The DeSales (Louisville, KY) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against North Oldham (Goshen, KY) on Friday, November 15 at 7:30 p.m.
What: Kentucky High School Football
Who: DeSales (KY) vs North Oldham (KY)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Kentucky High School Football Playoff Brackets: KHSAA – Class 4A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
North Oldham vs. DeSales: A High-Stakes Showdown in Kentucky Football Playoffs
As the Kentucky high school football playoffs heat up, the spotlight is on the upcoming clash between North Oldham and DeSales. Both teams have had strong seasons, but with contrasting paths to the postseason, the matchup promises to be a thrilling contest on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 PM. Let’s break down the statistics, performances, and key factors that could shape this exciting game.
Team Overview: North Oldham
North Oldham (Goshen, KY) enters the game with a solid record of 9-2 overall and an impressive 4-1 district performance. They’ve been dominant at home, boasting a 5-1 record, while they are also strong on the road, with a 4-1 mark away from home. This team has shown consistency all season long, particularly in scoring, with an average of 34.4 points per game. Their defense has also been stout, allowing just 170 points on the season, which gives them an average of 15.5 points allowed per game.
The team’s scoring tends to spike in the second quarter, where they average 11.2 points, while their biggest offensive surge comes in the fourth quarter, where they average an impressive 14.8 points per game. The high-scoring offense and tough defense make North Oldham a well-rounded contender heading into the game.
Team Overview: DeSales
DeSales (Louisville, KY), with an overall record of 9-3, has had a similarly successful season. The team has been undefeated in district play, with a perfect 5-0 record, while also showing solid form at home (7-0). However, their struggles away from home (2-3) could be a factor as they travel to face North Oldham in a neutral playoff setting.
DeSales has averaged 30.3 points per game this season, with their strongest quarter being the third, where they score 18.0 points on average. However, their offense tends to slow down in the first and fourth quarters, which may be a vulnerability in the high-stakes playoff environment.
Head-to-Head: North Oldham Dominates
The two teams met earlier in the season on August 30, 2024, in a non-conference matchup, and it was North Oldham that emerged victorious in dominant fashion, winning 54-23. While DeSales will be looking to rebound in this playoff encounter, their earlier loss could weigh on their mindset. North Oldham’s performance in that game was particularly impressive, and they will carry that momentum into the postseason.
Common Opponents: Even Performance
Both North Oldham and DeSales have shared common opponents this season, with each team posting a perfect 2-0 record against those foes. North Oldham defeated Western Hills 37-0 on October 18 and Jeffersontown 48-6 on November 8. Similarly, DeSales topped Western Hills 27-0 on November 8 and Jeffersontown 36-0 on October 18. Both teams showed strong performances against these opponents, but the question remains: can DeSales turn things around after their earlier defeat to North Oldham?
Key Factors to Watch
- Home-Field Advantage: North Oldham’s strength at home and DeSales’ struggles away from home could be significant factors in this game. While DeSales has been perfect at home, their 2-3 road record raises questions about their ability to perform in a hostile environment.
- Offensive Firepower: North Oldham’s ability to score consistently, especially in the second and fourth quarters, will be crucial. DeSales, on the other hand, needs to find a way to sustain offensive production throughout the game and not rely solely on big third-quarter bursts.
- Defensive Efficiency: Both teams have solid defenses, but North Oldham has been slightly more effective in limiting points, with an average of 15.5 points allowed per game. DeSales will need to find ways to break through this tough defense while managing their own defensive responsibilities.
The Playoff Stakes
This game is more than just a chance for bragging rights. With both teams sporting strong records and playoff aspirations, the outcome will play a significant role in determining their path to further postseason success. A victory for North Oldham would solidify their status as one of the top teams in Kentucky, while DeSales will look to redeem themselves after the earlier loss and prove they have the resilience to overcome a strong opponent in a playoff setting.
Conclusion
With North Oldham boasting a high-powered offense and solid defense, combined with their momentum from the earlier season win, they enter as the favorites. However, DeSales’ perfect district record and home dominance suggest they could be formidable in the playoff atmosphere. As the two teams face off in what promises to be an intense game, it’s sure to be a thrilling battle to see who advances further in the Kentucky high school football playoffs.
