The Rock Bridge varsity football team from Columbia, MO, will face De Smet Jesuit from St. Louis, MO, in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Missouri High School Football
Who: De Smet Jesuit vs Rock Bridge
When: Friday, November 22, 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. Rock Bridge
The stage is set for an exciting matchup between De Smet Jesuit (10-2) and Rock Bridge (10-1). Both teams have had strong seasons and will be looking to continue their playoff runs in this high-stakes contest.
Season Recap: De Smet Jesuit
- Record: 10-2
- Points For/Against: 437 PF, 183 PA
- Scoring Average: 36.4 points per game
De Smet Jesuit has been a powerhouse this season, scoring an average of 36.4 points per game. Their offense has been efficient, and their defense has held opponents to just 183 points. With a strong performance both at home and on the road, De Smet is well-positioned to make a deep playoff run.
Key Performances:
- Offense: De Smet’s offense has been productive, especially in the first half of games. Their ability to score early gives them a strong foundation to build on.
- Defense: The defense has been stout, allowing just 183 points over the course of the season. However, they will face a potent Rock Bridge offense that has been difficult to stop.
Season Recap: Rock Bridge
- Record: 10-1
- Points For/Against: 460 PF, 190 PA
- Scoring Average: 41.8 points per game
Rock Bridge enters the game with a 10-1 record and a high-scoring offense that has averaged 41.8 points per game. They have been dominant in league play, winning 6 out of 6 district games. Their only loss came earlier in the season, but they’ve bounced back strong. Rock Bridge’s offense will be a major challenge for De Smet’s defense.
Key Performances:
- Offense: Rock Bridge’s offense has been explosive, especially in the second and fourth quarters. Their scoring balance allows them to be effective in all phases of the game.
- Defense: While the defense has allowed more points than De Smet, they’ve still been solid overall. They will need to find a way to slow down De Smet’s offense in this playoff matchup.
Team Stat Comparison
| Stat | De Smet Jesuit | Rock Bridge |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | – | – |
| Passing Yards Per Game | – | – |
| Receiving Yards Per Game | – | – |
| Total Yards Per Game | – | – |
| Points Per Game | 36.4 | 41.8 |
Record Breakdown
| Category | De Smet Jesuit | Rock Bridge |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 10-2 | 10-1 |
| League Record | 3-1 | 6-0 |
| Non-League Record | 2-1 | 0-0 |
| Playoff Record | 2-0 | 2-0 |
Key Players to Watch
- De Smet Jesuit:
- Offensive Playmakers: With a high-scoring offense, De Smet’s quarterback and running back will need to be at their best to counter Rock Bridge’s explosive attack.
- Defense: De Smet’s defense will be tasked with slowing down a potent Rock Bridge offense that averages 41.8 points per game.
- Rock Bridge:
- Offensive Power: Rock Bridge will rely on their ability to spread the ball around and keep the defense guessing with their passing and running game.
- Defense: While Rock Bridge’s defense has allowed more points than De Smet, they’ve still been solid. They will need to prevent big plays and contain De Smet’s offense.
Keys to Victory
For De Smet Jesuit:
- Early Scoring: De Smet needs to get off to a strong start, especially in the first half, where they’ve been most effective. Putting points on the board early will be key.
- Limit Big Plays: Rock Bridge’s offense thrives on big plays. De Smet’s defense will need to limit these opportunities and force Rock Bridge to play methodical football.
- Balance Offense: If De Smet can mix up their play calling and keep Rock Bridge guessing, they will be more effective offensively.
For Rock Bridge:
- Explosive Offense: Rock Bridge’s high-scoring offense will need to continue putting up big numbers to outpace De Smet.
- Control the Clock: Rock Bridge should focus on controlling the pace of the game and preventing De Smet from building momentum.
- Defensive Sturdiness: Rock Bridge’s defense needs to step up and find a way to slow down De Smet’s balanced offensive attack.
Prediction:
This is expected to be an exciting and competitive game. Both teams are talented, but Rock Bridge’s high-scoring offense gives them a slight edge in this matchup. De Smet’s defense will need to make stops, but Rock Bridge’s dynamic offense may prove too much to handle.
