The Lexington Catholic (Lexington, KY) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against East Carter (Grayson, KY) on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m.

What: Kentucky High School Football
Who: Lexington Catholic (KY) vs East Carter (KY)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Kentucky High School Football Playoff Brackets: KHSAA – Class 3A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

East Carter vs. Lexington Catholic: A Playoff Preview

The high school football scene in Kentucky is buzzing as the East Carter Raiders (Grayson, KY) prepare for a thrilling non-conference playoff showdown against Lexington Catholic (Lexington, KY). The game will take place on Friday, November 15 at 7:30 PM at Lexington Catholic’s field. Both teams have had contrasting seasons but share common opponents, making this matchup an exciting clash of styles.

East Carter: A Strong Season with Defensive Prowess

East Carter comes into this game with a solid 7-4 record. They excel on both sides of the ball, particularly in their ability to dominate the run game. The Raiders boast a formidable rushing attack, averaging 243.7 yards per game. This heavy reliance on the ground game has been key to their success, with senior Landon Yoak leading the way with an impressive 128.2 rushing yards per game. Yoak’s performance has been pivotal in keeping opposing defenses on their toes.

In terms of scoring, East Carter has averaged 30.4 points per game, with notable contributions from Yoak, who also puts up 9.8 points per contest. On the defensive side, East Carter’s linebackers and defensive front have helped them average 42.2 tackles per game, making it difficult for opponents to sustain drives. The Raiders’ ability to impose their will in the trenches could play a major role in this playoff matchup.

Lexington Catholic: Strong in the District, but Struggling Overall

Lexington Catholic enters the game with a 5-6 record, but their district performance has been impressive. The Knights are undefeated in district play (3-0), which gives them a confidence boost heading into the postseason. However, Lexington Catholic has struggled outside of district matchups, going 2-3 in non-district play. Their offensive attack has been somewhat balanced, but not as potent as East Carter’s, averaging 30.8 points per game.

The Knights will need to rely on their senior quarterback, Quentin Johnson, who has been effective in the passing game with 84.1 passing yards per game. Johnson’s ability to move the ball through the air could be crucial in keeping East Carter’s defense honest and preventing them from stacking the box against the run.

Team Comparison: Strengths and Weaknesses

While both teams have had their share of ups and downs this season, East Carter has been more consistent overall, particularly in their rushing game and scoring output. On the other hand, Lexington Catholic has had a mixed performance on offense but excels in certain areas like tackling, where they average over 40 tackles per game. Both teams have played well against common opponents, with East Carter holding a 2-0 record against teams they share with Lexington Catholic’s 3-0 record.

When looking at the stats, East Carter’s 243.7 rushing yards per game far surpasses Lexington Catholic’s offensive output, and their 42.2 tackles per game give them a solid defensive foundation. Meanwhile, Lexington Catholic will need to step up its overall defensive play, especially against the powerful East Carter running game.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

Both teams have faced common opponents this season, but with differing results. For example, East Carter defeated West Carter 20-0 and Bourbon County 48-19, while Lexington Catholic won by a large margin against the same teams, including a dominant 62-7 victory over Bourbon County. However, it is East Carter’s ability to execute consistently in both home and away games that could give them an edge.

Final Thoughts: What to Expect

As East Carter heads into this game with a slight edge in terms of overall consistency and offensive strength, Lexington Catholic will have to lean on their defense and passing game to stay competitive. This game is sure to be a hard-fought battle, with East Carter’s powerful rushing attack facing off against Lexington Catholic’s defensive resilience. It will all come down to which team can impose their game plan more effectively and handle the playoff pressure.

Fans should expect an exciting matchup, and with the game starting in just 22 hours, both teams will be eager to make their mark on the postseason.