The Maine South (Park Ridge, IL) varsity football team will face Loyola Academy (Wilmette, IL) in a neutral playoff game on Saturday, November 16, at 1:30 p.m. This matchup is part of the “2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSA – Class 8A” tournament.

What: Illinois High School Football
Who: Maine South (IL) vs Loyola Academy (IL)
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 1:30 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSA – Class 8A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Loyola Academy vs. Maine South Football Showdown: A Season Comparison

As the 2024-2025 Illinois high school football season heads into its final stretch, Loyola Academy and Maine South have emerged as two of the top contenders. Both teams have shown impressive performances, but they also have distinct strengths and weaknesses that set them apart. Here’s a breakdown of the season’s rankings, team stats, and key player performances from both squads.

Season Record & Rankings

• Loyola Academy (24-25): With an overall record of 9-2 and a perfect 3-0 mark in conference play, Loyola has been dominant in both home and away games. They’ve posted a solid win percentage of .818, showcasing their consistency and power on the field. The team’s total scoring for the season stands at 339 points, while only allowing 165 points, proving their strong defense and offensive capability.
• Maine South (24-25): Maine South, with a record of 8-3, also stands out in their conference, having gone 5-0 in league play. With a win percentage of .727, they have a solid footing in the standings and are known for their potent offense, with 426 total points scored and 259 points allowed.

Scoring Averages

• Loyola Academy: The team has demonstrated a well-rounded offensive strategy, scoring an average of 30.8 points per game. They have been particularly effective in the second quarter, with an average of 10.9 points scored, but also maintain a balanced attack through the rest of the game.
• Maine South: Maine South boasts a higher overall scoring average of 38.7 points per game, led by an impressive third and fourth-quarter performance. Their offensive capabilities are particularly strong in the second half, where they manage to outscore opponents by a significant margin.

Team Stat Comparison

• Loyola Academy:
  • Rushing Yards Per Game: 142.0
  • Passing Yards Per Game: 188.3
  • Receiving Yards Per Game: 178.3
  • Total Yards Per Game: 330.3
  • Tackles Per Game: 58.7
  • Sacks Per Game: 1.5
  • Points Per Game: 27.5
• Maine South:
  • Rushing Yards Per Game: Data not provided.
  • Passing Yards Per Game: 188.3
  • Receiving Yards Per Game: 178.3
  • Total Yards Per Game: Data not provided.
  • Tackles Per Game: Data not provided.
  • Sacks Per Game: Data not provided.
  • Points Per Game: 38.7

Loyola’s statistics show a more balanced approach to both rushing and passing, while Maine South’s high scoring reflects their offensive power. The comparison highlights the difference in overall offensive style, with Loyola focusing on a balanced attack and Maine South leaning heavily on its passing game.

Team Leaders

• Loyola Academy:
  • Drew MacPherson has been a key player for Loyola, leading with 67.1 rushing yards per game and 52.9 receiving yards per game, and scoring 8.2 points per game.
  • Ryan Fitzgerald has impressed with 146.6 passing yards per game and 167.4 total yards per game, making him a crucial part of the offense.
  • On defense, Charlie Daly leads with 7.0 tackles per game.
• Maine South:
  • Player Stats for Maine South are not as detailed, but the team’s offensive players have contributed significantly to their high scoring average. They rely on a combination of solid passing and dynamic running plays.

Home and Away Performance

Both teams have proven themselves strong in different environments. Loyola Academy has an impressive 3-1 record at home and 5-1 on the road, showing their ability to perform under pressure. Maine South, on the other hand, has posted a solid away record of 3-2 and is also undefeated in neutral-site games, highlighting their versatility.

Conclusion

Loyola Academy and Maine South have both shown strong performances this season, but they approach the game differently. Loyola is a well-rounded team with a solid defense and balanced offensive strategy. In contrast, Maine South has been a powerhouse offensively, particularly in scoring. As they move forward in the season, both teams will look to continue their strong performances, with a potential matchup between them likely to be a high-stakes, thrilling game.