The Opelousas (LA) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Bastrop (LA) today at 7:00 p.m.

What: Louisiana High School Football
Who: Opelousas (LA) vs Bastrop (LA)
When: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Bastrop vs. Opelousas: Team Analysis and Season Overview

As we dive into the 2024-2025 high school football season in Louisiana, the records and rankings for Bastrop and Opelousas paint a compelling picture of two competitive teams, each with its strengths and areas for growth. This analysis compares their performances, scoring, and standout players, helping fans understand what each team brings to the field.

Rankings and Standings

In state rankings, Opelousas currently has the edge, ranked 42nd in their class compared to Bastrop’s 134th. This suggests that Opelousas has had a stronger season in terms of performance and consistency. However, the numbers indicate that both teams are competitive within their districts:

• Bastrop: Ranked 134th, with an overall record of 7-3 and a district record of 2-2. They’ve been solid at home (4-2) and on the road (3-1), with a 0.700 overall win percentage and a district win rate of 0.500.
• Opelousas: Ranked 42nd, with a 6-4 overall record and a perfect 4-0 in district games, showcasing their strength in league play. Opelousas is balanced in home and away games (3-3 at home, 3-1 away) and has a higher win percentage in the district at 1.000.

Team Performance and Scoring Averages

The teams also show some intriguing contrasts in scoring:

• Bastrop averages 23.2 points per game**, with most of their scoring coming in the second quarter (9.7 points). This shows they tend to build momentum as the game progresses.
• Opelousas, on the other hand, averages 28.4 points per game, with more balanced scoring across all quarters. They score consistently, with notable performance in the first and fourth quarters.

Statistical Comparison

When breaking down stats by game, Bastrop shows a consistent focus on passing and receiving, while specific data on Opelousas’ performance is less available. Bastrop’s main stats include:

• 93.0 rushing yards per game
• 126.9 passing yards per game
• 127.6 receiving yards per game
• 219.9 total yards per game

Defensively, Bastrop averages 29.7 tackles per game with 0.3 sacks per game. These figures demonstrate that Bastrop has a balanced offensive approach but could improve on defense to challenge top-ranked teams like Opelousas.

Standout Players

Bastrop has several key players who have consistently contributed this season:

• Antron Mason Jr. (#22) leads in rushing yards, averaging 37.7 yards per game.
• Dylan Downs (#2) shines in passing, with 128.4 yards per game, also contributing a total of 157.3 yards per game.
• Antron Mason II (#5) leads in receiving yards (46.6) and points per game (4.5).
• Makylan Witherspoon (#0) is a top tackler, with an average of 5.2 tackles per game.

These players are among the top contributors not only within their team but also compared to national averages, showing their potential to make an impact in upcoming games.

Record Breakdown

• Bastrop: In-state record of 7-3, a non-league record of 5-1, and a balanced home/away record. They haven’t yet faced Opelousas or any common opponent, making their potential matchup even more interesting.
• Opelousas: Holds a strong district record (4-0) but has a more modest non-league record (2-4). Their overall performance is solid but shows room for improvement in out-of-league games.

Conclusion

While both teams have had successful seasons, Opelousas’ higher ranking, stronger district record, and consistent scoring make them a challenging opponent for any team. Bastrop, however, has shown resilience, particularly in passing and receiving, and has a lineup of standout players who could turn the tide in critical games.

As the season progresses, both teams have an opportunity to improve and capitalize on their strengths. A future matchup would likely be a thrilling contest, as these teams bring different strengths and playstyles to the field, showcasing some of Louisiana’s top high school football talent.