The Northlake Christian varsity football team (Covington, LA) will host St. Louis Catholic (Lake Charles, LA) in a playoff game today at 7 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division III Select tournament.

What: Louisiana High School Football
Who: Northlake Christian (LA) vs St. Louis Catholic (LA)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division III Select
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Football Team Comparison: St. Louis Catholic vs. Northlake Christian

As the high school football season draws to a close, fans and analysts alike are reflecting on the performances of two notable teams: St. Louis Catholic and Northlake Christian. With contrasting records and team dynamics, these two squads present an interesting study in athletic development and performance.

Team Overview

St. Louis Catholic (24-25) has faced significant challenges this season, finishing with an overall record of 1-9. Their district record is even more concerning, with no wins from four attempts. The team’s struggles are evident in their performance both at home and away, securing just one victory from a total of six games. The overall statistics paint a similar picture, with St. Louis Catholic scoring only 107 points while conceding 378 across the season. Their offensive struggles, averaging just 10.7 points per game, have hindered their ability to compete effectively.

In contrast, Northlake Christian (24-25) has been much more successful, sporting a 7-3 record with an impressive 4-0 district mark. The team’s record is highlighted by a strong home performance (4-2) and a dominant away record (3-1). With 303 points scored and just 132 conceded, Northlake Christian has shown both offensive power and defensive resilience. Their average points per game of 30.3 stands in stark contrast to St. Louis Catholic’s low total, indicating a clear edge in both scoring and controlling games.

Scoring Averages

Looking at the team’s scoring breakdown by quarters, it’s clear that Northlake Christian has been the more consistent and explosive offense. They average a solid 15.5 points in the first quarter, showcasing their ability to jump out to an early lead. In comparison, St. Louis Catholic has struggled to put up points, averaging just 1.2 points in the opening quarter of games.

In the second half, Northlake Christian maintains their strong performance, with 8.0 points in the third quarter and 7.5 in the fourth. Their consistent scoring throughout the game has been a key factor in their success. St. Louis Catholic, on the other hand, shows a slight improvement in the second half, but it is too little too late, averaging just 9.5 points between the third and fourth quarters.

Team Stat Comparison

Both teams have their strengths, but Northlake Christian’s superior all-around performance is evident across several key stats:

• Rushing Yards: St. Louis Catholic leads in rushing with an average of 60.5 yards per game, but Northlake Christian’s balanced offense gives them the edge in total yards.
• Passing Yards: St. Louis Catholic averages 79.5 passing yards per game, while Northlake Christian does not record this statistic.
• Total Yards: St. Louis Catholic’s total yards per game stand at 140.0, while Northlake Christian exceeds this with an overall more efficient attack, likely contributing to their higher point totals.

In terms of defense, both teams show notable differences. St. Louis Catholic averages 62.9 tackles per game, while Northlake Christian, despite not posting comparable rushing or passing yards statistics, limits opponents significantly with a more potent defense, allowing only 132 points on the season.

Individual Performers

Each team has its standout players who have shown remarkable individual talent:

• St. Louis Catholic:
  • McKylin Carrier leads the team in rushing with 37.1 yards per game.
  • Konner Boudreaux has been a dual-threat in both passing (46.8 yards per game) and total offense (40.7 yards per game).
  • Stafford “B.J.” Willis stands out with 27.4 receiving yards per game.
• Northlake Christian:
  • Finn Gage has been crucial on defense with 0.3 sacks per game.
  • Zachry Sugandi has contributed 3.3 points per game to his team’s success.

While St. Louis Catholic may be struggling overall, individual performances from players like Carrier and Boudreaux show the potential for future success if the team can build around them. For Northlake Christian, players like Gage and Sugandi have played key roles in both offense and defense, contributing to the team’s overall success.

Record Breakdown

When examining the win-loss records in more detail:

• St. Louis Catholic has struggled in both league (0-4) and non-league (1-5) play. Their poor performance at home (1-3) and away (0-6) suggests issues with consistency and adapting to different environments.
• Northlake Christian, conversely, has thrived in district competition, posting a perfect 4-0 record. Their non-league performance (3-3) and strong road results (3-1) highlight their ability to perform under various circumstances, making them a formidable team in their district.

Conclusion

While St. Louis Catholic has had a difficult season, with numerous areas to improve, the emergence of key players like Boudreaux and Carrier offers hope for the future. On the other hand, Northlake Christian’s dominant performance, both offensively and defensively, positions them as one of the stronger teams in their district. Their high point totals and efficient play make them a team to watch as they continue to perform at a high level.