The Liberty (MO) varsity football team will compete against De Smet Jesuit (St. Louis, MO) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 29.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Missouri High School Football
Who: De Smet Jesuit vs Liberty
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: in progress
Bracket: 2024 Missouri High School Football Playoff Brackets: MSHSAA – Class 6
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: De Smet Jesuit vs. Liberty
This Missouri high school football playoff matchup pits De Smet Jesuit (11-2) against Liberty (9-3) in what should be an intense clash. Both teams bring momentum and high-powered talent into this showdown, with De Smet riding an impressive 11-win season and Liberty showing resilience against tough competition.
Season Recap: De Smet Jesuit
- Record: 11-2
- District: 3-1
- Points For/Against: 465 PF, 197 PA
- Scoring Average: 35.8 points per game
De Smet Jesuit’s season has been defined by their ability to score early and often, averaging nearly 9 points in the first quarter. They combine a strong defense with an offense capable of creating mismatches. Their performance in district play (3-1) and playoffs (3-0) solidifies their status as a formidable contender.
Key Strengths:
- Balanced scoring across all four quarters.
- A tough defense that has allowed just 197 points all season.
Season Recap: Liberty
- Record: 9-3
- District: 4-1
- Points For/Against: 374 PF, 212 PA
- Scoring Average: 31.2 points per game
Liberty’s ground game has been their bread and butter this season, with Jaxon Hicks dominating opposing defenses. With nearly 300 rushing yards per game, Liberty relies heavily on controlling the tempo. Their defense, while solid, has shown vulnerabilities against top-tier offenses.
Key Strengths:
- A dominant rushing attack led by Jaxon Hicks, who averages 211.6 rushing yards per game.
- Success in close games, showcasing their resilience and adaptability.
Team Stat Comparison
| Category | De Smet Jesuit | Liberty |
|---|---|---|
| Scoring Average | 35.8 | 31.2 |
| Rushing Yards Per Game | – | 297.4 |
| Passing Yards Per Game | – | 74.3 |
| Receiving Yards Per Game | – | 74.3 |
| Total Yards Per Game | – | 371.7 |
| Points Allowed Per Game | 15.2 | 17.7 |
Key Matchups
- Liberty’s Rushing Attack vs. De Smet Jesuit’s Defense
- Jaxon Hicks will be the focal point for Liberty. De Smet’s ability to stack the box and limit Hicks’ production could determine the outcome of the game.
- De Smet’s Offensive Versatility vs. Liberty’s Defense
- While specific stats for De Smet’s rushing and passing yards are unavailable, their ability to score consistently in each quarter suggests a balanced attack. Liberty’s defense will need to be disciplined to contain De Smet’s playmakers.
- Special Teams and Momentum Plays
- In playoff games, special teams often play a pivotal role. The ability to capitalize on field position and turnovers will likely swing the game in favor of the team that executes better in these critical moments.
Record Breakdown
| Category | De Smet Jesuit | Liberty |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 11-2 | 9-3 |
| District Record | 3-1 | 4-1 |
| Non-District Record | 5-1 | 2-2 |
| Home Record | 3-2 | 3-2 |
| Away Record | 5-0 | 3-1 |
| Neutral Site Record | 3-0 | 3-0 |
| Playoff Record | 3-0 | 3-0 |
Key Players
De Smet Jesuit
- Offensive Playmakers: Information on individual leaders is limited, but their scoring distribution indicates a well-rounded offense.
Liberty
- Jaxon Hicks (#25): The driving force of Liberty’s offense, averaging 211.6 rushing yards per game and scoring 13 points per game, Hicks is arguably the most impactful player in this matchup.
- Connor Hatfield (#9): A steady quarterback averaging 73.2 passing yards per game, he complements Liberty’s rushing attack.
- Jackson Froehlich (#14): The top receiving target, averaging 32.3 receiving yards per game.
Prediction
This matchup will likely come down to whether Liberty’s ground-and-pound approach can wear down De Smet Jesuit’s defense. On the other side, De Smet’s scoring efficiency and ability to adjust offensively make them dangerous.
