The Maroa-Forsyth varsity football team (Maroa, IL) will host a playoff game against Quincy Notre Dame (Quincy, IL) on Saturday, November 16, at 2:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets for Class 2A.

What: Illinois High School Football
Who: Maroa-Forsyth (IL) vs Quincy Notre Dame (IL)
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSA – Class 2A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

High School Football Showdown: Quincy Notre Dame vs. Maroa-Forsyth

As the high school football season heats up, two powerhouse teams are making waves in Illinois with remarkable records and dynamic offenses. Quincy Notre Dame and Maroa-Forsyth have both posted identical 10-1 records, setting the stage for a thrilling matchup between two of the state’s top contenders.

Team Overview

Quincy Notre Dame (24-25) enters the spotlight with an impressive 10-1 overall record, including a perfect 7-0 record in their conference. They’ve been dominant both at home (6-1) and on the road (3-0), showcasing their resilience and ability to win in various environments. Their defensive prowess is evident, allowing only 125 points across the season, which translates to an average of just 11.4 points allowed per game.

On the other side, Maroa-Forsyth (24-25) has similarly excelled with a 10-1 record. They have an equally solid 7-1 record in conference play, with an undefeated 5-0 performance at home and a respectable 5-1 record on the road. Maroa-Forsyth’s offense has been high-powered, putting up a total of 536 points throughout the season, averaging a staggering 48.7 points per game.

Scoring Breakdown

Looking at scoring averages, the teams present very different approaches. Quincy Notre Dame averages 36.8 points per game, with the majority of their production coming from the second quarter (12.9 points) and the first quarter (9.0 points). They tend to control the game early, setting the tone for their defensive-oriented strategies.

In contrast, Maroa-Forsyth boasts a more balanced and high-scoring attack, averaging 48.7 points per game. Their offensive surge is evident in their first quarter output (17.6 points), and they maintain a consistent scoring pace through the second (14.5 points) and third quarters (9.7 points), showing their ability to maintain pressure on their opponents throughout the game.

Key Stats Comparison

A closer look at the team stats reveals that Maroa-Forsyth has a significant edge in total yardage, averaging 432.5 yards per game. They excel in both passing (288.4 yards per game) and receiving (285.7 yards per game), relying heavily on their potent aerial attack. Their defense is effective but not overpowering, with 78.5 tackles per game and 0.9 sacks per game.

Quincy Notre Dame, while a bit more grounded, excels in efficiency, particularly in rushing (144.2 yards per game) and passing (258.7 yards per game). Their balance on offense is mirrored by their defensive discipline, ranking with 78.5 tackles per game and a strong presence in the sack department, with 0.9 sacks per game. Their ability to control both sides of the ball will be crucial if they hope to slow down Maroa-Forsyth’s high-scoring offense.

Standout Players

Several players stand out for both teams:

• Quincy Notre Dame’s Khanton Wilson has been a dual threat, leading the team with 87.9 rushing yards per game and 10.9 points per game. His versatility and consistency have been key to the team’s success.
• Ryne Sheppard, Quincy Notre Dame’s quarterback, has been stellar, averaging 258.7 passing yards per game and 298.1 total yards per game. His connection with receivers like Zach Smith, who averages 86.9 receiving yards per game, has been a cornerstone of the offense.

For Maroa-Forsyth, Khanton Wilson also leads the team in rushing yards, with 87.9 yards per game, contributing significantly both on the ground and in scoring. Their passing attack, driven by a balanced and capable group of receivers, has helped them dominate offensively.

The Path to the Playoffs

Both teams are well-positioned for the playoffs, with a 10-1 record each. Their successful seasons have seen both squads achieve impressive conference records (7-0 for Quincy Notre Dame, 7-1 for Maroa-Forsyth) and dominant showings in their respective regions. Both have been nearly untouchable at home, with Maroa-Forsyth finishing undefeated (5-0), while Quincy Notre Dame has been equally strong (6-1).

In head-to-head comparisons, neither team has faced off yet this season, but their common opponents have seen both teams dominate with similar results. It’s clear that these two teams are among the elite in Illinois, and their upcoming playoff matchup will be one to watch.

Conclusion

The matchup between Quincy Notre Dame and Maroa-Forsyth promises to be a clash of styles, with Quincy’s balanced attack and disciplined defense facing off against Maroa-Forsyth’s high-octane offense and explosive playmakers. With both teams sporting identical 10-1 records, the battle for supremacy in Illinois high school football is set to unfold in what could be one of the most exciting games of the season. Keep an eye on these two squads as they continue their march toward the state playoffs.