The Mandeville (LA) varsity football team will host West Monroe (LA) for a playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division I Non-Select tournament.
What: Louisiana High School Football
Who: Mandeville (LA) vs West Monroe (LA)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Mandeville High School
Bracket: 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division I Non-Select
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
West Monroe vs. Mandeville: A Season Comparison
As the Louisiana high school football season progresses, two teams stand out in their respective classes: West Monroe and Mandeville. Both teams have had notable seasons in the 2024-2025 campaign, and while they differ in their overall performance and play styles, a comparison of their statistics and records highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each squad.
West Monroe (6-5 Record)
West Monroe enters the season with a 6-5 overall record, having played 11 games. The Rebels have had a mixed season, with a 2-3 record in district play but performing better at home with a 3-1 record. They have shown consistency in certain areas but have struggled in others, particularly on the road with a 3-4 away record.
- Scoring: West Monroe averages 32.1 points per game, with a higher output in the second quarter (10.3) and the first quarter (8.8). However, the Rebels’ scoring dips significantly in the third and fourth quarters, with averages of 4.4 and 5.3, respectively.
- Offensive Strengths: The Rebels’ rushing game is their most potent offensive weapon, averaging 244.9 rushing yards per game. Leading the way is #20 Nate Sheppard, who averages 191.4 rushing yards per game and scores 24.9 points per game. Sheppard also leads the team in total yards per game, with 210.3.
- Passing and Receiving: Although the passing game isn’t as explosive, QB Ben Hendricks has contributed 99.5 passing yards per game, with receiver Jake Jacketti adding 37.9 receiving yards per game. The Rebels’ offense relies heavily on the ground game, limiting their passing yardage.
- Defense: West Monroe’s defense is solid, averaging 45 tackles per game and 2.3 sacks per game. Defensive standout Wyatt Hammant leads the team with 6.1 tackles per game, and defensive lineman Colby Ryan adds to the team’s pressure with 1.0 sack per game.
Mandeville (10-1 Record)
Mandeville has had an impressive season, posting a 10-1 record with a strong 3-1 performance in district play. The Skippers have been dominant, especially at home, with a 6-1 record. Their only loss came in non-district play, but they have remained perfect on the road (4-0), proving their ability to perform under pressure.
- Scoring: Mandeville’s offense has been more consistent across all quarters, averaging 41.6 points per game. The Skippers score 11.6 points in the first quarter, 12.7 in the second, and 10.4 in the third, maintaining high levels of offensive production throughout the game. Their scoring dips slightly in the fourth quarter, but their early dominance is often enough to secure victories.
- Offensive Strengths: Mandeville’s offensive production is well-rounded, with a solid rushing game (244.9 yards per game) and efficient passing attack (101.5 yards per game). The Skippers spread the ball effectively and rely on balanced play-calling to keep opposing defenses guessing.
- Defense: Mandeville’s defense has also been effective, with an average of 45 tackles per game. The team boasts a solid defense with less emphasis on sacks, recording just 0.2 sacks per game. Their defense is geared more toward tackling and limiting big plays.
Head-to-Head Comparison
- Offensive Comparison: Mandeville’s offense has been more explosive overall, with a higher average of 41.6 points per game compared to West Monroe’s 32.1. The Skippers have a more balanced attack, with the ability to both rush and pass effectively. In contrast, West Monroe’s offense is more run-heavy, with Nate Sheppard leading the charge in both rushing and total yards.
- Defensive Comparison: Both teams have solid defenses, with West Monroe slightly ahead in terms of sacks per game (2.3 compared to Mandeville’s 0.2). However, Mandeville has the edge in limiting overall points scored, allowing just 183 points this season compared to West Monroe’s 267.
- Playoff Potential: Mandeville’s perfect 4-0 record on the road and their strong district performance (3-1) place them as one of the top teams in the state. West Monroe, while not as dominant, has shown resilience, particularly in close games.
Conclusion
Mandeville’s powerful offense and strong district play make them a top contender, with a high win percentage and an overall dominance in their class. West Monroe, on the other hand, has shown flashes of greatness, particularly with the individual talent of Nate Sheppard, but struggles with consistency and road games.
Both teams will be eyeing the playoffs, but Mandeville’s perfect road record and balanced play give them the edge going into the final stretch of the season. West Monroe will need to find ways to strengthen their defense and improve their scoring consistency if they hope to challenge the Skippers and other top-tier teams in the postseason.