The John Hardin varsity football team from Elizabethtown, KY, will face Paducah Tilghman from Paducah, KY, in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m.
What: Kentucky High School Football
Who: John Hardin (KY) vs Paducah Tilghman (KY)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Kentucky High School Football Playoff Brackets: KHSAA – Class 4A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
Analysis: Paducah Tilghman vs. John Hardin Football Season Comparison (2024-25)
In the 2024-25 football season, Paducah Tilghman and John Hardin have shown strong performances, with both teams achieving impressive records and statistical accomplishments. Here, we’ll dive into a comparison of their season stats, records, and individual player performances, shedding light on each team’s strengths.
Team Records and Rankings
- Paducah Tilghman boasts a flawless 11-0 record, going 5-0 both in district play and away games. Their dominance is further reflected in their points scored and allowed, with an impressive 554 points scored compared to only 86 points allowed. This undefeated season has put Paducah Tilghman at the top in their region.
- John Hardin has a strong record of 9-2, with a district record of 3-1. Though they have dropped two games, they maintained a solid .818 win percentage and performed well in both home and away games, earning 451 points and allowing 188 points. This record shows John Hardin’s resilience, especially within their region, where they rank highly.
Scoring Patterns
- Paducah Tilghman’s Scoring Breakdown:
- The team starts strong, averaging 19.5 points in the first quarter and maintaining an aggressive pace through the third quarter with 13.7 points. While they slow down to 4.7 points in the fourth quarter, they maintain a high average final score of 50.4 points per game.
- John Hardin’s Scoring Breakdown:
- John Hardin’s scoring pattern is more balanced, with a significant surge in the fourth quarter where they average 12 points. Their total average score per game is 41.0 points. This scoring pattern indicates that John Hardin is particularly strong in late-game situations.
Offensive and Defensive Statistics
- Paducah Tilghman is heavily reliant on their rushing game, with a team average of 279.2 rushing yards per game. Their passing and receiving games are minimal, each averaging only 9.4 yards per game. However, their total offensive yards per game come to 288.5, underscoring a run-dominant offense.
- John Hardin shows a balanced approach on both offense and defense, though specific numbers for these aspects aren’t provided. However, given their season record and point differential, it’s clear they have a strong defensive line and are adaptable on the offense.
Team Leaders: Individual Contributions
- Paducah Tilghman’s Key Players:
- Cavalli Pittman is the standout for Paducah Tilghman, leading in multiple areas. Pittman averages 267.4 rushing yards per game, well above the national average, which is 20.3. His total yards per game hit 270.4, and he averages 21.8 points per game, showcasing his role as a critical asset in both rushing and scoring.
- John Hardin’s Key Players:
- John Hardin’s player stats are more modest in comparison. However, Austin Richardson stands out with 51.5 passing yards per game, and MJ Hayes contributes 59.0 receiving yards per game. Both players play pivotal roles in their offensive strategy, providing depth to their passing game.
Common Opponents and Matchup Insights
Both teams faced Warren East and Breckinridge County and achieved similar results:
- Paducah Tilghman won against Warren East with a dominant 56-6 victory and beat Breckinridge County 56-7.
- John Hardin also secured wins against these teams but faced a tighter game against Warren East, winning 48-42. They defeated Breckinridge County 56-8.
The similarity in results indicates both teams are well-matched, though Paducah Tilghman’s defense has shown greater consistency in limiting opponents’ scores.
Record Breakdown
| Statistic | Paducah Tilghman | John Hardin |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 11-0 | 9-2 |
| District Record | 5-0 | 3-1 |
| Home Record | 6-0 | 4-2 |
| Away Record | 5-0 | 5-0 |
| Points For (PF) | 554 | 451 |
| Points Allowed (PA) | 86 | 188 |
| In-State Record | 11-0 | 9-2 |
Both teams remain undefeated on the road, but Paducah Tilghman’s in-state record and low points allowed underscore their defensive strength and overall consistency.
Summary
The 2024-25 season for Paducah Tilghman and John Hardin highlights two teams with differing strengths but comparable success. Paducah Tilghman’s flawless record and powerful defense make them formidable, while John Hardin’s balanced approach and resilience indicate a team that performs well under pressure, especially in the fourth quarter. Should these two teams meet, it would be a competitive clash of styles: the disciplined rushing and defense of Paducah Tilghman against the late-game push and adaptability of John Hardin.
