The Normal University (Normal, IL) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Mt. Zion (IL) today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets for Class 4A.

What: Illinois High School Football
Who: Normal University (IL) vs Mt. Zion (IL)
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSA – Class 4A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Mt. Zion vs. Normal University: A Detailed Breakdown

As the 2024-2025 season unfolds, two Illinois teams, Mt. Zion and Normal University, are gaining attention for their respective performances. With both teams having had strong showings in their conference and overall, here’s a deep dive into their statistics, records, and key players.

Overall Records and Performance

• Mt. Zion (24-25) has posted a solid overall record of 9-3, with a conference record of 3-2. Their performance at home stands at 3-1, while they have been even more effective on the road with a 6-2 record. This demonstrates a balanced team capable of securing victories in various settings.
  • Win %: .750
  • Conference %: .600
  • Points For: 357
  • Points Against: 223
• Normal University (24-25), on the other hand, has had an even more impressive season, boasting a 10-2 record overall, with a dominant 6-1 conference record. Their home record is flawless at 5-0, and they have also been strong in neutral-site games, holding a 2-0 record.
  • Win %: .833
  • Conference %: .857
  • Points For: 546
  • Points Against: 190

While Mt. Zion’s offense has been steady, scoring an average of 29.8 points per game, Normal University has been a powerhouse, with an average of 45.5 points per game—the highest among the two teams.

Scoring Averages and Team Dynamics

Both teams have distinct scoring dynamics. Mt. Zion has shown consistent offensive production, averaging:

• Q1: 3.8 points
• Q2: 10.3 points
• Q3: 9.6 points
• Q4: 5.4 points
  Total: 29.8 points per game

In contrast, Normal University has displayed explosive starts, particularly in the first half, with:

• Q1: 19.0 points
• Q2: 16.1 points
• Q3: 5.9 points
• Q4: 5.2 points
  Total: 45.5 points per game

This difference in scoring reflects Normal University’s ability to dominate early and maintain momentum, while Mt. Zion tends to balance its scoring across all four quarters.

Team Statistics Comparison

When comparing the two teams’ stats, several key differences stand out:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Mt. Zion averages 117.7 yards, while Normal University is more efficient at 152.5 yards per game.
• Passing Yards Per Game: Mt. Zion excels in the passing game with 237.0 yards, compared to Normal University’s 305.5 yards—showcasing the latter’s more potent aerial attack.
• Receiving Yards Per Game: Mt. Zion also averages 243.5 receiving yards, a solid total, but Normal University surpasses them with 305.5 yards.
• Total Yards Per Game: Mt. Zion averages 354.7 yards, while Normal University leads with 458.0 yards, indicating a broader offensive capacity.
• Tackles Per Game: Mt. Zion averages 61.2 tackles per game, significantly more than Normal University’s 42.3.
• Sacks Per Game: Both teams are close in sack performance, with Mt. Zion recording 1.6 sacks per game, and Normal University slightly ahead with 1.8.

Key Players to Watch

The key players for each team have been central to their respective success:

• Mt. Zion’s Keller Stocks has been the team’s leader in multiple categories, including 49.7 rushing yards per game and 231.0 passing yards per game. His versatility makes him a key asset for Mt. Zion’s offense.
• Jacob Harvey is another standout for Mt. Zion, leading with 92.2 receiving yards per game and 7.0 points per game, making him a top target in the passing game.
• For Normal University, Carson Stevens has been an offensive powerhouse with 59.3 rushing yards per game, and Alek Weiland has excelled in passing with an average of 291.2 yards per game.
• Cade Cunningham has also been exceptional, leading the team with 95.3 receiving yards per game, while Drew Rader has been one of the top tacklers with 6.6 tackles per game.

Record Breakdown: Home, Away, and Playoffs

• Mt. Zion has been strong away, with a 6-2 record compared to Normal University’s 3-2 on the road. However, Normal University has had an even more impressive performance in playoff scenarios, posting a 3-0 record, compared to Mt. Zion’s 3-0 record.

Conclusion

As the season continues, both Mt. Zion and Normal University have proven themselves as formidable teams in Illinois. While Mt. Zion is solid across all aspects of the game, Normal University’s offensive explosion and dominance early in games make them the team to beat. With strong leadership from standout players on both sides, these teams are likely to make waves in their upcoming games and any potential postseason appearances. Keep an eye on these two as they push toward the top of the conference rankings.