The Northwood (Shreveport, LA) varsity football team will host a playoff game against Destrehan (LA) on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division I Non-Select tournament.
What: Louisiana High School Football
Who: Northwood (LA) vs Destrehan (LA)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division I Non-Select
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
Destrehan vs. Northwood: A Clash of Champions
As the high school football season heats up, two powerhouse teams—Destrehan and Northwood—are making headlines with their impressive records and dynamic rosters. With contrasting playing styles and strong team leaders, this matchup promises to be a thrilling contest. Here’s a breakdown of both teams as they prepare for their next challenge on the gridiron.
Destrehan Wildcats
The Destrehan Wildcats enter the 2024-2025 season with a solid record of 9-3, ranking 18th in Louisiana. Their performance this season has been marked by a dominant district record of 6-1, which showcases their strength in league play. At home, they boast a 6-1 record, and on the road, they’ve had a more balanced 2-2 record. They have a win percentage of .750, and their district win percentage is even more impressive at .857. The Wildcats have managed to put up an average of 419 points while allowing only 225 over the course of their games, demonstrating their balanced offensive and defensive strategies.
Team Performance Breakdown
Destrehan’s offense is formidable, averaging 34.9 points per game. Their strongest quarter is the second, where they score an average of 9.3 points. While their rushing game is the backbone of their offense, led by #24 Kyran Johnson with 139.0 rushing yards per game, their passing game is equally potent, with #5 Jaxon Bentzler averaging 145.9 passing yards per game. Destrehan’s defense, anchored by #35 Kyron Gladney, who records 12.5 tackles per game, is just as effective in limiting their opponents, averaging 60.5 tackles per game.
Northwood Falcons
The Northwood Falcons have been a force to be reckoned with, posting an outstanding 10-1 record this season, ranking 55th in Louisiana. They too have excelled in district play with a 6-1 record. Their overall win percentage of .909 is among the best in the state, and their home record of 8-0 reflects their dominance in familiar territory. Northwood’s defense has been exceptional, with a total of 456 points scored and only 208 points allowed.
Team Performance Breakdown
Northwood’s offense has been impressive, averaging 41.5 points per game, the highest in this comparison. Their scoring is spread out throughout the game, but they shine in the first quarter, averaging 17.5 points. The Falcons excel in both the air and on the ground. Their rushing offense, led by an aggressive running game, produces 246.8 yards per game. On the passing side, they average 154.4 yards, with a standout receiver in #14 Duntavious Young, who averages 55.1 receiving yards per game. Northwood’s defense is just as solid, with an average of 60.5 tackles per game, and they excel at pressuring the quarterback, averaging 2.1 sacks per game.
Key Players to Watch
Destrehan:
- Kyran Johnson (#24): The running back leads the Wildcats in rushing yards with 139.0 yards per game, and has scored 9.6 points per game. His ability to control the ground game will be key for Destrehan.
- Jaxon Bentzler (#5): As the quarterback, Bentzler is central to the Wildcats’ offensive attack, averaging 145.9 passing yards and 163.4 total yards per game.
- Kyron Gladney (#35): The linebacker is a defensive standout with 12.5 tackles per game. He is a crucial part of Destrehan’s defense.
Northwood:
- Kyran Johnson: Another player to watch in this matchup, Johnson brings powerful playmaking to the field.
- Jaxon Bentzler: Bentzler’s versatility and leadership as quarterback make him one of the most important figures for his team.
- Kyron Gladney: Gladney plays an important role for the Wildcats’ defense, making key tackles.
Record and Team Comparison
When comparing their overall performance, Northwood leads in several key categories, including their undefeated home record and their higher overall win percentage of .909. However, Destrehan’s consistent ability to score and defend, with a higher number of tackles per game, showcases their resilience and ability to stay in games against tough opponents.
| Team | Overall Record | District Record | Home Record | Away Record | Points Scored (PF) | Points Allowed (PA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Destrehan | 9-3 | 6-1 | 6-1 | 2-2 | 419 | 225 |
| Northwood | 10-1 | 6-1 | 8-0 | 2-1 | 456 | 208 |
The Wildcats’ average of 34.9 points per game, while impressive, will face a tough test against Northwood’s explosive 41.5 points per game offense. Both teams have found ways to shine on both sides of the ball, with Destrehan focusing on rushing and solid defense, while Northwood boasts a balanced offensive attack and a stifling defense. This clash between two powerhouses is sure to be a defining moment in the season.
Conclusion
As the season progresses, the showdown between Destrehan and Northwood promises to be a thrilling contest filled with high stakes and exceptional football. Whether it’s Destrehan’s relentless running game or Northwood’s high-powered offense, the battle on the field will showcase the best of Louisiana high school football. Fans are in for a treat as these two teams look to prove themselves as the top contenders in their league and beyond.
