The La Salle Academy varsity football team from Providence, RI, will play a neutral-site playoff game against St. Raphael Academy from Pawtucket, RI, on Friday, November 15 at 6 p.m. This matchup is part of the “RIIL Football Championships Fall 2024 – Division 1 State Championship” tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Rhode Island High School Football
Who: La Salle Academy vs St. Raphael Academy
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 6 PM
Bracket: RIIL Football Championships Fall 2024 – Division 1 State Championship
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Game preview: La Salle Academy vs St. Raphael Academy

As Rhode Island high school football playoffs heat up, two of the state’s top teams, St. Raphael Academy (6-2) and La Salle Academy (6-3), are set to clash in a rematch that promises to be as intense as their last encounter. Both teams have shown strength this season, with comparable records and standout individual performances. Here’s a breakdown of each team’s season stats, key players, and what to expect in this highly anticipated game.

Team Records & Standings

St. Raphael Academy has an impressive season record of 6-2, both overall and in their division, boasting a .750 win percentage. They have shown consistent strength, particularly at home, where they hold a 4-1 record. La Salle Academy, playing in Division 1, has a slightly tougher season at 6-3 overall and 4-2 in their league, with a .667 win percentage. They’ve proven resilient both home and away and are sure to bring that tenacity to the upcoming game.

Previous Meeting: October 18

When these two teams met last month, La Salle Academy emerged victorious with a 17-7 win. The game saw La Salle dominate early, holding St. Raphael scoreless until the fourth quarter. La Salle put points on the board in the first and third quarters, and a final field goal in the fourth sealed the game. St. Raphael Academy will be seeking redemption this Friday as they aim to overcome La Salle’s defense.

Scoring Averages

Both teams show strengths and particular scoring patterns by quarter:

• St. Raphael Academy scores an average of 21.3 points per game, with most of their points coming in the second (8.0) and fourth (7.8) quarters.
• La Salle Academy averages 18.8 points per game, often starting strong in the first quarter (3.5 points) but tapering off in the later stages of the game.

Statistical Comparison

St. Raphael Academy holds the edge in several key areas. They average 255.9 total yards per game, largely driven by standout performances from:

• Damien Ocampo (#6), who averages 90.8 rushing yards per game, showcasing his reliability in moving the ball on the ground.
• Tashaad Brown (#1), leading the air game with 119.3 passing yards per game and a total of 132.1 yards, making him a dual threat to watch.
• Ian Bing (#9) has also been a defensive powerhouse, with 8.4 tackles and 1.6 sacks per game.

La Salle’s statistical data is limited, but their recent performance against Cranston West—a 24-0 victory—demonstrates their defense’s effectiveness. With La Salle’s ability to contain opponents and leverage scoring opportunities, they’ll be ready to face St. Raphael’s offensive threats.

Common Opponents

Both teams have played Cranston West this season, with each emerging victorious:

• St. Raphael defeated Cranston West 28-13 on September 27.
• La Salle bested Cranston West 24-0 on November 1.

These games further reflect both teams’ defensive and offensive abilities, with La Salle showcasing a shutdown defense, while St. Raphael brought a balanced attack.

Playoff Implications

This game has significant stakes as both teams look to advance further in the playoffs. St. Raphael will be highly motivated to avenge their earlier loss to La Salle, while La Salle aims to reinforce their dominance and progress with a victory.

With standout athletes and tactical depth on both sides, this neutral-site showdown is expected to be a close and thrilling contest, full of energy, strategy, and excitement. Fans of Rhode Island high school football won’t want to miss this match-up on November 15 as these two powerhouses battle for postseason glory.