The Aquinas Institute (Rochester, NY) varsity football team has a home playoff game vs. Lancaster (NY) on Friday, November 22 @ 7:30p.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: New York High School Football
Who: Lancaster vs Aquinas Institute
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 NYSPHSAA Football Championships – 8 – Man Regional
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Lancaster vs. Aquinas Institute
On Friday, November 22, Lancaster (9-2) will face Aquinas Institute (9-2) in an exciting playoff matchup. Both teams are well-matched with impressive records and playoff experiences, making this a highly anticipated game.
Season Recap: Lancaster
- Record: 9-2
- Points For/Against: 394 PF, 183 PA
- Scoring Average: 35.8 points per game
Lancaster enters the game with a strong 9-2 record, having dominated in league play with a 7-1 league record. Their offense has been high-powered, averaging 35.8 points per game. Lancaster has excelled on both sides of the ball, particularly in rushing, where they average 101.9 rushing yards per game.
Key Players:
- Daniel Ahearn – 77.9 rushing yards per game, 10.7 points per game
- Alex Krupa – 168.6 passing yards per game, 168.3 total yards per game
- Michael Falls – 6.3 tackles per game
- Ryan Herberger – 1.0 sacks per game
Season Recap: Aquinas Institute
- Record: 9-2
- Points For/Against: 334 PF, 126 PA
- Scoring Average: 30.9 points per game
Aquinas Institute has had a successful 9-2 season, with a 7-2 league record. Their offense has been consistent, averaging 30.9 points per game, and they excel in rushing, posting 192.9 rushing yards per game. Aquinas has a tough defense that allows just 126 points over the season.
Key Players:
- Derrion Battle – 117.5 rushing yards per game, 8.4 points per game
- Trent Buttles – 132.5 passing yards per game, 153.2 total yards per game
- Lucas Leone – 8.6 tackles per game
- Quante Gillians – 0.6 sacks per game
Team Stat Comparison
| Category | Lancaster | Aquinas Institute |
|---|---|---|
| Scoring Average | 35.8 | 30.9 |
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 101.9 | 192.9 |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 114.0 | 135.1 |
| Receiving Yards Per Game | 148.2 | 135.2 |
| Total Yards Per Game | 215.9 | 328.0 |
| Tackles Per Game | 40.7 | 61.1 |
| Sacks Per Game | 1.4 | 1.4 |
| Points Per Game | 23.1 | 30.9 |
Lancaster has a more balanced offensive attack, but Aquinas Institute has been more dominant in rushing. Lancaster’s ability to stop the run could be a critical factor in the outcome.
Record Breakdown
| Category | Lancaster | Aquinas Institute |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 9-2 | 9-2 |
| League Record | 7-1 | 7-2 |
| Non-League Record | 1-0 | 0-0 |
| Home Record | 5-2 | 5-1 |
| Away Record | 4-0 | 3-1 |
| Neutral Record | 1-0 | 1-0 |
| Playoff Record | 1-0 | 0-0 |
| In-State Record | 9-2 | 9-2 |
| Out-of-State Record | 0-0 | 0-0 |
Key Matchups
- Lancaster’s Balanced Offense vs. Aquinas Institute’s Tough Defense
- Lancaster has been consistent in both the run and pass game, but Aquinas Institute’s defense, which allows only 126 points this season, will be a strong test for their offense.
- Aquinas Institute’s Rushing Attack vs. Lancaster’s Defense
- Aquinas’ 192.9 rushing yards per game is a significant strength, and Lancaster will need to stop Derrion Battle to slow down their offense.
- Quarterback Play: Alex Krupa vs. Trent Buttles
- Both teams rely on their quarterbacks for effective offensive production. Krupa has been solid, averaging 168.6 passing yards per game, while Buttles leads the Aquinas offense with 132.5 passing yards per game.
Prediction
Both teams are evenly matched, with Lancaster’s balanced offense going up against Aquinas Institute’s powerful rushing attack. The game could be decided by which defense can make key stops, especially against the run. Lancaster’s undefeated away record and home-field advantage in this matchup might give them the edge.
