The St. John Paul II (Tallahassee, FL) varsity football team will host Maclay (Tallahassee, FL) in a home playoff game today at 3 p.m. at St. John Paul II. This game is part of the 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – 1A tournament.

Maclay vs St. John Paul II High School Football Game Info:

What: Florida High School Football
Who: Maclay vs St. John Paul II
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 3:00pm.
Bracket: 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – 1A FHSAA Football
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Maclay vs St. John Paul II

The Maclay (Tallahassee, FL) varsity football team is set to take on St. John Paul II (Tallahassee, FL) today at 3 p.m. in a high-stakes playoff matchup. This game is part of the 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – 1A tournament, and with both teams coming off an exciting season, the competition promises to be intense.

Team Records & Rankings

• Maclay (6-3, 2-1 District): After a solid regular season, Maclay has emerged as a strong contender with a 6-3 overall record and a 2-1 mark in district play. The team has been impressive at home, boasting a perfect 4-0 record, but they’ve struggled a bit on the road with a 1-3 record in away games. Their offensive power is evident with an average of 33.4 points per game, largely driven by standout players like George Grant and Nash Beshears.
• St. John Paul II (5-5, 3-0 District): Despite a 5-5 overall record, St. John Paul II has been dominant in district play, going 3-0. The team has shown resilience, especially in their district games, and their offense has been equally potent, averaging 29.2 points per game. The team is led by quarterback Gavin Ford and a defensive unit that has stood strong with 72.2 tackles per game.

Head-to-Head

In their previous encounter on October 11, St. John Paul II bested Maclay 40-30 in an exciting district matchup. St. John Paul II’s offensive power and strong defensive efforts were key to their success in this game. As they face off again in the playoffs, both teams will look to refine their strategies, with Maclay hoping for redemption after the tough loss earlier in the season.

Key Matchups

• Maclay’s Offense: The team’s offense, led by quarterback George Grant and receiver Nash Beshears, has been explosive, particularly in the first half of games. With an average of 379.8 total yards per game, Maclay is capable of putting up big numbers on offense, particularly through the air (233.2 passing yards per game). The matchup with St. John Paul II’s defense will be crucial.
• St. John Paul II’s Balanced Attack: St. John Paul II’s offense, led by quarterback Gavin Ford, has been efficient all season, especially in passing (237.5 yards per game). On defense, they will need to keep Maclay’s high-scoring offense in check while continuing to perform well in the trenches. With a total of 72.2 tackles per game, the defense will be tested, particularly by Maclay’s dynamic playmakers.

Common Opponents

Both teams have shared success against some of the same opponents. Notably, both teams secured dominant victories over FAMU DRS and North Florida Christian earlier in the season. These results highlight that both teams are capable of stepping up in big games, and this playoff meeting will provide another test of their readiness for the next level.

Keys to the Game

• Maclay’s Passing Attack: The ability to execute through the air will be key for Maclay, especially with St. John Paul II’s defense tasked with stopping their high-flying passing game.
• St. John Paul II’s Defensive Presence: St. John Paul II’s defense must capitalize on their strong tackling and force Maclay into uncomfortable situations. Their success on defense will be pivotal for keeping the game in their favor.
• Turnovers and Execution: Both teams have shown offensive explosiveness but have also been prone to occasional mistakes. Limiting turnovers and playing disciplined football will be critical for both squads.

Looking Ahead

The winner of this playoff clash will continue on in the 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships, with aspirations of taking home a state title. For both teams, the stakes are high, and the determination to win will be palpable on the field this afternoon.

Fans of both teams are expected to bring the energy as these two local rivals face off once again in a thrilling postseason matchup. The intensity of the game, combined with the championship aspirations, makes this a must-watch for high school football fans in Tallahassee and beyond.