The Coal City (IL) varsity football team will host DePaul College Prep (Chicago, IL) today at 1 p.m. in a home playoff game. This matchup is part of the “2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSA – Class 4A” tournament.

What: Illinois High School Football
Who: Coal City (IL) vs DePaul College Prep (IL)
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Where: IHSA Class 4A State Semi-Final at Coal City
Bracket: 2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSA – Class 4A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

High School Football Showdown: DePaul College Prep vs. Coal City

As the 2024-2025 football season progresses, two teams have caught the attention of high school football enthusiasts across Illinois: DePaul College Prep and Coal City. These teams not only boast impressive win records but also showcase individual talent that makes for an exciting matchup. Here’s a closer look at how both teams have performed this season and what fans can expect from their clash.

Team Overview

DePaul College Prep (9-3, 2-1 Conference)
DePaul College Prep is having a solid season with a .750 overall win percentage and a .667 conference win percentage. The team has been strong at home with a 5-1 record, while their away performance stands at 4-2. Their high-scoring offense has put up a total of 376 points this season, while their defense has allowed 229 points. Their scoring average of 31.3 points per game highlights their offensive potency, with notable performances in the first and fourth quarters.

Coal City (10-2, 6-1 Conference)
Coal City, with a .833 overall win percentage, has been even more dominant in their conference, finishing with a stellar .857 record. With a 6-0 home record, the team has been nearly unbeatable on their home turf. Their defense has been a standout, allowing only 113 points all season, making them a tough opponent for any team. On average, Coal City scores 40.3 points per game, showing consistent offensive production, particularly in the first two quarters.

Scoring Trends

In terms of scoring, DePaul College Prep shows balance across all four quarters, with their highest output in the fourth quarter (9.1 points per game). Their scoring drops slightly in the third quarter but still remains respectable.

Coal City, on the other hand, has a powerful start, averaging 16.6 points in the first quarter and 14.8 points in the second quarter. Their offense tends to cool off in the second half, scoring just 7.5 points in the third quarter and 6.6 points in the fourth. This early surge is key to their success, with the team needing to maintain that momentum throughout the game.

Key Players and Stats

DePaul College Prep

• Nick Martinez (Rushing Yards Per Game): 95.3
• Fernando Rodriguez (Passing Yards Per Game): 223.1
• Braden Peevy (Receiving Yards Per Game): 86.8
• Gianni Giunta (Tackles Per Game): 7.9
• Aidan Castette (Sacks Per Game): 0.5

DePaul’s key players, including quarterback Fernando Rodriguez and wide receiver Braden Peevy, lead the charge in both passing and receiving yards. The team’s offense is versatile, able to rely on both the air and ground game for their offensive output.

Coal City
While detailed individual stats aren’t provided for Coal City, their overall team stats show the efficiency of their game plan. With a robust rushing and passing attack, Coal City’s offense, along with their stingy defense, has made them a force to be reckoned with this season.

Record Breakdown

Looking at the overall and league records, both teams have strong win-loss ratios. Coal City’s 10-2 record outpaces DePaul College Prep’s 9-3, but both teams have proven themselves in their respective leagues. DePaul has faced some tougher non-league matchups, but they’ve still come out ahead. Coal City, meanwhile, has been flawless at home, with a perfect 6-0 record.

• DePaul College Prep Record Breakdown
  • Overall: 9-3
  • Conference: 2-1
  • Home: 5-1
  • Away: 4-2
  • Points For: 376
  • Points Against: 229
• Coal City Record Breakdown
  • Overall: 10-2
  • Conference: 6-1
  • Home: 6-0
  • Away: 3-2
  • Points For: 484
  • Points Against: 113

Playoff Performance

Both teams have performed well in the playoffs, with each securing victories. Coal City stands undefeated in playoff games at 3-0, while DePaul College Prep has also delivered strong performances, albeit with fewer playoff appearances.

Conclusion

As both teams head toward what promises to be an exciting end to the season, the contrast in their play styles will surely make for an intriguing matchup. DePaul College Prep has a high-scoring offense that can strike from multiple areas, while Coal City’s balanced attack and tough defense make them one of the most formidable teams in Illinois. Fans can expect an exciting and hard-fought game when these two meet on the field.