The Jena varsity football team will host Caldwell Parish (Columbia, LA) in a home playoff game as part of the 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division III Non-Select tournament.

What: Louisiana High School Football
Who: Jena (LA) vs Caldwell Parish (LA)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division III Non-Select
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Caldwell Parish vs. Jena: A Tale of Contrasting Seasons

As the Louisiana high school football playoffs approach, Caldwell Parish and Jena face off in what promises to be a compelling matchup. While these two teams share a conference, their seasons have taken dramatically different trajectories. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their performance, stats, and head-to-head dynamics.

Team Performance Overview

Caldwell Parish Spartans (1-9 Overall, 1-4 District)

• Rankings: 233rd in the state, 28th in the district.
• Home/Away Record: 0-5 at home, 1-4 on the road.
• Season Highlights: Caldwell Parish struggled throughout the season, finishing with a 10% win rate overall and a 20% district win rate. The Spartans scored 114 points while conceding 385—a substantial point differential highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities.
• Scoring Trends: The Spartans have had difficulties generating consistent offense, averaging just 11.4 points per game. Their scoring was most productive in the second quarter, with an average of 2.3 points.

Jena Giants (7-3 Overall, 4-1 District)

• Rankings: 115th in the state, 8th in the district.
• Home/Away Record: 4-1 at home, 3-2 on the road.
• Season Highlights: Jena enjoyed a strong season, boasting a 70% overall win rate and an impressive 80% district win rate. Their offense outshone opponents, scoring 356 points while conceding just 182.
• Scoring Trends: The Giants averaged 35.6 points per game, excelling particularly in the first and third quarters with consistent double-digit scoring outputs.

Head-to-Head Matchup

• Last Meeting: On November 1, Jena dominated Caldwell Parish with a commanding 50-14 victory in a district game. This decisive win underscores the Giants’ offensive prowess and the Spartans’ ongoing struggles.
• Current Game: Caldwell Parish travels to Jena for a playoff showdown. The Spartans will look to avenge their earlier loss, but the odds favor the Giants based on season performance and recent form.

Common Opponent Comparison

Jena has consistently performed better against shared opponents, holding a 5-1 record compared to Caldwell Parish’s 1-5. Notable results include:

• Winnfield: Jena shut them out 46-0, while Caldwell Parish fell 22-7.
• Vidalia: Jena won emphatically 60-0, whereas Caldwell Parish secured their only win with a 34-6 victory.
• Bunkie: Both teams lost to Bunkie, but Jena’s loss (41-0) was less lopsided compared to Caldwell Parish’s 52-0 defeat.

Key Factors for the Playoff Game

1. Offensive Execution: Jena’s balanced scoring across all quarters makes them a formidable opponent. Caldwell Parish needs to find a way to break through the Giants’ defense while limiting turnovers.
2. Defensive Consistency: Caldwell Parish has struggled to contain high-scoring teams. Facing Jena’s potent offense will require the Spartans to step up significantly.
3. Momentum: Jena has the psychological advantage after their recent blowout win over Caldwell Parish and better overall results throughout the season.

Prediction

Jena enters this game as the clear favorite, with superior rankings, a stronger record, and a decisive win in their last encounter. For Caldwell Parish, this is an opportunity to play spoiler and end their season on a high note. However, the Giants’ firepower and defensive solidity make them tough to beat, especially at home.

Final Score Prediction: Jena 42, Caldwell Parish 10

This playoff clash will either solidify Jena’s dominance or showcase Caldwell Parish’s resilience in the face of adversity. All eyes will be on the field tonight at 7 PM.