The Lafayette (Wildwood, MO) varsity football team is set to face Helias (Jefferson City, MO) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 29.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Missouri High School Football
Who: Helias vs Lafayette
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: in progress
Bracket: 2024 Missouri High School Football Playoff Brackets: MSHSAA – Class 5
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Helias vs. Lafayette
The clash between Helias Catholic (11-1) and Lafayette (12-1) is shaping up to be a thrilling playoff encounter. Both teams have been dominant this season, with strong records and high-powered offenses. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect in this marquee matchup.
Season Overview
Helias Catholic Crusaders (11-1)
- Overall Record: 11-1
- District Record: 6-1
- Home Record: 2-1
- Away Record: 5-0
- Neutral Record: 4-0
Helias has been a model of consistency, riding a balanced offense and disciplined defense to an impressive season. They average 39.5 points per game, with a focus on early scoring to build leads. Their only loss came in a tough district matchup, but they’ve been perfect since then, showcasing resilience.
Lafayette Lancers (12-1)
- Overall Record: 12-1
- District Record: 3-0
- Home Record: 5-0
- Away Record: 4-0
- Neutral Record: 3-0
Lafayette is on a tear, boasting a balanced attack that scores 39 points per game. What sets them apart is their ability to dominate late in games, with 17 points per game in the fourth quarter alone, showing their endurance and ability to finish strong. Their defense has been equally formidable, allowing just 11.4 points per game.
Scoring Averages by Quarter
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helias | 11.0 | 18.2 | 8.2 | 3.2 | 39.5 |
| Lafayette | 0.0 | 14.0 | 7.0 | 17.0 | 39.0 |
Helias dominates early in games, often taking control by halftime. Lafayette, on the other hand, builds momentum as the game progresses, peaking in the fourth quarter. This dynamic could lead to a close contest if the game is still competitive late.
Key Players
Helias
- #10 Jacob Hentges: A dynamic quarterback who leads the Crusaders’ offense with precision passing and rushing ability.
- #22 Luke Stegeman: A versatile running back, critical in Helias’ ground game and short-yardage situations.
- Defense as a unit: Known for shutting down opponents early, allowing their offense to play with a lead.
Lafayette
- #5 Jordan Barnes: A standout running back with the ability to break open big plays, leading the team in scoring.
- #12 Carter Dillon: A consistent passer who thrives under pressure, especially in the fourth quarter.
- #9 Marcus Ellis: A disruptive linebacker who anchors the defense and excels at forcing turnovers.
Team Comparison
| Category | Helias | Lafayette |
|---|---|---|
| Points per Game | 39.5 | 39.0 |
| Points Allowed/Game | 13.9 | 11.4 |
| Total Yards/Game | 430.1 | 412.3 |
| Rushing Yards/Game | 212.5 | 180.3 |
| Passing Yards/Game | 217.6 | 232.0 |
Statistically, these teams are well-matched. Helias has a slight edge in rushing yards and total offense, while Lafayette is more effective in the passing game and has a stingier defense.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced strong competition, but no direct common opponents provide a clear comparison. This increases the unpredictability of this game.
Key Factors to Watch
- Helias’ Fast Starts: Can Lafayette weather the early storm and keep the game close heading into the second half?
- Lafayette’s Fourth-Quarter Dominance: If the game is tight late, Lafayette’s endurance and composure could be decisive.
- Turnover Battle: Both defenses are opportunistic; a critical takeaway could swing momentum.
- Special Teams Impact: In tight playoff games, field position and special teams can often decide the outcome.
Prediction
This game pits Helias’ quick starts against Lafayette’s late-game heroics. While both teams are evenly matched, Lafayette’s ability to dominate the fourth quarter and finish games strong gives them a slight edge.
