The Fort Wayne Bishop Luers varsity football team (Fort Wayne, IN) will host Garrett (IN) for a home playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 IHSAA Football State Tournament presented by the Indianapolis Colts, in the Class 3A State Tournament.

What: Indiana High School Football
Who: Fort Wayne Bishop Luers (IN) vs Garrett (IN)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 IHSAA Football State Tournament presented by the Indianapolis Colts – Class 3A State Tournament
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Garrett vs. Fort Wayne Bishop Luers: A Football Showdown

The 2024-2025 football season has seen some impressive performances, and two teams that have stood out are Garrett and Fort Wayne Bishop Luers. These two teams have posted strong records, but their play styles and achievements throughout the season show clear contrasts. Let’s break down how these two teams stack up, both on paper and on the field.

Record Overview

• Garrett: With an undefeated 13-0 record, Garrett has proven to be a dominant force. Their perfect conference and overall performance have been remarkable, holding a 100% win rate in both home and away games.
• Fort Wayne Bishop Luers: While not as dominant, Bishop Luers has had a solid season with a 9-4 record. Their performance is highlighted by a 3-1 record in conference play, showing they are a competitive team within their league.

Offensive Firepower

When comparing offensive averages, Garrett takes the lead. They score an impressive 37.6 points per game, outscoring Bishop Luers, which averages 25.7 points per game. Garrett’s scoring is consistently spread out, with their highest scoring quarter being Q2 (16.2 points) and a strong finish in OT1 (6.0 points).

On the other hand, Bishop Luers sees the most success in the third quarter (7.6 points), but their offensive production tends to drop off in Q4 (5.9 points).

Team Stat Comparison

In terms of total yards per game, Garrett far outpaces Bishop Luers with 377.5 yards per game compared to 265.5 yards per game for Bishop Luers. This is largely due to Garrett’s explosive rushing attack, where they average 297.5 rushing yards per game compared to 166.6 yards per game by Bishop Luers.

Passing yards are relatively close between the two teams, with Garrett at 80.1 passing yards per game and Bishop Luers at 98.8 yards per game. The receiving yards per game are also similar, as Garrett and Bishop Luers both hover around the 80-yard mark.

However, Garrett’s edge in total offense, led by standout players like Calder Hefty, whose 166.3 total yards per game ranks as the team’s leader, is a key factor. For Bishop Luers, Daryea Williams leads the team with 94.5 total yards per game, which is respectable but not quite at the level of Garrett’s leading players.

Defensive Prowess

Garrett’s defense is impressive, with 55.2 tackles per game and a solid 1.5 sacks per game. Bishop Luers, on the other hand, averages 56.8 tackles per game, slightly outpacing Garrett, but they also generate 2.5 sacks per game, showing more penetration in the opposing backfield. Garrett’s defense also benefits from having standout players like Kashen Kelham, who averages 6.7 tackles per game, while Jarron Taylor of Bishop Luers has a solid 6.2 tackles per game.

In terms of points allowed, Garrett is particularly stingy, giving up just 216 points on the season, while Bishop Luers has allowed 198 points.

Key Players to Watch

• Garrett:
  • Calder Hefty: The standout quarterback has been vital to Garrett’s success, leading in both passing and total yards, with a significant 79.3 passing yards per game and 166.3 total yards per game.
  • Camren Ruble: Known for his hard running, Ruble averages 103 rushing yards per game, establishing himself as a key offensive weapon for Garrett.
• Fort Wayne Bishop Luers:
  • Daryea Williams: Leading the team in rushing with 89.8 yards per game, Williams is a dual threat capable of breaking off big runs.
  • Jayce White: A reliable receiving threat, White has posted an average of 20.0 receiving yards per game.

Record Breakdown: Home vs. Away

Both teams have performed well at home, with Garrett posting a 7-0 record on their turf and Bishop Luers finishing 5-2. Garrett’s perfect away record of 6-0 stands in stark contrast to Bishop Luers’ 4-2 away record, showing Garrett’s versatility and ability to dominate on the road.

Conclusion

In this football showdown, Garrett holds the upper hand with their undefeated record, superior offensive numbers, and dominant defense. Their balanced attack, led by players like Calder Hefty and Camren Ruble, makes them a dangerous team on both sides of the ball. However, Fort Wayne Bishop Luers should not be underestimated. With a strong record in their conference and a few standout players like Daryea Williams and Jayce White, they will look to challenge Garrett and prove that they are capable of competing with the best.

As these two teams continue their campaigns, it will be exciting to see how they fare against tougher competition and whether they can carry their strong regular-season performances into the playoffs.