The Kennedy Catholic (Burien, WA) varsity football team will face Gonzaga Prep (Spokane, WA) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Washington High School Football
Who: Kennedy Catholic vs Gonzaga Prep
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
“2024 Football Washington State Championships – 4A State Football”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
Clash of Titans: Gonzaga Prep vs. Kennedy Catholic – A Statistical Showdown
As the high school football season heats up, two Washington powerhouses, Gonzaga Prep and Kennedy Catholic, remain unbeaten with a perfect 11-0 record. Both teams boast impressive stats, but how do they stack up against each other? Let’s dive into the numbers and what they reveal about this intriguing matchup.
Season Performance: Dominance in Every Aspect
Both teams have been dominant throughout the season, as evidenced by their spotless records.
Overall and District Records
- Gonzaga Prep: 11-0 overall, 5-0 in district play
- Kennedy Catholic: 11-0 overall, 7-0 in district play
Both teams also maintain a perfect win percentage at home and away, highlighting their consistency regardless of the venue.
Offensive Firepower
Kennedy Catholic leads the offensive charge, with a prolific 46.5 points per game compared to Gonzaga Prep’s 36.7 points per game. This advantage stems from their ability to dominate the early quarters, averaging 14.9 points in Q1 and 20.8 points in Q2, setting the tone before halftime. Gonzaga Prep, while steady, starts slower, with their highest-scoring quarter being Q2, where they average 10.3 points.
Key Players: Leaders on Both Sides
Gonzaga Prep
- Indiana Jones (#5): A dual-threat powerhouse, leading in both rushing yards per game (118.8) and receiving yards per game (49.0). He’s a scoring machine, averaging 19.6 points per game.
- Devon Forehand (#3): The signal caller who drives the offense, averaging 149.8 passing yards per game and contributing 170.6 total yards per game.
Kennedy Catholic
- This team relies more on a balanced offensive approach, with standout stats in rushing (207.2 yards per game) and passing (123.9 yards per game). Though individual stars aren’t highlighted, the team’s scoring depth and efficiency are evident in their collective numbers.
Defensive Showdown
Kennedy Catholic boasts a stingy defense, allowing only 98 points across 11 games, an average of 8.9 points per game. Their ability to suppress opponents contrasts with Gonzaga Prep, which has allowed 149 points (an average of 13.5 points per game).
Tackling and Sacks
Gonzaga Prep’s Derek Colman-Brusa (#55) shines defensively, averaging 5.7 tackles and 0.9 sacks per game, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
Comparative Averages
Stat | Gonzaga Prep | Kennedy Catholic |
---|---|---|
Rushing Yards/Game | 118.8 | 207.2 |
Passing Yards/Game | 149.8 | 123.9 |
Points/Game | 36.7 | 46.5 |
Tackles/Game | 40.4 | N/A |
Sacks/Game | 1.2 | N/A |
What to Watch For
- Explosive Offense vs. Steady Defense: Kennedy Catholic’s high-scoring offense will test Gonzaga Prep’s ability to contain explosive plays.
- Individual Brilliance: Indiana Jones and Derek Colman-Brusa must deliver standout performances for Gonzaga Prep to counter Kennedy Catholic’s balanced approach.
- Turnover Battle: With both teams excelling in execution, turnovers could play a decisive role in the outcome.
Final Thoughts
While both teams are unbeaten, Kennedy Catholic’s superior scoring ability and defensive prowess might give them a slight edge. However, Gonzaga Prep’s resilience and standout players like Indiana Jones make this matchup far from predictable. It’s a clash of styles that promises high drama as two titans vie for supremacy in Washington high school football.
Will Kennedy Catholic’s offense overpower Gonzaga Prep’s defense? Or will the Bullpups’ stars shine brightest under the spotlight? Only time will tell.