, on the other hand, has been a juggernaut both offensively and defensively. Their rushing game, led by standout players, averages 172.6 yards per game, while their passing attack, complemented by receiving yards per game of 165.8, keeps opponents on their toes. They’ve scored 395 points this season, allowing only 152, making them an offensive powerhouse with a defense that rarely gives up big plays.

Game Plan Breakdown

Lexington will need to improve its scoring efficiency, especially in the first half, where they have struggled to put points on the board, averaging just 3.7 points in the opening quarter. They will need to exploit Central Catholic’s one weak spot: their scoring tends to drop off significantly in the fourth quarter, where they average 0 points per game. Lexington will need to keep the game close through the first three quarters, making a strong push in the final moments to capitalize on any potential late-game slipups from their opponents.

Central Catholic, meanwhile, will look to overwhelm Lexington early with their high-powered offense. Their ability to score quickly and often has proven to be a major factor in their success, and they will likely continue to push for a commanding lead in the early stages of the game.

The Big Picture

With the postseason on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both teams. Central Catholic is looking to maintain their dominant form and continue their march toward the state playoffs, while Lexington will need to play their best football of the season to knock off the high-flying Central Catholic team.

This matchup promises to be an exciting clash of styles, with Central Catholic’s explosive offense going up against Lexington’s resilient defense and offensive balance. Fans should expect an intense battle as both teams fight for their chance to shine in the postseason.