The Groves (Beverly Hills, MI) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against De La Salle Collegiate (Warren, MI) on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m.

What: Michigan High School Football
Who: Groves (MI) vs De La Salle Collegiate (MI)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

A Comparative Look at De La Salle Collegiate and Groves Football Programs (2024-2025)

As the 2024-2025 high school football season unfolds, two teams from Michigan are making waves with impressive performances: De La Salle Collegiate and Groves. Both teams have shown remarkable abilities, but their statistics and play styles highlight unique strengths. Let’s dive into the comparison of these two teams, breaking down their overall performance, individual achievements, and the key stats that set them apart.

De La Salle Collegiate: A Solid Contender

De La Salle Collegiate, with a record of 8-2 overall (3-2 in league play), has proven itself a tough competitor this season. With a win percentage of 80% and a league win percentage of 60%, De La Salle has shown resilience on both home and away games. The team’s offensive capabilities are solid, with an average of 32 points per game and a total yardage of 218.2 yards per game.

Breaking down their scoring by quarter, De La Salle tends to build momentum through the middle of the game, scoring an average of 10.0 points in the second quarter and 8.6 points in the third, before trailing off slightly in the first and fourth quarters with averages of 5.3 points. This suggests that De La Salle might need to focus on consistency throughout the game to boost their overall performance.

Groves: The Unbeaten Juggernaut

Groves has been nothing short of dominant this season, boasting an undefeated record of 11-0 (4-0 in league play). With a perfect win percentage of 100%, including a flawless 7-0 mark in away games, Groves has proven they are the team to beat. Their average score of 37.5 points per game, fueled by their high-scoring first half, is a key indicator of their offensive power.

Groves’ scoring is front-loaded, with a massive 22.0 points per game in the second quarter. This explosive scoring, combined with their solid defense (allowing only 85 points across 11 games), has been a hallmark of their season. Groves’ offensive output is unmatched, as they have scored a total of 413 points, averaging a staggering 37.5 points per game, far exceeding De La Salle’s 32 points per game.

Key Stat Comparison

Let’s break down the team statistics to understand their playing styles and performances in greater detail:

• Rushing Yards: De La Salle excels with 133.1 rushing yards per game, led by running back Anthony Bitonti, who averages 36.6 yards per game. This is a solid foundation for their offense.
• Passing Yards: Sante Gasperoni leads De La Salle with 79.5 passing yards per game. However, Groves has not provided detailed passing statistics, but their high point-scoring games suggest a balanced or pass-heavy offense.
• Receiving Yards: Damion King IV leads De La Salle with 25.9 receiving yards per game.
• Tackles and Sacks: Both teams show solid defensive presence, with De La Salle’s Jacob Tur leading the team with 6.9 tackles per game and 0.4 sacks per game.

Team Leaders and Performance

• De La Salle Collegiate:
  • Anthony Bitonti: 36.6 rushing yards per game
  • Sante Gasperoni: 79.5 passing yards per game, 108.0 total yards per game
  • Damion King IV: 25.9 receiving yards per game
  • Jacob Tur: 6.9 tackles per game, 0.4 sacks per game
• Groves: The exact stats for individual players were not detailed, but their overall team performance, particularly on offense, indicates they have balanced players across the board. They have posted 413 points, with key playmakers likely stepping up in crucial moments, especially in the first half.

Head-to-Head and Playoff Potential

Both teams have demonstrated strong performances in their respective leagues, but their playoff paths could be significantly different based on their perfect and near-perfect records. De La Salle, with a 3-2 league record, faces tough competition in their region, while Groves, still undefeated, enters the playoffs as the team to beat with no losses in either league or non-league play.

While both teams have had the opportunity to play in neutral and away conditions, Groves’ 7-0 away record gives them an edge when it comes to performing under pressure, especially in hostile environments. Meanwhile, De La Salle has been stronger at home (6-1) but will need to improve on the road and maintain consistency throughout their games to challenge the juggernaut that is Groves.

Conclusion

In conclusion, De La Salle Collegiate and Groves represent two distinct styles of high school football. De La Salle is a well-rounded team that builds its success on a solid offense and defense, while Groves has shown dominant offensive firepower that has carried them to a perfect season so far. As the playoffs approach, it will be interesting to see how these teams adapt and execute their strategies to secure a championship.

With Groves’ explosive scoring and undefeated streak, they are the clear favorite heading into the postseason, but De La Salle’s determination and steady performance could pose a serious challenge for the top spot.