The Newport (KY) varsity football team has a neutral playoff game vs. Ludlow (KY) on Friday, November 15 at 7 pm.

What: Kentucky High School Football
Who: Newport (KY) vs Ludlow (KY)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Ludlow vs. Newport: 2024 KHSAA Class 1A Playoff Showdown

The 2024 Kentucky High School Football Playoffs continue this Friday as the Ludlow Panthers (9-3) face the Newport Wildcats (8-2) in a highly anticipated matchup. With both teams boasting strong records and playoff aspirations, this game promises to be a thrilling contest.

Team Overview

Ludlow Panthers (9-3)

• District Record: 3-0
• Overall Record: 9-3
• Home Record: 5-2
• Away Record: 4-1
• Scoring Average: 39.8 points per game
• Key Players:
  • Rod Thompson (RB): 48.3 yards per game
  • Kyle Lee (QB): 166.1 passing yards per game
  • Aj Lowe (WR): 46.6 receiving yards per game

Ludlow has been a dominant force this season, led by an explosive offense that scores nearly 40 points per game. The Panthers’ well-balanced attack features the strong running of Rod Thompson, who averages over 48 yards per game, and the precision passing of Kyle Lee. Their defense has also been stout, allowing only 187 points over the course of the season.

Newport Wildcats (8-2)

• District Record: 2-1
• Overall Record: 8-2
• Home Record: 4-1
• Away Record: 4-1
• Scoring Average: 29.2 points per game
• Key Players:
  • Rod Thompson (RB): 20.3 yards per game
  • Kyle Lee (QB): 175.2 total yards per game
  • Jaylen Hartness (DE): 1.2 sacks per game

Newport enters this game with an impressive 8-2 record. Although their scoring average is slightly lower than Ludlow’s, the Wildcats have a balanced offense, with quarterback Kyle Lee leading the charge. The Wildcats are also known for their solid defense, including standout player Jaylen Hartness, who has been a disruptor in the backfield with over one sack per game. Newport’s recent victory over Ludlow earlier this season gives them added confidence heading into this playoff matchup.

Head-to-Head History

The two teams met earlier in the season on September 20, 2024, in a non-conference game, where Newport came out on top with a nail-biting 32-30 victory. Ludlow made a strong comeback in the second half, but Newport’s early lead proved to be the difference. This previous matchup shows that both teams can compete at a high level, and fans should expect another closely contested game.

Key Matchup: Offense vs. Defense

Ludlow’s high-scoring offense faces a challenging test against Newport’s defense, which has been solid throughout the season. The Wildcats have allowed only 150 points, making it difficult for opposing offenses to find the end zone. Conversely, Ludlow’s offense has averaged almost 40 points per game, led by Rod Thompson’s running and Kyle Lee’s passing. The game’s outcome could hinge on which side can impose its will – Newport’s defense or Ludlow’s offensive firepower.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced several common opponents this season, with both finishing with a perfect 4-0 record in those matchups. These include wins over Dayton, Bellevue, and Holy Cross. This shared success against similar competition adds an extra layer of intrigue to their playoff meeting.

Final Thoughts

This neutral-site playoff game between Ludlow and Newport will be a clash of styles: Ludlow’s potent offense against Newport’s stingy defense. With both teams boasting strong records and playoff experience, expect this game to be one of the most exciting matchups in Class 1A this postseason.

Will Ludlow avenge their earlier loss to Newport, or will the Wildcats continue their dominance over the Panthers? Tune in on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM to find out who will advance in the 2024 Kentucky High School Football Playoffs.