The Perry-Lecompton/Bishop Seabury Academy (Perry, KS) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Hayden (Topeka, KS) on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM.
What: Kansas High School Football
Who: Perry-Lecompton/Bishop Seabury Academy (KS) vs Hayden (KS)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
Preview: Hayden vs. PLBSA (Co-Op) Football Playoff Game – November 15, 2024
The stage is set for an exciting football showdown as Hayden High School (Topeka, KS) prepares to face off against Perry-Lecompton/Bishop Seabury Academy (PLBSA, Perry, KS) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM. This match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two teams with contrasting records and play styles.
Season Records and Performance Breakdown
Hayden enters the game with a strong 9-1 overall record and is coming off a dominant 50-16 victory over PLBSA just a month ago. Their season has been marked by impressive performances, particularly in their district where they are undefeated at 1-0, and their home record stands at an undefeated 6-0. Hayden has outscored opponents by a remarkable 445 points to 89, showcasing their high-scoring offense and solid defense.
On the other hand, PLBSA has had a more challenging season with a 5-5 overall record, including a 2-2 mark in district play. They have struggled on the road with a 3-3 away record but are still competitive, having shown resilience in their victories. Their season has been defined by tight matchups, and while their overall points scored (208) and points allowed (208) are balanced, they will need to find a way to counter Hayden’s explosive offense.
Key Stats
Hayden has been a powerhouse on both sides of the ball, averaging 44.5 points per game. Their rushing attack, led by standout player Tristan Gorden, averages 156.9 yards per game, and their passing game, driven by quarterback Garrett Metcalfe, generates another 90.6 yards per game. Defensively, Hayden’s players, particularly Koltyn Kaniper, who averages 17.7 tackles per game, have been effective in stopping opponents.
PLBSA, while struggling with consistency on offense, has had a relatively strong passing game, led by Metcalfe’s counterpart at PLBSA, averaging 51.7 passing yards per game. However, their total offensive output (20.8 points per game) lags behind Hayden’s, and they will need to capitalize on key players like Eli Dean (42.9 receiving yards per game) and Bronzen Rush (4.8 points per game) to stay competitive.
Head-to-Head Matchup
In their last encounter on October 18, Hayden dominated the game, winning 50-16. The game saw Hayden’s offense firing on all cylinders, with a dominant second quarter (21 points) helping them secure a comfortable lead. PLBSA struggled to find consistency, with only 16 points on the board despite a strong 8-point effort in the second half.
As the teams prepare for this playoff rematch, PLBSA will need to regroup and find a way to break through Hayden’s defense and match their offensive firepower. Hayden, for their part, will look to continue their impressive form and make a deep run into the playoffs.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced similar opponents throughout the season, with Hayden finishing a perfect 4-0 against common foes, while PLBSA has a 2-1 record. Notably, both teams secured victories against Hiawatha and Jefferson West, though PLBSA did suffer a loss to Holton, a team that Hayden also defeated.
Key Players to Watch
- Hayden
- Tristan Gorden: A key rusher who averages 49.8 yards per game.
- Garrett Metcalfe: The quarterback leads the team with 103.9 passing yards per game.
- Koltyn Kaniper: A dominant force on defense, averaging 17.7 tackles per game.
- PLBSA
- Eli Dean: The top receiver for PLBSA, averaging 42.9 yards per game.
- Bronzen Rush: An offensive weapon who leads the team in points scored.
- Caige Starnes: A defensive contributor with 0.4 sacks per game.
What to Expect
As the teams head into this high-stakes playoff game, the stakes are clear. Hayden, with their superior offense and overall record, will be the favorites to win, but PLBSA has shown flashes of brilliance and resilience throughout the season. The key to the game will likely be whether PLBSA can slow down Hayden’s dynamic offense and create enough opportunities on the other side of the ball.
With Hayden averaging nearly 45 points per game and PLBSA struggling to break 21, the odds seem stacked against the underdogs. However, in playoff football, anything can happen, and PLBSA will be eager to prove they can upset a dominant team like Hayden.
As we look forward to the game on November 15, fans can expect a fierce battle with both teams giving it their all in what promises to be an unforgettable playoff clash.
