The Central High School varsity football team from Providence, RI, will host a home playoff game against Burrillville High School from Harrisville, RI, on Friday, November 15, at 6 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 RIIL Football Championships for the Division 1 Bowl Tournament.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Rhode Island High School Football
Who: Central vs Burrillville
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 6 PM
Bracket: RIIL Football Championships Fall 2024 – Division 1 Bowl Tournament
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Game preview: Central vs Burrillville
The Burrillville Broncos and Central Knights will face off once again, this time in a high-stakes playoff game on Friday, November 15, in Providence. With Burrillville holding a solid 7-2 overall record and Central trailing with a respectable 5-4, this matchup promises excitement as each team battles for a spot in the next round.
Season Records and Standings
Burrillville has maintained an impressive season record, winning 7 of their 9 games with a strong league performance of 4-2. Their consistent form, both at home (4-1) and on the road (3-1), has earned them a .778 winning percentage, showcasing a well-rounded team dynamic. Central, on the other hand, sits at 5-4 overall and 3-3 in league play. While they have been formidable at home with a 3-1 record, they’ve struggled slightly on the road (2-3), resulting in a .556 overall win percentage.
Recent Head-to-Head Performance
The last meeting between these teams was a one-sided affair on November 2, with Burrillville dominating Central in a 28-0 shutout. Burrillville’s solid performance was marked by a powerful second quarter in which they scored 15 points, sealing Central’s fate early on in the game.
Team Statistics and Key Players
Burrillville has excelled in multiple areas this season, boasting a dynamic offense that averages 29.7 points per game. They’ve proven versatile with a balanced attack, gaining 135 rushing yards and 172.4 passing yards per game for a total average of 307.4 yards. Quarterback Logan Gelinas has been a standout, averaging 169.3 passing yards per game and accumulating 211 total yards per game, while running back Leland Kelleher is a key playmaker with an average of 81.7 rushing yards and 10.2 points per game.
In contrast, Central has averaged a modest 13 points per game, struggling to find an offensive rhythm. Although their defensive unit has shown promise, holding opponents to an average of just 141 points over the season, Central will need a stronger offensive showing to keep up with Burrillville’s high-powered attack.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced similar opponents throughout the season, yielding mixed results. Burrillville holds a 3-2 record against common opponents, while Central has managed a slightly better 3-1. Notably, both teams defeated Barrington and Westerly, but Burrillville fell to St. Raphael Academy in a high-scoring game, while Central also struggled against St. Raphael, scoring only 2 points in their loss.
Game Preview and Prediction
With Burrillville’s recent 28-0 victory over Central and a higher season points-per-game average, they come into this playoff game as the favorites. However, playoff pressure often brings out the best in teams, and Central, on their home turf, will be eager to redeem themselves. Burrillville’s strong offense, combined with their recent head-to-head success, positions them well for another victory, but Central’s defense and home-field advantage could make this a closer contest than their last encounter.
If Central can disrupt Burrillville’s offense and capitalize on any defensive weaknesses, they have a fighting chance to flip the script in this playoff matchup.
