The Dakota Ridge (Littleton, CO) varsity football team will host Loveland (CO) in a home playoff game today at 12:00 PM at Dakota Ridge High School. This game is part of the 2024 CHSAA State Football Playoffs – Class 4A tournament.
Loveland vs Dakota Ridge High School Football Game Info:
What: Colorado High School Football
Who: Loveland vs Dakota Ridge
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 12:00pm.
Bracket: 2024 CHSAA State Football Playoffs – Class 4A
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Loveland vs Dakota Ridge
The Dakota Ridge Eagles (9-1) will take on the Loveland Red Wolves (5-6) in the 2024 CHSAA State Football Playoffs – Class 4A, with the game set to kick off today at 12:00 PM at Dakota Ridge High School. Dakota Ridge comes into the game as the higher-seeded team, boasting a stellar 9-1 overall record, including an undefeated 5-0 league mark. Meanwhile, Loveland, with a 5-6 overall record, finished 3-2 in league play.
Team Overview
Dakota Ridge: The Eagles have been dominant all season, led by a high-powered offense that averages 36.7 points per game. Dakota Ridge’s offensive attack is anchored by junior quarterback Kellen Behrendsen, who averages 157.4 passing yards per game, and senior running back Landon Kalsbeck, who leads the team with 112.1 rushing yards per game. The Eagles have been strong both on the ground and through the air, accumulating 409.5 total yards per game.
On defense, Dakota Ridge excels with Troy McMullin (8.8 tackles per game) and Jace LeBlanc (1.0 sack per game) making key plays. The Eagles’ defense has been nearly as impressive as their offense, allowing just 157 points across 10 games.
Loveland: The Red Wolves have had a tough season, finishing just below .500 overall with a 5-6 record. Despite their struggles, Loveland is not to be taken lightly. Senior running back Ryder Eastin has been a standout player, accumulating 48.7 rushing yards per game and contributing significantly to their offense with 119.3 passing yards per game. Loveland’s offense averages 20.4 points per game but has struggled with consistency, especially in the second half.
Defensively, Loveland is led by Cody Moore, who records 6.8 tackles per game, and Ryder Eastin, who also provides defensive support. However, the Red Wolves’ defense will face a tough test against a high-scoring Dakota Ridge team.
Head-to-Head History
This matchup will mark the first time these teams have faced each other in the playoffs, and Loveland will look to avenge a difficult season. Dakota Ridge, having finished at the top of its league, enters this game with momentum, while Loveland hopes to pull off an upset after a challenging regular season.
Stat Comparison
- Rushing Yards Per Game: Loveland averages 151.3 yards on the ground, while Dakota Ridge boasts a superior 244.5 rushing yards per game.
- Passing Yards Per Game: Loveland averages 131.6 passing yards, but Dakota Ridge surpasses that with 165.0 yards per game.
- Total Yards Per Game: Dakota Ridge has the clear edge here, accumulating 409.5 total yards per game compared to Loveland’s 282.9.
- Points Per Game: Dakota Ridge’s high-powered offense averages 36.7 points per game, while Loveland averages just 20.4.
Key Players to Watch
- Loveland: Ryder Eastin, who leads the Red Wolves in both rushing and passing, will be key to any chance Loveland has at advancing.
- Dakota Ridge: Kellen Behrendsen and Landon Kalsbeck form a dynamic offensive duo that will be difficult for Loveland to contain.
The Bottom Line
Dakota Ridge comes into this matchup as the clear favorite, boasting a well-balanced offense and a strong defense. Loveland will need to play its best game of the season to keep pace with the Eagles. Expect a fast-paced, high-intensity game as Dakota Ridge looks to advance in the 2024 CHSAA State Football Playoffs – Class 4A.
