The Canisius (Buffalo, NY) varsity football team is playing a home non-conference game against Iona Prep (New Rochelle, NY), November 30 at 11 AM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: New York High School Football
Who: Iona Prep (NY) vs. Canisius (NY)
When: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Time: 11 AM ET
Bracket: XXXXX
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Iona Prep (NY) vs. Canisius (NY)
This highly anticipated matchup features two of the top teams in New York state, Iona Prep and Canisius, both with impressive records and deep playoff runs. With both teams boasting powerful offenses and stout defenses, this game promises to be a thrilling battle for supremacy.
Season Recap: Iona Prep
- Record: 10-2
- League Record: 6-0
- Points For/Against: 404 PF, 237 PA
- Scoring Average: 33.7 points per game
Iona Prep has had an impressive season, finishing first in their league with a perfect 6-0 record. Their offense has been potent, averaging 33.7 points per game, and their defense has been solid, allowing just over 237 points. Iona Prep’s ability to balance a strong rushing attack with a capable passing game has made them a dangerous team.
Key Strengths:
- Balanced Offense: Averaging 197.8 rushing yards and 181.1 passing yards per game.
- High Scoring: Averaging 33.7 points per game.
- Strong Leadership: Players like Crew Davis and Julian Guzman have been central to Iona Prep’s success, both on offense and defense.
Season Recap: Canisius
- Record: 9-2
- League Record: 3-0
- Points For/Against: 360 PF, 208 PA
- Scoring Average: 32.7 points per game
Canisius has been equally dominant this season, finishing with a 9-2 record and a 3-0 league record. Their offense has been equally potent, averaging 32.7 points per game, while their defense has been very tough, holding opponents to just 208 points. Canisius excels in the running game, with standout performances from Elijah Kimble.
Key Strengths:
- Dominant Rushing Attack: Averaging 247.5 rushing yards per game.
- Efficient Offense: Solid passing game despite a run-heavy offense, with Matteo Brusco and Jahyden Clark making key plays.
- Tough Defense: Averaging 62.3 tackles per game and a strong 1.9 sacks per game.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Iona Prep | Canisius |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 10-2 | 9-2 |
| League Record | 6-0 | 3-0 |
| Points For | 404 | 360 |
| Points Against | 237 | 208 |
| Scoring Average | 33.7 | 32.7 |
| Rushing Yards per Game | 197.8 | 247.5 |
| Passing Yards per Game | 181.1 | 87.5 |
| Receiving Yards per Game | 181.1 | 85.5 |
| Total Yards per Game | 378.9 | 334.9 |
| Tackles per Game | – | 62.3 |
| Sacks per Game | – | 1.9 |
| Points per Game | 30.2 | 32.7 |
Key Matchups
- Iona Prep’s Balanced Offense vs. Canisius’ Defense
Iona Prep’s offense can strike both through the air and on the ground. Their ability to move the ball in multiple ways will test Canisius’ defense. Canisius will need to contain Crew Davis in the run game and put pressure on Julian Guzman to prevent big passing plays. - Canisius’ Powerful Rushing Attack vs. Iona Prep’s Defense
Elijah Kimble has been a standout for Canisius in the rushing game, averaging 155.9 yards per game. Iona Prep’s defense will need to find a way to slow down Kimble and force Canisius to rely more on their passing attack. - Quarterback Play
Iona Prep’s Julian Guzman (181.1 passing yards per game) vs. Canisius’ Matteo Brusco will be crucial. If either team can get an edge in the passing game, it could swing the momentum in their favor.
Key Players to Watch
Iona Prep
- Crew Davis (Running Back): Leading the team with 84.5 rushing yards per game, Davis will be crucial in both moving the chains and controlling the clock.
- Julian Guzman (Quarterback): With 181.1 passing yards per game, Guzman’s ability to manage the game and make big throws will be critical to Iona Prep’s success.
- Steven Dowdy Jr. (Wide Receiver): With 83.7 receiving yards per game, Dowdy will be an important target in Iona Prep’s passing attack.
Canisius
- Elijah Kimble (Running Back): Kimble has been the focal point of Canisius’ offense with 155.9 rushing yards per game. He will be key to establishing the ground game.
- Matteo Brusco (Quarterback): Though not passing for huge yardage, Brusco’s efficiency in key moments will be vital for Canisius to move the ball through the air.
- Jahyden Clark (Receiver): Clark has been a consistent contributor, with 57 receiving yards per game, and will be a key target in the passing game.
Prediction
Both teams have had strong seasons, but Iona Prep’s more balanced offense and solid defense could give them the edge in this matchup. However, Canisius’ ability to control the game with its powerful running attack, led by Kimble, will keep them competitive. The game will likely come down to which team can execute better on both sides of the ball.
