The La Salle Lancers (10-2) varsity football team from Cincinnati, OH, will face the Harrison Wildcats (10-2) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 15 at 7:00 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 8 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Ohio High School Football
Who: La Salle vs Harrison
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 8
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Game preview: La Salle vs Harrison

The Harrison Wildcats and La Salle Lancers enter the 2024-25 high school football season with impressive records, both standing at 10-2 overall. Their successful seasons reflect strong performances at both the offensive and defensive ends, yet their respective strengths reveal different styles of play. This comparison highlights key stats and insights to help predict what could be an electrifying matchup.

Season Overview

• Harrison Wildcats (10-2 Overall, 3-0 Conference): The Wildcats have dominated their conference, remaining undefeated with a perfect 3-0 record. They’ve proven to be a powerhouse at home, winning all seven of their home games, and showing resilience on the road with a 2-2 record. Their explosive offense has led to a high average score, achieving 488 points this season and allowing only 222, giving them a stellar +266 point differential.
• La Salle Lancers (10-2 Overall, 1-2 Conference): The Lancers have shown their prowess on the road, remaining undefeated in away games with a 5-0 record. Despite a 1-2 record within their conference, La Salle boasts a total of 310 points scored versus 200 allowed, establishing a solid +110 point differential. They have navigated both home and neutral sites successfully, demonstrating versatility and adaptability.

Scoring Trends

• Harrison: The Wildcats excel in scoring, averaging 40.7 points per game. They are particularly dominant in the first two quarters, scoring 12.8 points in the first and 15.7 in the second. Their early lead often sets the tone for the game, though they slow slightly in the second half, averaging 6.4 points in the third and 5.6 in the fourth.
• La Salle: The Lancers average a respectable 25.8 points per game, with most of their scoring coming in the first quarter (9.1 points) and tapering off as the game progresses. Their lower average in the middle quarters, particularly in the third (4.7 points), could signal a need to maintain momentum in the face of Harrison’s strong early-game performance.

Key Players

• Harrison Wildcats:
  • Kole Coops (#3): Coops has been a workhorse for Harrison, leading the team with 196.0 rushing yards per game, far exceeding the national average. His powerful running game is complemented by his receiving yards, contributing significantly to the team’s overall yardage.
  • Dickie Engel (#4): Engel leads with 128.0 passing yards per game, providing a reliable aerial attack that adds balance to Harrison’s offense.
  • Josh Adelsperger (#5): Adelsperger averages 78.0 receiving yards per game, making him a key target in Harrison’s passing game.
  • Jayden Little (#43): On defense, Little stands out with 7.0 tackles per game, anchoring a tough Wildcats defense.
• La Salle Lancers: While detailed individual stats for La Salle are not available, their record and season highlights suggest a balanced team capable of adjusting strategies, particularly in away games. Their success in road matchups points to a resilient defense and special teams that support their offense.

Stat Breakdown and Team Comparison

• Rushing Yards per Game: Harrison leads with 18.6 rushing yards per game, largely thanks to Kole Coops.
• Passing and Receiving Yards per Game: Harrison’s passing game is also potent, averaging 10.7 passing yards and 6.5 receiving yards per game, underscoring their balanced offensive scheme.

Head-to-Head Outlook

Although Harrison and La Salle have yet to face each other this season, their respective records and key statistics set the stage for an intense matchup. Harrison’s perfect conference record and high-scoring offense provide them with an edge in home games, while La Salle’s undefeated away record makes them a formidable opponent. The Wildcats may look to dominate early, building on their strong first-half scoring trend, while La Salle will aim to disrupt their rhythm and leverage their defensive stability on the road.

Conclusion

This matchup promises to be one of the most thrilling contests of the season. Harrison’s offensive firepower, led by Kole Coops and supported by a balanced passing game, will challenge La Salle’s resilience. However, La Salle’s road performance and their ability to play strong defense could make them an unpredictable and challenging opponent. The key to this game will likely be La Salle’s ability to contain Harrison’s early scoring momentum and sustain pressure throughout all four quarters.

Expect an exciting clash where both teams bring their strengths to the field, each vying for supremacy in what could be a defining game for their seasons.