The DeMatha varsity football team (Hyattsville, MD) will host St. John’s (Washington, DC) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m.
What: Maryland High School Football
Who: DeMatha (MD) vs St. John’s (MD)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
DeMatha vs. St. John’s: A Football Rivalry Continues in the Playoffs
As the 2024 football season reaches its final stretch, DeMatha and St. John’s prepare for a highly anticipated playoff showdown this Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. The game promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams having displayed contrasting performances this season. Here’s a breakdown of the teams, their records, and what to expect in this exciting rivalry game.
Team Records and Standings
- St. John’s: 5-4 overall, 1-3 in league play
- The Cadets have faced a challenging season, particularly in league matchups, where their record stands at just 1-3. Despite this, their overall performance has been solid with a winning record in non-league games (4-1).
- DeMatha: 8-1 overall, 4-0 in region play
- DeMatha, on the other hand, has been dominant all season, boasting an 8-1 record and a perfect 4-0 in their region. Their only loss came against a non-league opponent, but they’ve been nearly unstoppable otherwise.
Recent Head-to-Head: DeMatha Dominates
In their last encounter on October 26, DeMatha delivered a commanding 31-15 victory over St. John’s in a conference game. Despite a competitive start, the Cadets struggled to keep up as DeMatha’s offense exploded for 31 points in the second half. The game highlighted the difference in offensive production, with DeMatha outscoring St. John’s by a wide margin, particularly in the third and fourth quarters.
Offensive and Defensive Comparison
St. John’s:
- Points Per Game (PPG): 16.9
- Rushing Yards Per Game: 141.6
- Passing Yards Per Game: 96.8
- Receiving Yards Per Game: 98.1
- Total Yards Per Game: 238.3
St. John’s has relied heavily on their ground game, with standout running back Dajon Talley leading the charge with an impressive 85.3 rushing yards per game. The offense has struggled to generate consistent passing yards, averaging just 96.8 yards per game.
DeMatha:
- Points Per Game (PPG): 32.6
- Rushing Yards Per Game: Not specified
- Passing Yards Per Game: Not specified
- Receiving Yards Per Game: Not specified
- Total Yards Per Game: Not specified
DeMatha has been a high-scoring machine, with their offense averaging a staggering 32.6 points per game. Their balance across the field has been remarkable, but specific yardage stats for rushing and passing are not available. What’s clear, however, is that DeMatha has been efficient in both the air and on the ground, allowing them to consistently outscore their opponents.
Key Players to Watch
- St. John’s: Nyeem Woods, quarterback, has been the team’s leader in passing yards, with 123.4 yards per game. His ability to distribute the ball effectively will be crucial if St. John’s is to challenge DeMatha’s defense.
- DeMatha: Reece Williams, a receiver, has been one of the top performers, with 55.4 yards per game. Williams could be a key target for DeMatha’s offense, particularly in their aerial attack.
Common Opponents Breakdown
Both teams have faced several of the same opponents this season. St. John’s struggled against teams like Roman Catholic and Gonzaga, losing both matchups, while DeMatha notched solid wins over these same teams. Notably, DeMatha defeated Gonzaga 28-14 and Our Lady of Good Counsel 35-7, showcasing their dominance over top-tier teams in the region.
A Tale of Two Seasons
St. John’s enters this playoff game with a mixed record and an uphill battle, especially after their recent loss to DeMatha. With a 1-3 league record and an overall win percentage of just .556, the Cadets will need a major performance to pull off the upset. On the other hand, DeMatha’s near-perfect season has them firmly in control, as they remain undefeated in region play.
What to Expect
With a trip to the next playoff round on the line, expect DeMatha to come out with energy and confidence, looking to build on their previous victory over St. John’s. For the Cadets, it’s all about overcoming their struggles in the league and proving they can compete at the highest level. They will need to capitalize on their running game and find ways to expose any potential weaknesses in DeMatha’s defense.
Final Thoughts
As DeMatha and St. John’s face off once again, the stakes couldn’t be higher. DeMatha’s potent offense will be hard to stop, but St. John’s has the talent to make this a competitive battle. Will DeMatha continue their dominance, or will St. John’s surprise the football world and knock out the favorites in a thrilling playoff showdown? The answer will come this Friday night at 7 p.m.
