The Eisenhower High School varsity football team will play a home playoff game against Hays High School on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 Kansas High School Football Playoff Brackets for Class 5A (KSHSAA).

What: Kansas High School Football
Who: Eisenhower (KS) vs Hays (KS)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Kansas High School Football Playoff Brackets: (KSHSAA) – Class 5A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Hays vs. Eisenhower Football Showdown: A Comparison of 2024-2025 Records and Key Stats

The high school football season has been packed with thrilling performances, and two teams that have consistently turned heads are the Hays Indians and the Eisenhower Tigers. As the season progresses, fans are looking ahead to the exciting matchups, particularly when these two schools square off. Here’s a deep dive into the records, stats, and standout players from both teams.

Record Overview

• Hays Indians (7-4 overall, 2-2 District)
  Hays has had a solid season with a 7-4 overall record. The team has faced challenges in district play, finishing with a 2-2 district record. However, their ability to perform on the road has been notable, with a 4-1 record in away games. The Indians have been strong at home as well, posting a 2-0 record in neutral games.
  Key Statistic: Hays has been averaging 24.5 points per game, with a total of 270 points scored across 11 games.
• Eisenhower Tigers (9-2 overall, 5-1 District)
  Eisenhower has been a dominant force this season, with an impressive 9-2 record. They have excelled in district play, finishing 5-1, and have been particularly formidable at home, where they boast a 6-1 record. The Tigers have shown resilience on the road as well, posting a 3-1 record in away games. Their overall scoring prowess stands out, as they average 38 points per game and have accumulated 418 points in total.
  Key Statistic: Eisenhower is known for their high-scoring offense, with a solid 37.6 points per game average.

Team Scoring Averages

• Hays: The Indians have had a more balanced scoring distribution, with their highest average points scored in the first quarter (9.7 points). However, their second half production has dropped slightly, with only 7.8 points across the third and fourth quarters.
• Eisenhower: The Tigers have demonstrated a more consistent offensive performance, averaging 10.7 points per quarter. Their scoring remains strong throughout the game, even in the final quarter (6.7 points), ensuring they maintain momentum.

Offensive and Defensive Comparison

• Hays Offense:
  • Rushing: 159.5 yards per game
  • Passing: 247.6 yards per game
  • Total Yards: 407.2 yards per game
    The Indians are led by quarterback Derek Morgan, who has been crucial in their passing game, averaging 247.6 yards per game. Carter Pabst has also been an integral part of their offense, contributing 141.8 receiving yards per game.
  • Defense: Hays averages 86.5 tackles per game and 2.4 sacks per game, showing strong defensive effort.
• Eisenhower Offense:
  • Rushing: 159.5 yards per game
  • Passing: 247.6 yards per game
  • Total Yards: 407.2 yards per game
    The Tigers have a similar offensive setup to the Indians, averaging 247.6 passing yards per game. Their offense has been dynamic, led by quarterback Derek Morgan and receiver Carter Pabst, who combined have been responsible for most of their yardage and scoring.
  • Defense: Eisenhower’s defense has been equally strong, with standout player Makai Tagatac contributing 0.6 sacks per game. The Tigers average 86.5 tackles per game.

Key Players to Watch

• Hays:
  • Brayden Pappas (Rushing): 107.2 yards per game
  • Derek Morgan (Passing): 247.6 yards per game
  • Carter Pabst (Receiving): 141.8 yards per game
  • Julian Gallegos (Tackles): 10.4 tackles per game
  • Makai Tagatac (Sacks): 0.6 sacks per game
  • Carter Pabst (Points): 16.9 points per game
• Eisenhower:
  • Derek Morgan (Passing): 247.6 yards per game
  • Carter Pabst (Receiving): 141.8 yards per game
  • Makai Tagatac (Sacks): 0.6 sacks per game
  • Julian Gallegos (Tackles): 10.4 tackles per game

Common Opponents

Both teams faced Andover this season, and both came out victorious. Hays defeated Andover 31-0 on November 1, 2024, while Eisenhower won 21-17 on October 4, 2024. This common success could hint at how they might fare against each other in the future.

Conclusion

The upcoming showdown between Hays and Eisenhower is one that promises high energy and intense competition. Eisenhower’s consistent offensive performance and strong record, combined with Hays’ solid all-around game and ability to perform under pressure, make this matchup one to watch closely. With both teams having key players who excel in offense and defense, the game could go either way. Keep an eye on the Tigers’ ability to dominate offensively and the Indians’ resilience on the road—this contest is bound to be a thrilling one.