The Hays (KS) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against Saint Thomas Aquinas (Overland Park, KS) today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 Kansas High School Football Playoff Brackets (KSHSAA) for Class 5A.
What: Kansas High School Football
Who: Hays (KS) vs Saint Thomas Aquinas (KS)
When: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Kansas High School Football Playoff Brackets (KSHSAA) for Class 5A
Live stream: Watch here
Top High School Football Performances: Saint Thomas Aquinas vs. Hays
The high school football season in Kansas has been marked by some impressive showings, particularly by teams like Saint Thomas Aquinas and Hays. The 2024-2025 season has seen these two teams solidify their standings with contrasting yet noteworthy performances. Here, we break down their records, team scoring averages, and other relevant statistics that showcase their strengths and areas for growth.
Team Overview
Saint Thomas Aquinas (24-25) has been nothing short of dominant, finishing the season undefeated with a perfect 12-0 record. Their relentless approach to the game allowed them to emerge as the top contender in their district and overall, showcasing exceptional consistency across all venues. In comparison, Hays (24-25) has had a commendable season, holding an 8-4 record. While they faced challenges, especially in home games, they managed to leverage their strong away performances and out-of-state games to maintain a winning record.
Records and Statistics
Saint Thomas Aquinas:
- Overall Record: 12-0
- District Record: 7-0
- Home Record: 7-0
- Away Record: 3-0
- Neutral Site: 2-0
- Win Percentage: 1.000
- District Win Percentage: 1.000
- Points For (PF): 376
- Points Against (PA): 183
Hays:
- Overall Record: 8-4
- District Record: 2-2
- Home Record: 1-3
- Away Record: 5-1
- Neutral Site: 2-0
- Win Percentage: .667
- District Win Percentage: .500
- Points For (PF): 294
- Points Against (PA): 175
Team Scoring Averages
In terms of scoring, Saint Thomas Aquinas showed remarkable consistency throughout the quarters, averaging 9.3 points in the first quarter, 9.2 in the second, 5.8 in the third, and 8.2 in the fourth. Their strong finish in the final quarter and performance in overtime (7.0 points) led to an impressive final average of 31.3 points per game.
Hays, on the other hand, displayed a strong start with 10.3 points in the first quarter but struggled to maintain that pace in subsequent periods. Their averages dipped to 4.1 points in the second, 4.9 in the third, and a significant drop to 3.3 in the fourth. This inconsistency contributed to a final average of 24.5 points per game.
Record Breakdown
Saint Thomas Aquinas achieved a perfect record in league play, with a 7-0 mark that included both district and non-district games. Their home dominance (7-0) coupled with an undefeated away record (3-0) highlighted their versatility. Additionally, their playoff record of 4-0 underlined their ability to perform under high-stakes conditions.
Hays, while not as dominant, maintained solid performances, particularly in away games where they secured a 5-1 record. Their overall in-state performance of 7-4 shows resilience, with a noteworthy out-of-state record of 1-0 that reflects their ability to adapt to different challenges.
Conclusion
The 2024-2025 high school football season in Kansas has been an exciting showcase of talent, determination, and strategic play. Saint Thomas Aquinas has emerged as the standout team with their flawless 12-0 record, balanced scoring, and a strong finish in every quarter. Hays, though not perfect, demonstrated significant strength, especially on the road, and should be commended for their ability to compete with top-tier teams. As the season concludes, these teams’ performances provide a glimpse into their future potential and the competitive spirit of Kansas high school football.
