The Haynesville (LA) varsity football team will host Montgomery (LA) in a home playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division IV Non-Select tournament.

What: Louisiana High School Football
Who: Haynesville (LA) vs Montgomery (LA)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Haynesville Memorial Stadium
Bracket: 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division IV Non-Select
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

A Clash of Titans: Montgomery vs. Haynesville – A Football Showdown

As the high school football season progresses, the Montgomery and Haynesville teams are making waves with impressive performances in Louisiana’s 2024-2025 season. While Montgomery boasts a solid record, Haynesville remains undefeated, making this upcoming matchup one of the most anticipated games in the state. Here’s a closer look at both teams’ rankings, records, statistics, and key players heading into this thrilling confrontation.

Team Records and Performance

Montgomery Panthers (7-4, 4-1 District)
Montgomery enters the game with a respectable 7-4 overall record and a strong 4-1 district performance. The Panthers have shown resilience, winning 4 of their 6 away games, but their overall scoring and defensive stats highlight room for improvement. With an average of 35.8 points per game, Montgomery has demonstrated offensive capability, though they will need to improve on their defensive consistency, having allowed 265 points on the season.

Haynesville Golden Tornadoes (11-0, 6-0 District)
In stark contrast, Haynesville stands unbeaten with an immaculate 11-0 record, dominating both district play and non-district games. The Golden Tornadoes have been nothing short of dominant, scoring an average of 45.3 points per game, while allowing only 115 points on the season. Their defense has been rock-solid, with their offense firing on all cylinders. Haynesville has yet to lose a game, and they will look to maintain their perfect record against Montgomery.

Scoring and Statistics Comparison

• Montgomery: The Panthers have an overall team average of 35.8 points per game, but they are more of a balanced team when it comes to offense. Their rushing game, led by Jacorian Shepherd, has averaged 158 yards per game, while their passing attack, directed by Mason Jordan, has accumulated 161 yards per game. On defense, Montgomery averages 28.5 tackles per game and has managed 1.5 sacks per game.
• Haynesville: Haynesville has been a juggernaut offensively, putting up 45.3 points per game. They excel in both rushing and passing, with strong individual performances across the board. Although specific yardage statistics aren’t detailed, their well-rounded attack and ability to move the ball efficiently have been key to their undefeated season. The Golden Tornadoes are known for their aggressive defense, but the exact metrics of their tackling and sacks per game remain a mystery in the provided data.

Key Players to Watch

• Montgomery:
  • Jacorian Shepherd – Leading the Panthers’ rushing attack with 102.8 yards per game, Shepherd will be key in establishing the run game and wearing down Haynesville’s defense.
  • Mason Jordan – The quarterback has thrown for an impressive 156.6 passing yards per game and will be crucial in keeping the Golden Tornadoes’ defense on their toes.
  • Ayden Gongre – With 73.5 receiving yards per game, Gongre provides Jordan with a reliable target downfield.
• Haynesville:
  • Latavian Small – A dual-threat on both defense and offense, Small has been a standout with 11.5 points per game and a sack per game. His ability to disrupt the quarterback and contribute offensively will make him a key player in this game.
  • Latravion Small (Tackles) – Small’s defensive prowess is reflected in his tackles per game, making him a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the ball.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced Lakeside this season, with contrasting results. Montgomery played an away game and narrowly lost 26-22, while Haynesville won 34-31 in a home game. This common opponent shows the difference in how these teams manage close games, with Haynesville slightly edging out Montgomery in a similar matchup.

Record Breakdown

• Montgomery:
  • Overall: 7-4
  • District: 4-1
  • Home: 4-2
  • Away: 3-2
• Haynesville:
  • Overall: 11-0
  • District: 6-0
  • Home: 5-0
  • Away: 6-0

Haynesville has been dominant on both ends, especially with their 6-0 record in district play and 6-0 performance on the road, whereas Montgomery’s losses have come at a higher rate, though they remain a formidable team.

Conclusion

As Montgomery and Haynesville prepare to face off, all eyes will be on Haynesville’s perfect season and whether Montgomery can pull off an upset. With both teams showcasing impressive individual talents, this game promises to be an intense and thrilling contest. While Haynesville enters as the favorite, Montgomery’s resilience and playmakers could make this matchup one to remember.