The Lakeside (Sibley, LA) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Bogalusa (LA) today at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division III Non-Select tournament.

What: Louisiana High School Football
Who: Lakeside (LA) vs Bogalusa (LA)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division III Non-Select
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Football Showdown: A Comparative Look at Bogalusa and Lakeside Teams

As the 2024 football season winds down, the contrasting performances of the Bogalusa and Lakeside teams in Louisiana’s high school football scene stand out. With differing records, offensive strategies, and team leadership, these two squads offer intriguing dynamics for fans and analysts to examine. Here’s a breakdown of how these two teams match up, both in terms of overall performance and individual achievements.

Overall Team Records

• Bogalusa: The Bogalusa football team has faced a challenging season, ending with a 2-7 overall record. With a district record of 2-3, they’ve shown some competitiveness in league play but have struggled against non-district opponents, posting an 0-4 record. The team has shown resilience but needs to improve across various facets to stay competitive in the future.
• Lakeside: Lakeside, on the other hand, has had a much stronger season, boasting an 8-3 record. Their district performance of 2-2 suggests that they have held their own against some tough league opponents, while their 6-1 non-district record highlights a dominant run in non-league games. Lakeside’s winning percentage of .727 is significantly higher than Bogalusa’s .222, placing them in a better position both in and out of district play.

Team Scoring Averages

• Bogalusa: Offensively, Bogalusa has faced challenges in putting up consistent points throughout their games. They average just 12.7 points per game across four quarters, with a strong second quarter (6.9 points) being their most productive period. However, their struggles in the first (2.6 points) and third quarters (0.9 points) have often left them trailing by halftime.
• Lakeside: Lakeside’s scoring is much more robust, with an impressive average of 35.1 points per game. They score heavily in the first half, especially in the second quarter with 12.4 points, and maintain offensive pressure in the second half with 6.8 points in the third quarter and 6.6 points in the fourth. Their well-rounded attack has contributed to their successful season.

Offensive Comparisons

While both teams have their standout players, their offensive strategies differ significantly.

• Bogalusa:
  • Rushing: The team’s standout rusher is Nigel Caldwell, who averages 41.0 rushing yards per game, providing the bulk of their ground attack.
  • Passing: Quarterback Deontae Ishman has thrown for an average of 63.3 yards per game, while Lance Jackson Jr. is the leading receiver, contributing 40.3 yards per game through the air.
  • Total Yards: Ishman also leads the team with 62.3 total yards per game, but the team’s offensive output overall is limited, averaging only 88.9 total yards per game.
• Lakeside:
  • Rushing: Lakeside’s offensive stats are less detailed in the report, but they excel in passing and receiving. They average 386 yards per game, which reflects a more potent, versatile offense.
  • Passing and Receiving: Lakeside’s balanced approach allows them to move the ball effectively both in the air and on the ground. Their ability to score consistently throughout games is bolstered by their wide-ranging offensive attack.

Head-to-Head Record Breakdown

When comparing their records head-to-head, the difference in outcomes is clear:

• Bogalusa has struggled significantly in both home and away games, with a 2-2 record at home and an abysmal 0-5 record away. These trends are a clear indicator of their inconsistency in different environments.
• Lakeside, in contrast, has excelled at home (5-1) and has a solid 3-2 record on the road. This balance has contributed to their impressive overall record.

Key Players to Watch

• Bogalusa: The team’s offensive leaders include Nigel Caldwell and Deontae Ishman, both of whom are integral to the team’s offensive production. Caldwell’s running ability and Ishman’s dual-threat potential as a passer and rusher will be key if Bogalusa wants to close out the season on a positive note.
• Lakeside: Lakeside’s depth and balanced attack make them a formidable opponent. With an offense that scores across all four quarters, the team’s collective effort, rather than individual stars, is what drives their success. Players like Jayden Levi, who has shown promise, could be a key part of their continued dominance.

Conclusion

As the season comes to a close, the paths of Bogalusa and Lakeside could not be more different. Lakeside has demonstrated consistent performance, leading to an 8-3 record, while Bogalusa has faced significant challenges, finishing the season with a 2-7 record. The disparity between these two teams highlights the importance of consistency, both in scoring and in execution, as the season progresses.

For Bogalusa, the focus will be on improving their offensive consistency, while Lakeside will look to maintain their momentum and fine-tune their already impressive offensive attack as they head into the postseason.