The Naperville Central (Naperville, IL) varsity football team is set to play a neutral playoff game against York (Elmhurst, IL) today at 6 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: Naperville Central (IL) vs York (IL)
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSA – Class 8A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

A Clash of Titans: York vs. Naperville Central Football Showdown

As the 2024-2025 football season progresses, fans are eagerly anticipating the showdown between two of Illinois’ most formidable high school football programs: York and Naperville Central. Both teams have showcased stellar performances this season, with impressive records and remarkable consistency across the board. Here’s a closer look at the key statistics, head-to-head comparisons, and what makes these teams so special.

Record Breakdown: A Tale of Two Champions

• York: With an overall record of 10-2, York has proven itself as one of the state’s premier football programs. The Dukes have excelled both at home (5-2) and on the road (5-0), highlighting their balanced approach to the game. Their league performance (4-2) indicates they are a strong contender, but they have faced stiff competition.
• Naperville Central: The Redhawks, on the other hand, have been nearly perfect this season with an 11-1 record. They have been dominant in the conference, going 4-0, and are unbeaten at home (6-0) and on neutral ground (2-0). Their only loss came in a non-league contest, showcasing their remarkable dominance when it counts most.

Scoring Averages: A Close Call

When it comes to scoring, both teams have put up impressive numbers, but York edges out Naperville Central with a higher average points per game. York averages 32.7 points per game, thanks to their ability to score consistently across all four quarters (12.4 points in the first, 11.6 in the second, 10.0 in the third, and 2.6 in the fourth).

Naperville Central, however, boasts a slightly lower overall average at 30.7 points per game, with notable scoring surges in the second quarter (14.3 points) and relatively balanced performances in the other quarters. Their ability to dominate early on has helped them build strong leads, as seen in their undefeated conference record.

Common Opponents: A Shared History

Both teams have faced off against some of the same opponents this season, providing a valuable point of comparison for their overall strength. When it comes to Hinsdale Central, both teams came out victorious, with York securing a 21-13 win and Naperville Central triumphing 24-13. However, the two teams faced different results against Lyons. York was defeated 24-7 by Lyons, while Naperville Central prevailed with a 24-7 victory in their matchup.

Interestingly, York holds a 1-1 record against common opponents, while Naperville Central is undefeated at 2-0. This sets the stage for a thrilling matchup when these two teams finally meet, as both have demonstrated the ability to win against formidable competition.

Team Strengths: York’s Balanced Approach vs. Naperville Central’s Dominance

• York: The Dukes are known for their resilience, winning in multiple scenarios, including tough home and away games. Their scoring is spread out, but they rely on their offense to carry them, especially in the first half. Despite a few losses, their ability to secure wins on the road gives them an edge when traveling for big games.
• Naperville Central: The Redhawks have been nearly flawless this season, particularly in their conference play, where they’ve demonstrated exceptional performance. Their home field advantage is undeniable, and their ability to win on neutral turf adds another layer of dominance. Their scoring efficiency, especially in the second quarter, shows their ability to get ahead early and maintain control.

Conclusion: A Showdown to Watch

As York and Naperville Central prepare for their much-anticipated clash, it’s clear that both teams are in top form. York’s overall balance, paired with their impressive road performance, contrasts with Naperville Central’s undefeated conference and near-perfect season. Fans can expect a highly competitive, high-stakes game that could determine the state’s top contender.

The outcome of this matchup will likely hinge on key moments: York’s ability to outscore in the second half versus Naperville Central’s ability to strike early and control the tempo. Whether you’re cheering for the Dukes or the Redhawks, this is one football game you won’t want to miss.