The Indianapolis Bishop Chatard varsity football team will host a playoff game against New Palestine on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m.

What: Indiana High School Football
Who: Indianapolis Bishop Chatard (IN) vs New Palestine (IN)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Football Showdown: New Palestine vs. Indianapolis Bishop Chatard

As the 2024-2025 football season progresses, two powerhouse teams, New Palestine and Indianapolis Bishop Chatard, stand out with impressive records and high-scoring performances. These teams have battled their way through intense schedules, and as they prepare to face off, the stage is set for a thrilling matchup. Here’s a breakdown of each team’s statistics, strengths, and key players, highlighting what makes them the teams to watch this season.

Team Records & Performance

• New Palestine comes into the matchup with a near-perfect record of 11-0-1 overall, and a flawless 7-0 in conference play. Their dominance is reflected in both their offensive and defensive statistics, as they average 39.5 points per game and have a remarkable .958 win percentage. They have been unbeatable on their home field with a 5-0-1 record and have posted an incredible 6-0 record on the road.
• Indianapolis Bishop Chatard, on the other hand, holds a strong 9-2 overall record and a 3-0 conference record, with an .818 win percentage. Despite a slight edge in overall losses, Bishop Chatard has also demonstrated resilience, particularly on the road, with a 5-1 away record. They have averaged 29.3 points per game, which showcases their competitive nature, but they will face a tough challenge against New Palestine’s high-powered offense.

Scoring Breakdown

When it comes to scoring, New Palestine leads the charge, especially in the first half. They put up impressive numbers, with 12.8 points in the first quarter, followed by 14.5 in the second. While they drop off slightly in the second half with 8.2 in the third quarter and 4.0 in the fourth, they still finish strong with a 39.5-point average per game.

Bishop Chatard, conversely, scores more evenly throughout the game. They start slow with 4.8 points in the first quarter but improve significantly in the second half, with 7.6 in the third and 7.1 in the fourth. Their overall 29.3 points per game is solid, but they’ll need to find a way to keep pace with New Palestine’s explosive first-half scoring.

Statistical Comparison

The team statistics further showcase New Palestine’s offensive juggernaut and their ability to dominate both in rushing and passing.

• Rushing Yards Per Game:
  • New Palestine: 261.7
  • Bishop Chatard: 13.1

  New Palestine’s ability to run the ball effectively is evident in their 261.7 yards per game on the ground, compared to Bishop Chatard’s modest 13.1. This disparity could be a key factor in the game, with New Palestine looking to control the clock and push through the defensive line.

• Passing Yards Per Game:
  • New Palestine: 136.5
  • Bishop Chatard: 44.7

  While both teams are capable in the air, New Palestine has the advantage here with 136.5 yards per game compared to Bishop Chatard’s 44.7. This difference shows that New Palestine has a more balanced attack, capable of both running and passing at a high level.

• Total Yards Per Game:
  • New Palestine: 398.2
  • Bishop Chatard: 57.8

  The total yardage per game reinforces the gap between these two teams. New Palestine’s 398.2 yards per game dwarfs Bishop Chatard’s 57.8, signaling that New Palestine’s offense will be difficult to contain.

Key Players

Both teams have standout players who are capable of making big plays:

• New Palestine:
  • Josh Ranes: The standout running back leads the team with 153.4 rushing yards per game and has been instrumental in the team’s high-scoring offense.
  • Jacob Davis: The quarterback is also a dual threat, passing for 134.4 yards per game and leading the team with 171.8 total yards per game.
  • Michael Thacker: A defensive force, contributing 6.0 tackles per game and adding 0.8 sacks to his résumé.
• Indianapolis Bishop Chatard:
  • Jack Harrington: The standout quarterback has been consistent, passing for 147.4 yards per game and is a key player for Bishop Chatard’s offense.
  • Kalen Sargent: The leading receiver, contributing 52.6 receiving yards per game.
  • Kade Rickard: A leader on defense, with 9.0 tackles per game, Rickard has been crucial for the Bishop Chatard defense.

Record Breakdown

Both teams have posted impressive records, with New Palestine dominating their in-state and conference schedules. They have yet to lose in conference play, while Bishop Chatard’s only conference loss came in a tough matchup on the road.

• New Palestine Record Breakdown:
  • Overall: 11-0-1
  • Conference: 7-0
  • Home: 5-0-1
  • Away: 6-0
• Indianapolis Bishop Chatard Record Breakdown:
  • Overall: 9-2
  • Conference: 3-0
  • Home: 4-1
  • Away: 5-1

Conclusion

As New Palestine and Indianapolis Bishop Chatard prepare for their showdown, it’s clear that New Palestine enters as the favorite with their dominant offense, strong defensive play, and perfect conference record. However, Bishop Chatard’s resilience and solid overall play make them a dangerous opponent. This matchup promises to be an exciting one, as New Palestine looks to continue their unbeaten streak while Bishop Chatard hopes to pull off an upset. It will be a test of offense versus defense and a battle of two teams striving for victory.