The varsity football team from Fort Wayne Bishop Luers (Fort Wayne, IN) will play a neutral-site playoff game against Heritage Hills (Lincoln City, IN) on Saturday, November 30, at 2 p.m. This matchup is part of the “2024 IHSAA Football State Tournament presented by the Indianapolis Colts – Class 3A State Tournament.”

What: Indiana High School Football
Who: Fort Wayne Bishop Luers (IN) vs Heritage Hills (IN)
When: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 IHSAA Football State Tournament presented by the Indianapolis Colts – Class 3A State Tournament
Live stream: Watch here

High School Football Showdown: Heritage Hills vs. Fort Wayne Bishop Luers

In the competitive landscape of Indiana high school football, two teams have stood out this season for their impressive performances: Heritage Hills and Fort Wayne Bishop Luers. The statistics and rankings paint a vivid picture of their strengths, strategies, and what sets them apart in their class.

Team Overview and Records

Heritage Hills (24-25) has dominated this season with a near-perfect record of 13-1. Their strong finish is reflected in their impeccable 5-0 conference record, showcasing their formidable presence in the league. The Patriots have also proved to be a force at home with an unblemished 9-0 record, demonstrating their dominance in familiar territory. However, they experienced one loss on the road, finishing 4-1 in away games, and have a win percentage of .929 and a perfect conference win percentage of 1.000.

Fort Wayne Bishop Luers (24-25), while not as dominant, has been a competitive team this season. The Knights have achieved a solid 10-4 overall record, with a strong 3-1 showing in conference play. Their home games saw them win 6 out of 8 matchups, while they managed a 4-2 record in away games. Their win percentage stands at .714, with a conference win percentage of .750.

Scoring and Offense

Scoring averages reveal a stark contrast in offensive production between the two teams. Heritage Hills leads with an impressive average of 39.9 points per game, showcasing their potent offense that scores consistently across all quarters—11.9 points in the first quarter, 15.3 in the second, 8.8 in the third, and a strong 3.1 in the fourth. This well-rounded approach allows them to maintain leads and secure victories.

In comparison, Fort Wayne Bishop Luers averages 25.9 points per game, with their scoring distributed more modestly: 5.7 in the first quarter, 8.6 in the second, 8.2 in the third, and 6.6 in the fourth. While their total points per game are lower, the Knights still demonstrate moments of offensive power.

Statistical Breakdown

A look at team stats further highlights the differences in approach and execution:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Heritage Hills averages 225.9 yards, significantly outpacing Bishop Luers at 170.7.
• Passing Yards Per Game: The Patriots again lead with 124.0 passing yards, while the Knights trail at 95.2.
• Receiving Yards Per Game: Both teams are fairly comparable, with Heritage Hills averaging 124.0 yards and Bishop Luers at 95.1.
• Total Yards Per Game: Heritage Hills boasts a well-rounded 349.9 total yards per game, compared to 265.9 for Fort Wayne Bishop Luers.

Defensive statistics show both teams play an effective game, though Heritage Hills’ defense averages 55.2 tackles per game, just behind Bishop Luers’ 57.4. The sack statistics tell a different story, however, with Heritage Hills averaging 1.5 sacks per game versus Bishop Luers’ 2.6.

Key Players

The leadership on the field is vital for both teams. Heritage Hills’ standout player is Jett Goldsberry, who leads in multiple categories:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 107.1.
• Passing Yards Per Game: 124.0.
• Total Yards Per Game: 231.1.
• Points Per Game: 10.9.

His all-around impact makes him a crucial component of Heritage Hills’ offensive success.

On the other side, Fort Wayne Bishop Luers relies heavily on Daryea Williams, who leads in rushing with 96.5 yards per game and contributes to total offense with 100.8 yards per game.

Record Breakdown and Context

When examining win records, Heritage Hills is undefeated in their conference games (5-0) and has also proven successful in playoff scenarios with a 5-0 record. Their robust performance has kept them competitive in both in-state and out-of-state matchups, finishing with 13-0 in-state wins.

Fort Wayne Bishop Luers has also had a successful run in the conference at 3-1 and has an impressive 6-2 record at home. Their performance away from home, though, has shown some challenges with a 4-2 record. Despite this, their 10-4 overall record and strong playoff presence (5-0) speak to their resilience.

Conclusion

The contrast between Heritage Hills and Fort Wayne Bishop Luers highlights a season of strong competition and differing styles. Heritage Hills stands out with its more explosive offense, led by a well-rounded attack and solid defense, while Fort Wayne Bishop Luers remains formidable with solid, consistent performances, especially on defense and in specific offensive areas.

This matchup offers a look at the best of Indiana high school football, showcasing talent, strategy, and the pursuit of victory. As the season progresses, these teams exemplify how preparation and execution on both sides of the ball determine success in high school football.