The Nazareth Academy varsity football team from LaGrange Park, IL, will face Joliet Catholic from Joliet, IL, in a neutral playoff game on Saturday, November 30, at 10:00 a.m. This matchup is part of the “2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSA – Class 5A” tournament.
What: Illinois High School Football
Who: Nazareth Academy (IL) vs Joliet Catholic (IL)
When: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSA – Class 5A
Live stream: Watch here
Nazareth Academy vs. Joliet Catholic: A Clash of Powerhouses
The stage is set for an exciting rematch as Joliet Catholic and Nazareth Academy face off in a neutral playoff game on Saturday, November 30, at 10 a.m. Both teams bring stellar records, skilled players, and a shared determination to advance in the postseason. Let’s take a closer look at the season statistics, their head-to-head matchup, and what to expect in this high-stakes showdown.
Season Overview
Joliet Catholic (10-3)
- Conference Record: 3-0
- Home Record: 5-0
- Away Record: 2-3
- Neutral Record: 3-0
- Win Percentage: .769
- Points For: 372
- Points Against: 172
Nazareth Academy (11-2)
- Conference Record: 1-1
- Home Record: 7-0
- Away Record: 3-2
- Neutral Record: 1-0
- Win Percentage: .846
- Points For: 484
- Points Against: 237
Team Scoring Averages
Joliet Catholic tends to start strong in the first half, with 7.4 points in the first quarter and 11.9 in the second. However, their offensive output diminishes in the second half, scoring only 4.2 and 2.7 points in the third and fourth quarters, respectively. Nazareth Academy, on the other hand, maintains a more consistent scoring pace, particularly excelling in the first half with 12.6 and 14.6 points in the first and second quarters.
Final Scoring Averages:
- Joliet Catholic: 28.6 points per game
- Nazareth Academy: 37.2 points per game
Head-to-Head Matchup
In their regular-season meeting on September 27, Nazareth Academy edged out Joliet Catholic in a nail-biter, winning 16-13. This non-conference clash saw Nazareth Academy’s defense come alive, holding Joliet Catholic scoreless in the second quarter and sealing the game with a late touchdown in the fourth.
Scoring Summary (9/27):
- Joliet Catholic: Q1: 3, Q2: 0, Q3: 10, Q4: 0
- Nazareth Academy: Q1: 0, Q2: 9, Q3: 0, Q4: 7
Key Player Statistics
Joliet Catholic:
- Edward McClain Jr. leads the team with 54 rushing yards per game.
Nazareth Academy:
- Logan Malachuk averages an impressive 254 passing yards and 259 total yards per game.
- James Penley contributes significantly with 86 receiving yards and 12 points per game.
- Gabe Kaminski anchors the defense with 9 tackles and 1 sack per game.
Common Opponents
Both teams faced Chicago Mt. Carmel and De La Salle this season, splitting the results:
- Joliet Catholic: Lost to Chicago Mt. Carmel (35-21) and defeated De La Salle (2-0 forfeit).
- Nazareth Academy: Lost to Chicago Mt. Carmel (56-33) and defeated De La Salle (2-0).
What to Watch For
- Offensive Execution: Nazareth Academy’s high-powered offense, led by Malachuk and Penley, has the edge in scoring and total yardage. Joliet Catholic will need to slow down this dynamic duo to stay competitive.
- Defensive Playmakers: Gabe Kaminski’s ability to disrupt the line of scrimmage could be pivotal in limiting Joliet Catholic’s ground game.
- Second-Half Performance: Joliet Catholic must maintain offensive momentum throughout the game to avoid being overwhelmed by Nazareth’s balanced attack.
Prediction
This playoff rematch promises to be as thrilling as their first encounter. Nazareth Academy’s consistency and versatility on both sides of the ball give them a slight advantage, but Joliet Catholic’s resilience and postseason experience cannot be overlooked. Expect a hard-fought battle with potential for late-game heroics.
