The Lincoln-Way East varsity football team (Frankfort, IL) is set to play a neutral-site playoff game against Loyola Academy (Wilmette, IL) today at 6 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets for Class 8A.

What: Illinois High School Football
Who: Lincoln-Way East (IL) vs Loyola Academy (IL)
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSA – Class 8A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Loyola Academy vs. Lincoln-Way East: A Breakdown of 2024-2025 Football Seasons

As we dive deeper into the 2024-2025 high school football season, two teams have made a remarkable impact in Illinois: Loyola Academy and Lincoln-Way East. Both teams have showcased outstanding performances, but which one stands out more? Let’s take a detailed look at the rankings, team statistics, individual leaders, and their head-to-head performance.

Rankings & Records

Loyola Academy has had an impressive season with a 10-2 overall record. They are undefeated in their conference with a 3-0 mark, and have displayed strong performances both at home (3-1) and away (5-1). With a solid winning percentage of .833 overall and a perfect 1.000 in conference games, Loyola Academy has proven itself to be a top contender this season. Their offense has been potent, scoring an average of 31.2 points per game while limiting opponents to just 179 total points on the season.

On the other hand, Lincoln-Way East has been nothing short of dominant with a perfect 12-0 record. They too have swept their conference with a 4-0 mark and have shown no weaknesses, boasting a flawless 6-0 home record. Their remarkable offensive efficiency has seen them score an average of 41.1 points per game, and defensively, they have been equally imposing, allowing just 111 points for the entire season.

Team Scoring Averages

When looking at scoring trends, Lincoln-Way East edges out Loyola Academy. The Griffins, known for their explosive offense, average 41.1 points per game. Their first quarter scoring of 14.5 points sets the tone early, and they keep up the pressure in the second quarter (14.4 points). Although their offense slows slightly in the third (11.4) and fourth quarters (6.0), they have been able to dominate early on, which has been a key to their undefeated record.

Loyola Academy, while not as high-scoring as Lincoln-Way East, has maintained a steady and effective offensive output, averaging 31.2 points per game. They score 8.6 points in the first quarter, 10.9 in the second, 6.1 in the third, and 3.9 in the final quarter. Their offensive approach is more balanced, with a significant portion of their scoring coming in the first half.

Team Stat Comparison

Both teams are exceptional in different aspects of the game:

• Loyola Academy excels in rushing yards, averaging 153.2 per game. This sets them apart as a powerful ground team.
• Lincoln-Way East, while equally balanced, has shown more strength in passing and receiving. Their total offensive output is impressive, with 331.7 yards per game, though they do not show a breakdown in rushing or passing yardage as clearly as Loyola.

Defensively, Loyola Academy has proven to be strong, averaging 57 tackles per game and generating 1.4 sacks per game. On the other hand, Lincoln-Way East has been more dominant in their defense, giving up only 111 points all season.

Key Players

Several standout players have been integral to the success of both teams:

• Drew MacPherson (Loyola Academy) has been a major contributor in both the rushing and receiving game, averaging 76.6 rushing yards and 49.8 receiving yards per game. He’s also contributing 8.5 points per game, making him a key playmaker.
• Ryan Fitzgerald (Loyola Academy) leads the team in passing yards with 139.0 per game, showcasing his ability to efficiently manage the offense.
• Charlie Daly (Loyola Academy) is the team’s defensive leader, averaging 6.7 tackles per game, anchoring the defensive line.

For Lincoln-Way East:

• Their offensive weapons have been equally potent, though detailed individual statistics weren’t available. However, their balanced attack has been key to their undefeated run.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced Maine South this season, and both emerged victorious. Loyola Academy defeated Maine South 35-14 in a dominant performance, while Lincoln-Way East triumphed 49-22. These victories showcase their ability to defeat strong opponents and further highlight the strength of both teams.

Conclusion

Loyola Academy and Lincoln-Way East both bring distinct strengths to the field. Loyola Academy, with a well-balanced offensive game and powerful rushing attack, has proven itself to be a tough competitor. However, Lincoln-Way East’s perfect season, high-scoring offense, and dominance in all facets of the game make them the team to watch this season.

With both teams in excellent form, it will be fascinating to see how they perform as the season continues, potentially setting the stage for a showdown between two of Illinois’ finest high school football programs.