The Pine (Franklinton, LA) varsity football team will face St. James (LA) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 29, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division III Non-Select tournament.

What: Louisiana High School Football
Who: Pine (LA) vs St. James (LA)
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division III Non-Select
Live stream: Watch here

St. James and Pine: A Comparative Analysis of Their 2024-25 Seasons

As the 2024-25 high school football season concludes, St. James and Pine stand out as notable contenders from Louisiana, showcasing impressive records and contrasting strengths. With both teams achieving remarkable success, a closer look at their statistics and game performances offers insight into their unique paths through the season.

Season Overview St. James, a Class 3 team, wrapped up the season with a record of 8-2, posting an unblemished 3-0 in district play. Their impressive home and away records, marked at 2-2 and 5-0, highlight their resilience and consistency, while their perfect 1-0 neutral-site record further demonstrates their adaptability. Pine, competing in Class 5, boasted a solid 10-3 overall record, including a 3-2 district mark. Their formidable 6-1 away performance underlined their competitive edge on the road, complementing a respectable 4-2 home record.

Scoring Prowess When examining team scoring averages, Pine had the upper hand with an average of 32.7 points per game compared to St. James’ 28.2. St. James’ scoring distribution reflected a balanced offense, with 6.0 points in the first quarter, 10.4 in the second, 7.6 in the third, and 4.2 in the fourth. Conversely, Pine showcased late-game resilience with their most productive quarter being the fourth (6.7 points), contributing to their overall high average.

Statistical Comparison Analyzing key stats reveals distinct team strengths:

• Rushing yards: St. James averaged 155.9 yards per game, demonstrating a powerful ground game led by standout #5 Kani King-Young, who averaged 79.4 rushing yards.
• Passing yards: St. James’ passing game generated 139.5 yards per game, highlighted by #19 Jajuan Jackson, who led with 139.5 passing yards per contest.
• Receiving yards: St. James also showed proficiency in the air, totaling 135.6 yards per game, anchored by #4 Jakias Villanueva’s impressive 87.3 receiving yards per game.
• Total yards: St. James’ comprehensive offensive efforts culminated in 295.4 total yards per game, driven by Jajuan Jackson’s 146.5 yards per game.

On the other hand, Pine’s statistical strengths were showcased through their formidable offense and effective defense:

• Points per game: Pine outpaced St. James with 32.7 points per game.
• Tackles per game: While specific data was not detailed for Pine, St. James’ leading tackler, Nolan Zenon, posted an impressive 8.9 tackles per game.
• Sacks per game: St. James’ defense, featuring Caleb Williams, managed 0.5 sacks per game, contributing to their defensive efforts.

Key Player Highlights St. James’ standout players included Kani King-Young, who was crucial in the rushing game with 79.4 yards per game, and Jajuan Jackson, who led in both passing and total yards. Jakias Villanueva added a significant contribution with 87.3 receiving yards per game. Pine’s high-scoring offense was marked by their consistent ability to score, with specific player details illustrating their offensive firepower.

Conclusion St. James and Pine’s 2024-25 seasons reflect their strategic approaches and individual strengths. St. James’ balanced scoring and solid defensive plays contrast with Pine’s high-powered offense and strong performance on the road. As the teams move forward, their impressive records and standout players position them as formidable contenders in Louisiana high school football.