The stage is set for a thrilling playoff rematch as the St. Xavier Bombers face the Lakota West Firebirds on Friday, November 15 at 7:00 PM in West Chester, Ohio. This marks a highly anticipated second meeting between the two teams, with Lakota West having won the first encounter earlier this season, 17-13. Both teams come into this game with impressive records and are ready for another hard-fought battle.

Team Overview

St. Xavier (9-3 overall, 2-1 in conference) has had a strong season, with an overall win percentage of .750 and a conference win percentage of .667. The Bombers have been solid on both sides of the ball, averaging 28.3 points per game. They rely heavily on their rushing attack, averaging 151.1 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Chase Herbstreit has been a key leader in the passing game, averaging 115.7 yards per game.

Lakota West (11-1 overall, 8-1 in conference) enters the game as the stronger of the two teams on paper, with a .917 win percentage and a dominant 8-1 record in conference play. The Firebirds are a well-rounded team, averaging 38.6 points per game and leading with a potent offense that has outscored their opponents by a significant margin. Lakota West has a high-powered passing game and defensive unit, allowing just 93 points all season.

Game Preview: Key Matchup

In the first encounter on August 23, 2024, Lakota West won 17-13 in a tightly contested non-conference game. Both teams battled hard, but it was the Firebirds’ ability to execute in the closing moments that made the difference. This time, the game holds even greater significance, as both teams now meet in the playoffs with a trip further into the postseason on the line.

St. Xavier’s Strengths:
The Bombers have been consistent in their scoring, particularly in the first half, where they average 16.8 points per game. Senior running back Daniel Vollmer is the focal point of the offense, rushing for 53.9 yards per game. The defense, led by standout linebacker Kobe Clapper (7.4 tackles per game), has been aggressive, making key stops throughout the season. St. Xavier will need to capitalize on their strong defense and balanced offensive attack to stay competitive.

Lakota West’s Strengths:
The Firebirds are coming off a dominant regular season, thanks in part to a high-scoring offense. Led by quarterback Chase Herbstreit, who is averaging 159.5 total yards per game, Lakota West has excelled at putting up big numbers. The defense has been equally impressive, allowing just 93 points all season and coming up with critical plays in key moments. The Firebirds will look to continue their offensive success while limiting St. Xavier’s ability to control the game on the ground.

Common Opponents

Both teams share a common opponent in Elder, with both St. Xavier and Lakota West picking up victories. St. Xavier won 22-17 in a hard-fought road game on September 27, while Lakota West secured a 20-14 win at home on November 8. These results suggest that both teams are evenly matched against strong competition, making this playoff matchup even more intriguing.

Team Comparison

Key Players to Watch

• St. Xavier: Daniel Vollmer (53.9 rushing yards/game), Chase Herbstreit (115.7 passing yards/game), Kobe Clapper (7.4 tackles/game)
• Lakota West: Chase Herbstreit (159.5 total yards/game), Josh Fasbender (0.4 sacks/game)

Conclusion

This playoff matchup between St. Xavier and Lakota West promises to be a closely contested battle, as both teams are coming off strong seasons and have proven their mettle. Lakota West enters as the favorite after a dominant regular season, but St. Xavier’s resilience and balanced offense make them a formidable opponent. With both teams featuring standout players and solid defenses, fans can expect an exciting and unpredictable game as the two sides clash for a spot in the next round of the playoffs.

Stay tuned as these two high-caliber teams look to leave it all on the field.