The Exeter Township (Reading, PA) varsity football team will face Bishop McDevitt (Harrisburg, PA) in a neutral playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 PIAA Football Championship – 5A tournament.
Exeter Township vs Bishop McDevitt Football Game Info:
What: Pennsylvania High School Football
Who: Exeter Township vs Bishop McDevitt
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 PIAA Football Championship – 5A
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Game preview: Exeter Township vs Bishop McDevitt
As the 2024-2025 high school football season heads into its final stretch, one matchup looms large: Bishop McDevitt versus Exeter Township. Both teams have proven themselves as formidable opponents throughout the season, and their head-to-head clash promises to be a spectacle for fans and analysts alike. Here’s a breakdown of how these two powerhouses compare based on their performance this season.
Team Overview
Bishop McDevitt comes into the matchup with an 11-2 overall record and a strong 7-2 conference standing. The team’s performance has been balanced, with the offense averaging a solid 40.2 points per game, thanks in large part to standout players like quarterback Stone Saunders and running back Nazir Jones-Davis. McDevitt’s defense has been effective, holding opponents to an average of 222 points across the season. Despite their impressive record, the team has a slightly lower win percentage at .846 compared to Exeter Township’s .923.
Exeter Township, on the other hand, boasts a 12-1 record and has been dominant in both their league and non-league play, with a 5-1 conference mark and a perfect 7-0 away record. Their offense has been high-powered, averaging 44.9 points per game, with key contributors such as running back Jayden Zandier and quarterback Riley Martinez leading the charge. The team has been a force on the field, outscoring opponents 584 to 123 for the season, demonstrating their explosive potential.
Scoring and Stat Comparison
In terms of offensive production, both teams have been impressive, though Exeter Township has the edge in several categories. They average 44.9 points per game, slightly ahead of Bishop McDevitt’s 40.2. The Exeter offense is especially potent in the first two quarters, averaging 12.6 points in the first and 16.5 in the second. McDevitt, while strong, tends to build momentum later, scoring 13.7 points in the second quarter and 11.1 in the first.
On the defensive side, both teams are effective but Exeter has a marginal edge in terms of overall tackles per game (62.5 vs. 60.2). The defensive units will need to bring their best effort, as both offenses are capable of putting up big numbers.
Team Leaders
Looking at the standout players for both squads, Bishop McDevitt’s offense is driven by the dual threat of Stone Saunders (230.1 passing yards per game) and Nazir Jones-Davis (98.9 rushing yards per game). Saunders has been particularly dominant, accumulating 238.6 total yards per game. On defense, Venny Brooks leads with 7.7 tackles per game, while Lucas Lawler has contributed with sacks, averaging 0.9 per game.
Exeter Township’s offense revolves around Jayden Zandier, who has racked up 160.2 rushing yards per game and 176.2 total yards per game. Riley Martinez provides balance through the air with 109.8 passing yards per game. Defensively, Casey Gerhart leads with 7.2 tackles per game, and Andre Osborne contributes with 0.4 sacks per game. Exeter also has an edge in pancake blocks, with 3 compared to McDevitt’s 0.
Record Breakdown
In terms of their overall performance, both teams have been successful in different aspects. Bishop McDevitt has gone 5-1 at home and 5-1 on the road, while Exeter Township has a perfect 7-0 record away. In neutral-site games, McDevitt holds a 1-0 record, while Exeter has not played any neutral-site contests this season. Additionally, both teams have been strong in-state, with McDevitt going 10-2 and Exeter Township posting an impressive 12-1 record in Pennsylvania.
Key Takeaways
This upcoming matchup will be a test of strength and strategy, with both teams bringing potent offenses and disciplined defenses. Bishop McDevitt will look to lean on their balanced offense and the leadership of Saunders and Jones-Davis, while Exeter Township will rely on their explosive scoring ability, led by Zandier and Martinez.
Both squads have the tools to make a deep playoff run, and their clash could be a preview of what’s to come in the postseason. Fans should be ready for a high-intensity game filled with highlight-reel plays and tactical football. As the season draws to a close, this is one matchup that promises to deliver all the excitement expected from two of the state’s top programs.
