The Notre Dame Prep (Pontiac, MI) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Flat Rock (MI) today at 1 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 Michigan High School Football Playoff Brackets for MHSAA Division 5.

What: Michigan High School Football
Who: Notre Dame Prep (MI) vs Flat Rock (MI)
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Where: John Glenn High School – Westland
Bracket: 2024 Michigan High School Football Playoff Brackets: MHSAA – Division 5
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Flat Rock vs. Notre Dame Prep: A Tale of Two High School Football Teams

As the high school football season progresses, both Flat Rock and Notre Dame Prep have established themselves as formidable contenders in Michigan’s Class rankings. With their impressive records and standout players, each team brings a unique set of strengths and challenges to the field.

Team Overview

Flat Rock (24-25) has had a strong season so far, posting a 10-2 record, including a 5-2 league performance. Their dominance in home games (5-1) and away games (4-1) showcases their versatility, with an undefeated neutral-site record of 1-0. Averaging 42.8 points per game, the team’s offense is a key strength, with the defense holding opponents to just 231 points over the course of the season.

Notre Dame Prep (24-25), on the other hand, boasts an even more impressive 10-1 record, with a dominant home record of 7-1 and a flawless 3-0 away record. Their overall win percentage of .909 is among the highest in the state, with a total of 497 points scored and only 194 points allowed. They are known for explosive offensive performances, particularly in the second quarter, where they score an average of 28.5 points per game.

Offensive and Defensive Stats

The teams’ offensive and defensive numbers further highlight their distinct styles of play.

• Flat Rock’s offense averages 426.5 total yards per game, with strong performances in rushing (216.9 yards/game) and passing (209.6 yards/game). Led by #30 Ben Scully, who averages 116.4 rushing yards per game, and quarterback #7 Graham Junge, who averages 206.3 passing yards per game, Flat Rock’s offensive attack is both balanced and potent. Wide receiver #9 Evan Szalay also contributes significantly, averaging 72.8 receiving yards per game.
• Notre Dame Prep, while excelling in the overall win column, does not provide the same level of statistical breakdown in rushing, passing, and receiving yards. However, their offensive strength lies in their scoring consistency and high points per game average of 45.2, showcasing their ability to score quickly and efficiently.

Defensively, Flat Rock averages 54.1 tackles per game and 0.8 sacks per game, with standout linebacker #21 Jacob Hagan recording 5.8 tackles per game. In comparison, Notre Dame Prep’s defensive stats are less clear but remain a crucial part of their overall success, especially with a solid points-per-game defense.

Quarter-by-Quarter Performance

Flat Rock’s scoring is well-distributed throughout the game, averaging 15.5 points in the first quarter, 15.3 in the second, 8.5 in the third, and 8.8 in the fourth. This balanced scoring approach is key to their overall success.

Notre Dame Prep, however, shows a more explosive scoring tendency, especially in the second quarter where they average 28.5 points. Their first-quarter score of 13.5 points and low third-quarter output of 1.5 points indicate that they may rely on high-scoring bursts to establish a lead early in the game.

Head-to-Head and Record Breakdown

• Flat Rock Record Breakdown:
  • Overall: 10-2
  • League: 5-2
  • Non-League: 2-0
  • Home: 5-1
  • Away: 4-1
  • Neutral: 1-0
  • Playoff: 3-0
• Notre Dame Prep Record Breakdown:
  • Overall: 10-1
  • Home: 7-1
  • Away: 3-0
  • Non-League: 0-0
  • Playoff: 3-0

Both teams have proven themselves in their respective leagues and are prepared for playoff challenges, though Notre Dame Prep’s undefeated non-league and away records give them an edge in terms of consistency on the road.

Conclusion

With both teams playing exceptional football, the upcoming matchups and potential playoff battles between Flat Rock and Notre Dame Prep are sure to be thrilling. Flat Rock’s balanced offense and strong defense face off against Notre Dame Prep’s explosive scoring capabilities. Whichever team comes out on top will have proven themselves among the best in Michigan high school football.