The Mill Valley (Shawnee, KS) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against Saint Thomas Aquinas (Overland Park, KS) on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM.
What: Kansas High School Football
Who: Mill Valley (KS) vs Saint Thomas Aquinas (KS)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
A Comparison of Two Kansas Football Powerhouses: Saint Thomas Aquinas vs. Mill Valley
As the 2024-2025 Kansas high school football season draws to a close, two teams stand out in their respective classes: Saint Thomas Aquinas (STA) and Mill Valley. Both teams have showcased remarkable performances, each earning top rankings in the state. In this article, we compare their records, team statistics, and standout players, highlighting the strengths that have propelled them to success this season.
Team Overview
- Saint Thomas Aquinas:
Record: 10-0 (Overall), 7-0 (District)
Class: 5A
STA has been dominant this season, maintaining an undefeated record with a perfect 7-0 district performance. They have proven their ability to excel both at home and on the road, and their balance on both sides of the ball has helped them outscore opponents 329-144.
Their offense is led by a strong rushing game and solid defensive performance, contributing to their impressive 1.000 win percentage across all categories. - Mill Valley:
Record: 9-1 (Overall), 7-0 (District)
Class: 5A
Mill Valley has only one blemish on their record this season, a 9-1 overall performance. Like STA, they went undefeated in district play, finishing 7-0. The Jaguars have been an offensive juggernaut, outscoring opponents 440-178, with a particular strength in the air and on the ground.
Their potent offense and strong defensive play have led them to dominate both home and away games, with a perfect 4-0 record on the road.
Scoring Averages
The two teams have different offensive styles, with STA’s scoring averaging 32.9 points per game and Mill Valley outpacing them with a significant 44.0 points per game. Here’s how the teams break down by quarter:
- Saint Thomas Aquinas:
STA’s scoring is relatively balanced throughout the game, averaging 9.8 points in the first quarter, 10.4 in the second, 5.6 in the third, and 8.4 in the fourth. Their offense is steady, but they tend to accelerate the game in the first half before coasting in the second half. - Mill Valley:
Mill Valley has a high-flying first half, scoring an impressive 12.1 points in the first quarter and 17.3 in the second. However, their scoring drops significantly in the second half, with only 6.0 points per game in the fourth quarter. Their quick start in the first half is a key reason for their offensive success.
Team Stat Comparison
When comparing key team statistics, Mill Valley stands out in terms of total offense, while STA has been more balanced in both rushing and passing.
- Offensive Yards:
STA averages 447.5 total yards per game, with 335.7 yards rushing and 111.8 yards passing. Mill Valley, on the other hand, racks up 440 total yards per game, with a more evenly distributed attack of 111.9 passing yards and 335.7 rushing yards. - Tackles and Sacks:
On defense, STA leads with 57.9 tackles per game and 2.1 sacks per game. Mill Valley is a little behind, averaging 48 tackles per game and 1.5 sacks per game. STA’s strong defensive front is led by standout player Jayden Woods, who averages 7.5 tackles per game. - Points per Game:
STA scores an average of 32.9 points per game, while Mill Valley dominates with 44.0 points per game, highlighting their explosive offensive capabilities.
Standout Players
Both teams boast elite players who have contributed significantly to their successes.
- Saint Thomas Aquinas:
- Reggie Reece (RB): The standout player for STA, Reece has been a powerhouse on the ground, averaging 187.3 rushing yards per game and contributing to both their rushing and scoring stats.
- Jayden Woods (LB): Woods leads STA’s defense, averaging 7.5 tackles per game and contributing 0.6 sacks per game, making him a key player in both stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback.
- Mill Valley:
- Connor Bohon (QB): Bohon has been Mill Valley’s leader under center, averaging 109.5 passing yards per game and orchestrating their potent offense.
- Andrew Watts (WR): Watts has been Bohon’s primary target, racking up 42.8 receiving yards per game and contributing to the aerial attack that sets Mill Valley apart.
Record Breakdown
Both teams have been impressive in their respective matchups:
- Saint Thomas Aquinas has been perfect at home (6-0) and on the road (3-0), with a flawless 1-0 record in neutral-site games.
- Mill Valley also excels both at home (5-1) and on the road (4-0), with an unbeaten 2-0 record in playoff games.
Both teams boast a perfect district record (7-0), further solidifying their dominance within their region.
Head-to-Head and Common Opponents
While Saint Thomas Aquinas and Mill Valley have not faced off against each other this season, both have had their share of competitive games against common opponents. Their performances in these matchups will be critical when evaluating how they match up in potential playoff scenarios.
Conclusion
As we move toward the playoffs, both Saint Thomas Aquinas and Mill Valley are elite contenders, each with their unique strengths. STA’s balanced offense and stout defense make them formidable, while Mill Valley’s high-scoring offense and explosive playmaking ability could give them the edge in a shootout. Regardless of how the postseason unfolds, both teams have demonstrated they are among the best in Kansas high school football.
