The Chicago Christian (Palos Heights, IL) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin (Bismarck, IL) on Saturday, November 16, at 5 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets in the Class 2A tournament.
What: Illinois High School Football
Who: Chicago Christian (IL) vs Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin (IL)
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSA – Class 2A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
High School Football Showdown: BHRA (CO-OP) vs. Chicago Christian
The 2024-2025 high school football season has seen two powerhouse teams rise to the top of Illinois football rankings: BHRA (CO-OP) and Chicago Christian. Both teams have displayed exceptional performance and resilience, dominating their respective conferences and remaining near-perfect in the win column. As they move toward the final stretch of the season, a look at their records, statistics, and team leaders highlights just how impressive their campaigns have been.
Record Overview: Perfect Seasons in Sight
BHRA (CO-OP) leads the pack with a flawless record of 11-0, boasting an undefeated 9-0 conference record and a perfect 6-0 home performance. Their away game dominance (5-0) has been equally impressive, making them one of the most formidable teams in Illinois. They have outscored their opponents 434-146, showcasing both offensive firepower and defensive solidity.
On the other hand, Chicago Christian has had a slightly less dominant season, but they remain one of the top teams in the state with a 10-1 overall record. Their 6-1 conference performance highlights their ability to compete at the highest level, and their 6-0 home record underscores their strength at their home field. The team has also shown strong offensive prowess, scoring 396 points while allowing just 145.
Scoring Averages: BHRA (CO-OP) Takes the Lead
When comparing scoring across quarters, BHRA (CO-OP) has averaged 39.5 points per game, surpassing Chicago Christian’s 36.0 points per game. BHRA’s strength lies in their first half, averaging 28.3 points between the first two quarters (13.3 in Q1 and 15.0 in Q2), before slowing down slightly in the second half, where they score just 13.9 combined in Q3 and Q4. In contrast, Chicago Christian has a more evenly distributed offensive output with 9.3 points in Q1, 9.0 in Q2, 3.3 in Q3, and 7.0 in Q4, reflecting a more balanced but less explosive attack.
Team Stat Comparison: BHRA (CO-OP) Leads in Total Yards and Defense
Both teams show strong offensive and defensive stats, but BHRA (CO-OP) leads the charge in several key areas. Their total offensive yards per game (379.6) outpace Chicago Christian’s (346.8), with BHRA excelling in rushing yards (241.5 per game). The standout performance from Evan Parish contributes significantly to these numbers, as he leads the team in rushing (144.7 yards per game) and total yards (161.7 per game).
In terms of passing, both teams are well-balanced, with Anderson Thomas of BHRA passing for 120.2 yards per game and Christian Flutman of Chicago Christian throwing for 139.1 yards per game. However, Chicago Christian holds a slight edge in receiving yards per game (131.0) compared to BHRA’s 137.8, with Caden Boersma (69.6 yards per game) leading their receiving corps.
Defensively, BHRA stands out with an average of 61.3 tackles per game compared to Chicago Christian’s 35.5. They also lead in sacks per game (2.3) versus Chicago Christian’s 1.3. Evan Parish not only leads in offensive categories but also in tackles, averaging 11.5 tackles per game.
Team Leaders: Standouts Across Both Teams
Evan Parish of BHRA (CO-OP) has been a dual-threat for his team, not only leading in rushing and total yards but also in tackles and points per game (14.0). His ability to make plays on both sides of the ball has been a key factor in his team’s success.
On the Chicago Christian side, Kenny Jager has been a leader in rushing, with 131.3 yards per game, while Christian Flutman has been efficient through the air, passing for 139.1 yards per game. Additionally, Brock Sperling has contributed defensively with 5.4 tackles per game and 0.9 sacks.
Playoff Prospects: A Look Ahead
As both teams look toward potential playoff matchups, BHRA (CO-OP) stands in an ideal position with a perfect record, while Chicago Christian, with one loss, will need to maintain their high-level play. Both teams are undefeated at home and have displayed the ability to win in hostile environments, as evidenced by their impressive away records.
As these teams head into the final stretch of the season, the possibility of a matchup between these two teams in the playoffs is a tantalizing prospect. BHRA (CO-OP) brings a potent offensive and defensive balance, while Chicago Christian continues to demonstrate its capacity for big-play potential.
Conclusion: The Road to the Championship
With both teams exhibiting elite performances across the board, the upcoming matchups will surely be thrilling to watch. As they head toward the playoffs, BHRA (CO-OP) and Chicago Christian have solidified themselves as the teams to beat in Illinois football this season. Whether it’s through offensive dominance, defensive prowess, or the contributions of standout players, both teams are primed for deep postseason runs, and fans can only hope for an eventual clash between these high-caliber squads.
