The Norfolk Catholic (Norfolk, NE) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Kearney Catholic (Kearney, NE) today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 NSAA State Football Championships (Nebraska) – Class C2 tournament.

Kearney Catholic vs Norfolk Catholic Football Game Info:

What: Nebraska High School Football Playoffs
Who: Kearney Catholic vs Norfolk Catholic
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Watch here:Watch here

Game preview: Kearney Catholic vs Norfolk Catholic

As the high school football season reaches its peak, two Nebraska powerhouses, Kearney Catholic and Norfolk Catholic, are set to face off in what promises to be an exciting matchup. With both teams boasting impressive records and high-scoring offenses, fans can expect an intense game filled with thrilling plays and tough competition.

Team Overview

Kearney Catholic enters the game with a solid 9-2 record, having played a balanced season both at home and on the road. With a district record of 3-2, they’ve shown resilience, particularly in away games where they posted a 4-1 record. The team has been averaging 31.5 points per game, with their offensive power coming through a combination of strong passing and receiving yards. Notably, they have a well-rounded offensive strategy, with Jacob Bosshamer leading the way in passing yards (178.9 per game) and Owen Axmann contributing significantly in receiving yards (59.6 per game). Their defense, however, has been somewhat more vulnerable, allowing 166 points over the season.

Norfolk Catholic, on the other hand, remains undefeated with a perfect 11-0 record, showing dominance both within their district (5-0) and on the road (4-0). They have averaged 40.5 points per game, making them one of the highest-scoring teams in the state. Their offense has been clicking on all cylinders, led by Jacob Bosshamer, who is not only a standout in passing yards (178.9 per game) but also excels in total yards, averaging 218.1 per game. Norfolk Catholic’s defense has been formidable, giving up just 155 points on the season.

Offensive Breakdown

Kearney Catholic has demonstrated a potent attack with a well-balanced offensive game plan. Their rushing game, led by Pete Homan, averages 71.6 yards per game, while their passing game, orchestrated by Bosshamer, has proven to be highly effective with 184.5 passing yards per game. Their strong performance in the first half, averaging 19.4 points (8.7 in the first quarter and 10.7 in the second quarter), shows that they can jump to a quick lead.

In contrast, Norfolk Catholic has been consistently strong on offense throughout the game. They average 9.8 points in the first quarter, and by halftime, they are scoring an impressive 26.2 points. Their ability to score quickly in the first half allows them to build substantial leads and maintain momentum. Norfolk’s offense is well-balanced, with no clear reliance on just one area—whether passing or rushing—making them a difficult team to predict and stop.

Defensive Comparison

While Kearney Catholic has been solid defensively, allowing just 166 points, they will face a significant challenge in stopping Norfolk Catholic’s high-powered offense. The Kearney defense averages 78.8 tackles per game and 1.9 sacks, which could be critical in limiting Norfolk Catholic’s explosive plays. However, with Norfolk’s ability to spread the ball and execute multiple offensive strategies, Kearney Catholic will need a strong defensive performance to keep the game close.

Norfolk Catholic’s defense has been a key factor in their perfect season. They’ve allowed only 155 points, showing their ability to shut down opposing offenses. Their defense is not only efficient but also aggressive, making it difficult for teams to sustain long drives. Their defensive play will be crucial as they aim to stop the potent Kearney Catholic offense.

Key Matchups

• Jacob Bosshamer (Kearney Catholic) vs. Norfolk Catholic Defense: Bosshamer has been a dual-threat quarterback, leading both in passing and total yards. Norfolk Catholic will need to keep him under pressure to prevent big plays and limit his ability to move the ball.
• Pete Homan (Kearney Catholic) vs. Norfolk Catholic’s Defensive Line: Homan has been solid on the ground for Kearney Catholic, but Norfolk’s defense will be looking to shut down their rushing attack and force Kearney to rely on the pass.
• Norfolk Catholic’s Balanced Offense vs. Kearney Catholic’s Secondary: Norfolk’s offense is unpredictable, mixing up both the run and pass. Kearney Catholic’s secondary will need to be versatile to handle the multiple threats Norfolk brings.

Common Opponents

Both teams share a common opponent, Ord, and have come out victorious in their encounters. Kearney Catholic defeated Ord 43-29, while Norfolk Catholic triumphed 33-8. This shared success against a common foe provides some context, though Norfolk Catholic’s commanding victory might give them a psychological edge.

Conclusion

This game is set to be a clash of offensive firepower and defensive resilience. Kearney Catholic will rely on their versatility and balanced offensive attack to keep up with Norfolk Catholic’s high-scoring machine. Meanwhile, Norfolk Catholic will look to continue their undefeated streak and show that their perfect season is no fluke. As both teams prepare for this exciting matchup, fans can expect an action-packed game full of momentum swings, with both sides hungry for a victory.

With both teams in top form, it’s anyone’s game—but Norfolk Catholic’s flawless season and dynamic offense may just be enough to secure another win. However, Kearney Catholic has the talent and experience to upset the undefeated streak. This matchup is one you won’t want to miss!