The Lincoln-Way Central varsity football team (New Lenox, IL) will play a neutral-site playoff game against Batavia (IL) today at 5 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets for Class 7A.

What: Illinois High School Football
Who: Lincoln-Way Central (IL) vs Batavia (IL)
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSA – Class 7A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Batavia vs. Lincoln-Way Central: A High School Football Showdown

As the high school football season heats up, two powerhouses in Illinois are making a statement: Batavia and Lincoln-Way Central. Both teams have been exceptional this year, with strong records and impressive performances, and their matchups promise to be thrilling. Here’s a breakdown of each team’s strengths, statistics, and the potential for a highly competitive game.

Batavia: Dominating the Field

Batavia comes into this season with an overall record of 11-1, with a dominant 6-1 conference performance and a stellar 7-1 record at home. Their offense has been explosive, averaging 37.3 points per game, and their defense has held strong, allowing just 187 points all season. Batavia’s game plan revolves around a balanced offensive attack, with standout players like Nathan Whitwell, who leads the team with 132.9 rushing yards per game and 13.5 points per game. In total yards, Whitwell also leads with 134.8 yards per game.

Defensively, Batavia has been aggressive, averaging 62 tackles per game and 3.3 sacks per game. Chase Osborne leads the defensive charge with 10.6 tackles per game, while Xavier Blanquel adds pressure with 0.8 sacks per game. With an impressive .917 win percentage and .857 in conference play, Batavia’s well-rounded team has proven to be a force on both sides of the ball.

Lincoln-Way Central: A Team with Momentum

Lincoln-Way Central has also had an impressive season, compiling a 10-3 record. They finished their conference play unbeaten, with a perfect 5-0 record. Their offensive strategy has been high-powered, averaging 35.9 points per game, led by the versatile Bodi Anderson, who throws for 109.0 passing yards per game.

The team’s overall yardage shows their versatility, accumulating impressive stats across the board, with 467 total yards per game. Their defense has not been far behind, registering 3.0 sacks per game and showing great discipline in preventing big plays. They’ve also made a statement with 56-40 and 56-7 victories against common opponent St. Charles East, showcasing their ability to dominate.

Team Comparison: Batavia vs. Lincoln-Way Central

Both teams have faced off against common opponents with similar success. Batavia is 1-0 against a shared rival, and Lincoln-Way Central has the same result, suggesting that they are equally matched in terms of head-to-head competition. Their respective offensive and defensive averages paint a clear picture of two high-caliber teams, but Batavia’s slightly higher 37.3 points per game could give them an edge.

Key Stats Comparison:

• Batavia leads in rushing yards per game (203.9), while Lincoln-Way Central has a more balanced attack, contributing across both rushing and passing yards.
• Batavia has a stronger defense, with more tackles per game (62.0) compared to Lincoln-Way Central’s numbers.
• Batavia also comes out on top in terms of total yards per game (367.2), while Lincoln-Way Central sits at 467 total yards per game.

Both teams have proven themselves in different ways this season, and this matchup will come down to which team can execute their game plan more effectively.

A Thrilling Playoff Picture

As the teams enter playoff season, Batavia holds a slight advantage in terms of overall performance, but Lincoln-Way Central’s flawless conference record and balanced attack make them a formidable opponent. With both teams looking to make a deep playoff run, fans can expect a highly competitive and exciting game.

With Batavia’s consistency and Lincoln-Way Central’s versatility, this game will be one to watch as both teams look to showcase their talents and claim victory. It could very well be a preview of what’s to come in the playoffs.