The Episcopal varsity football team (Baton Rouge, LA) will face Pope John Paul II (Slidell, LA) in a neutral playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division III Select tournament.
What: Louisiana High School Football
Who: Episcopal (LA) vs Pope John Paul II (LA)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division III Select
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
Pope John Paul II vs. Episcopal: A Clash of State Powerhouses
In what promises to be an exciting playoff matchup, Pope John Paul II (Slidell, LA) will take on Episcopal (Baton Rouge, LA) in a neutral site game tonight at 7 p.m. Both teams have had stellar seasons, and this game will be crucial in determining which program advances further in the postseason.
Team Records and Performance
- Pope John Paul II enters the game with a strong overall record of 9-2, boasting a solid district record of 3-1. Their play this season has been consistent, both at home (5-1) and away (4-1), for a total win percentage of .818. The team has been dominant offensively, averaging 35.4 points per game, while their defense has allowed 222 points over the course of the season.
- Episcopal is equally impressive, holding an 8-2 overall record and a near-perfect 4-1 district performance. The team’s away record stands at 4-2, but they have been especially formidable at home, going 4-0. Episcopal has averaged 34.2 points per game, with a defense that has allowed only 138 points, showcasing their strength on both sides of the ball.
Scoring Breakdown
Looking at scoring averages per quarter, Pope John Paul II has been particularly strong in the first half, averaging 14.6 points in the first quarter and 5.4 in the second. Their second half is where they have maintained consistency, with 8.2 points in the third quarter and another 5.4 in the fourth.
On the other hand, Episcopal tends to start slow, averaging 8 points in the first quarter and 7.3 in the second. However, they struggle in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they failed to score in their last game. This could be a critical factor in the upcoming match.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The teams have not met this season, but they share a common opponent: Northlake Christian. Pope John Paul II lost to Northlake Christian 27-21 on October 18, 2024. Episcopal, however, had better luck, defeating Northlake Christian 31-16 in a game earlier this season. This puts Episcopal in a slight advantage in terms of performance against a common opponent.
Playoff Potential
Both teams are in excellent positions for the playoffs. While Pope John Paul II has an 0-1 record in neutral site games this season, their overall strength on the road (4-1) bodes well for this matchup. Episcopal, however, has an undefeated record at home (4-0), which could give them an edge in the postseason atmosphere.
The game promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams showing offensive firepower and a penchant for shutting down their opponents when it counts.
Key Takeaways
- Pope John Paul II has the slight edge in overall record and scoring efficiency, but Episcopal‘s defense has been incredibly stout, allowing just 138 points all season.
- The battle could come down to second-half adjustments, where Pope John Paul II has had more success, while Episcopal has struggled in the final quarter.
- With a win-loss record advantage against a common opponent, Episcopal enters the game with the upper hand in terms of comparative strength, but Pope John Paul II’s ability to win on the road makes this game too close to call.
Both teams have everything to play for as they seek to take one step closer to a state championship. Fans can expect a tightly contested, high-stakes game that could go down to the wire.
