The Central (Louisville, KY) varsity football team will face Christian Academy-Louisville (Louisville, KY) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 22. This matchup is part of the “2024 Kentucky High School Football Playoff Brackets: KHSAA – Class 3A” tournament.
What: Kentucky High School Football
Who: Central (KY) vs Christian Academy-Louisville (KY)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Kentucky High School Football Playoff Brackets: KHSAA – Class 3A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
Football Showdown: Christian Academy-Louisville vs. Central
As the 2024-25 football season heads into its final stretch, the upcoming playoff game between Christian Academy-Louisville (CAL) and Central promises to be a thrilling contest. The two teams, each with an impressive 9-3 overall record, are poised to clash in what could be a game to remember. Here’s a closer look at both teams’ performance so far this season and what to expect when they meet on the field this Friday, November 22.
Season Overview
Both teams have been exceptional in their respective seasons, with a 9-3 overall record, but with different paths to that mark. Christian Academy-Louisville has achieved a strong 9-3 record, with a 2-1 district standing. Their offense has been potent, averaging 36.8 points per game, driven by standout performances, including Cortez Stone’s remarkable 165.9 rushing yards per game. CAL’s ability to pile on points has been their hallmark, although they’ve faced challenges in the early quarters, with scoring averaging 7.0 points in the first quarter.
On the other hand, Central enters this matchup with similar numbers, also boasting a 9-3 overall record. With a perfect 3-0 district performance, they have shown impressive consistency, especially on defense, where they allow only 122 points across the season. Their offense is equally solid, with an average of 39.5 points per game, which has helped them dominate the game. However, the team’s scoring output in the first half has been less explosive, as they average only 6.3 points in the first half of games.
Head-to-Head: A Dominant Victory for Central
The most recent encounter between these two teams came on October 18, where Central triumphed with a dominant 48-28 victory. The game showcased Central’s explosive offense, which ran over CAL with ease. With that win, Central now leads the all-time head-to-head between these two schools 1-0 in 2024. As CAL prepares for this playoff rematch, they will need to focus on tightening their defense and finding more success early in the game to keep pace with Central’s potent attack.
Key Players to Watch
For Christian Academy-Louisville, Cortez Stone will undoubtedly be a key player to watch. His remarkable 165.9 rushing yards per game puts him among the best in the state. Additionally, Jermaine Walker has been effective as the team’s quarterback, with 24.8 passing yards per game, while Amontez “Koolaid” Woolfolk adds balance to the offense with 19.8 receiving yards per game.
Central counters with a formidable all-around team. The rushing attack led by Stone’s counterpart at Central, along with their dominant defense, will be critical factors in the team’s success. The defense, which averages 46.3 tackles per game, will have to keep a close eye on CAL’s offensive weapons and apply pressure where needed.
Team Strengths and Weaknesses
Christian Academy-Louisville’s offensive output has been consistently impressive throughout the season, but their ability to close out games in the first quarter and control the tempo in the early stages will be crucial. With strong performances from Stone and Walker, CAL can keep pace with any team, but they must learn from their October defeat and adjust to Central’s fast-paced style.
Central, on the other hand, has a perfect district record, indicating their dominance in local matchups. Their defense has been the driving force behind many of their victories, and they’ve been particularly effective at limiting their opponents’ scoring, with a minuscule 122 points allowed. However, CAL has the potential to expose any weaknesses in the secondary or take advantage of Central’s slow starts in the first half.
Playoff Push: What’s at Stake
This playoff game has more than just bragging rights on the line. Both teams are aiming to make a deep postseason run, and the outcome of this contest could set the tone for how they perform in the later rounds. Christian Academy-Louisville’s path has been one of explosive scoring, but now they face their toughest test in Central, who has shown the ability to shut down high-powered offenses.
For both teams, the ability to control the game early and maintain momentum through all four quarters will be key. While Central has historically been dominant in their head-to-head matchups, CAL’s resiliency and playmaking ability on offense give them the tools to pull off a win.
Conclusion
With similar records and contrasting styles, the football playoff game between Christian Academy-Louisville and Central is shaping up to be one of the most exciting matchups of the season. Central enters as the slight favorite after their dominant October win, but CAL’s high-scoring offense and ability to bounce back after defeat make them a dangerous opponent. Fans should expect a hard-fought battle as both teams look to secure a win and continue their playoff run.
The neutral site game on November 22 will be the perfect setting for these two football powerhouses to collide and determine who will advance to the next stage in the 2024-25 season.
