The Jackson Heights (Holton, KS) varsity football team will host Rossville (KS) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15 at 7:00 PM.

What: Kansas High School Football
Who: Jackson Heights (KS) vs Rossville (KS)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Football Team Comparison: Rossville vs. Jackson Heights

As the football season progresses, two standout teams in Kansas have been making waves: Rossville and Jackson Heights. The matchup between these two squads is drawing attention, and a closer look at their performance reveals a stark contrast in their records, style of play, and individual performances. Let’s break down the numbers and highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each team as they prepare for their next matchups.

Season Record and Performance

• Rossville enters this season with a record of 7-3, boasting a .700 win percentage. While the team’s performance has been solid, they have faced challenges within their district, holding a .000 district win percentage. Their overall points for and against are impressive, with a 359 PF (Points For) and 139 PA (Points Against), showcasing their ability to score but also vulnerability on defense.
• Jackson Heights, however, has been a dominant force, finishing the season undefeated at 10-0. Their remarkable 1.000 district win percentage and flawless 6-0 district record reflect their strength in competitive play. Offensively, they have been a powerhouse, scoring 546 points and allowing only 29, highlighting their defensive resilience and offensive explosiveness.

Scoring Averages

When it comes to scoring, Jackson Heights has consistently outpaced Rossville:

• Rossville averages 35.9 points per game (PPG), with strong performances in the first half of games, scoring 9.3 in the first quarter and 9.0 in the second.
• Jackson Heights, on the other hand, has been dominant across all quarters, especially in the opening halves, averaging 20.8 PPG in the first quarter and 20.0 PPG in the second. Their total average of 54.6 PPG sets them apart as one of the most potent offenses in the state.

Offensive and Defensive Comparisons

Looking at the overall team stats, Jackson Heights holds an edge in most categories:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Jackson Heights averages 302.9 yards, while Rossville trails with 247.1 yards. This difference shows Jackson Heights’ superior ground game.
• Passing Yards Per Game: Both teams are fairly balanced in their passing games, with Rossville averaging 116.1 yards and Jackson Heights just slightly ahead with 114.9 yards per game.
• Total Yards Per Game: Jackson Heights averages 417.8 yards per game, far surpassing Rossville’s 356.9 yards per game.

Defensively, both teams have been tough, but Jackson Heights edges out Rossville:

• Tackles Per Game: Rossville averages 57.9 tackles, while Jackson Heights records 56.7 tackles per game.
• Sacks Per Game: Jackson Heights’ defense has been more consistent in pressuring quarterbacks, averaging 0.9 sacks per game compared to Rossville’s 1.6.

Team Leaders and Key Performers

Both teams have standout players who lead the way on offense and defense:

• Rossville:
  • Tayson Horak has been the driving force for the Rossville offense, leading with 110.3 rushing yards per game and 116.1 passing yards per game. His versatility is a major asset for Rossville.
  • Jack Donovan contributes with 37.3 receiving yards per game, and Conner Bush leads the defense with 10.2 tackles per game.
• Jackson Heights:
  • Drake Mellies is the star rusher for Jackson Heights, with 92.6 rushing yards per game and 113.8 passing yards per game. His offensive contributions have helped power the team.
  • Titus Eisenbarth stands out as a key receiver with 44.8 receiving yards per game and as a solid tackler with 6.2 tackles per game.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

Both teams share a common opponent in McLouth, where they both achieved dominant victories:

• Rossville won their matchup against McLouth with a 42-0 scoreline.
• Jackson Heights also dominated McLouth, winning 57-0.

Playoff Outlook

Looking ahead, Jackson Heights is positioned as a heavy favorite with a perfect 10-0 record, and they have been impressive on both sides of the ball. Rossville, while solid, faces a tough road ahead if they are to contend with Jackson Heights, especially given their struggles within their district.

Conclusion

The battle between Rossville and Jackson Heights promises to be an exciting one, with Jackson Heights looking to continue their unbeaten run and Rossville aiming to overcome challenges. Statistically, Jackson Heights has the edge in almost every category, but Rossville’s competitive spirit and playmakers like Tayson Horak could make for an exciting matchup as they look to make a deep playoff run.