The DePaul Catholic (Wayne, NJ) varsity football team is set to face Pope John XXIII (Sparta, NJ) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 29, at 11:00 AM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: New Jersey High School Football
Who: Pope John XXIII vs DePaul Catholic
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM ET
Bracket: 2024 New Jersey High School Football Playoff Brackets: NJSIAA – Non-Public B
Live Stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Pope John XXIII vs. DePaul Catholic

The stage is set for an intense playoff battle as DePaul Catholic and Pope John XXIII prepare to clash on November 29. The two teams have already faced off once this season, with DePaul Catholic cruising to a 47-15 victory on August 30. This time, Pope John XXIII looks to defy the odds and extend their postseason run, while DePaul Catholic aims to solidify their dominance.

Season Overview

Pope John XXIII Lions

• Record: 5-7
• Division Rank: 17 (NJ, Division 3)
• Points Scored: 352
• Points Allowed: 398
• Key Player: Running back Tylik Hill has been a consistent standout, averaging an impressive 183.1 rushing yards per game and contributing 12.0 points per game.
• Strengths:
  • Strong rushing attack, averaging 219.5 yards per game.
  • Playmaking ability from Hill, who leads the team in total yardage.
• Weaknesses:
  • Struggles on defense, giving up an average of 33.2 points per game.
  • Difficulty in closing games against tough opponents, with a league record of 1-3.

DePaul Catholic Spartans

• Record: 10-1
• National Rank: 74
• Division Rank: 2 (NJ, Division 1)
• Points Scored: 440
• Points Allowed: 229
• Key Player: Quarterback Derek Zammit leads the offense with 224.3 passing yards per game, while running back Nolan James adds a dynamic ground attack with 152.5 rushing yards per game.
• Strengths:
  • Balanced offense, averaging 460.7 total yards per game.
  • Proven ability to win in close, high-stakes games, as seen in their narrow 52-51 victory over Delbarton.
  • A solid defense, holding opponents to just 20.8 points per game.
• Weaknesses:
  • Despite their strong season, they have shown some vulnerability against top-tier opponents like Delbarton.

Head-to-Head Matchup

When these teams met earlier in the season, DePaul Catholic controlled the game from start to finish, dominating on both sides of the ball. Pope John XXIII struggled to contain DePaul’s balanced offensive attack and will need a better defensive strategy to compete in the rematch.

Key Differences:

• Offensive Firepower:
  DePaul Catholic has a clear edge, averaging 38.7 points per game, compared to Pope John XXIII’s 28.8.
• Defense:
  Pope John XXIII has allowed 33.2 points per game, significantly higher than DePaul Catholic’s 20.8.
• Momentum:
  DePaul Catholic enters the playoffs with a strong 10-1 record, including a 4-1 mark against common opponents, while Pope John XXIII is 2-4 in those matchups.

Players to Watch

Pope John XXIII:

• Tylik Hill (RB): A game-changer on offense, Hill must deliver a standout performance to keep the Lions in contention.
• Tyler Houser (LB): Leading the team with 14.4 tackles per game, Houser will need to anchor the defense against DePaul’s potent offense.

DePaul Catholic:

• Derek Zammit (QB): The Spartan’s offensive leader will look to exploit Pope John XXIII’s secondary.
• Nolan James (RB): Averaging 152.5 rushing yards per game, James adds another dimension to an already potent offense.

What to Expect

Pope John XXIII must play near-perfect football to overcome DePaul Catholic’s offensive and defensive advantages. For the Lions, limiting turnovers and controlling the clock with their rushing attack will be key to keeping the game close. Meanwhile, DePaul Catholic will aim to replicate their previous success by dominating early and forcing Pope John XXIII to play from behind.

Prediction

Given their superior talent, balanced offense, and dominant head-to-head record, DePaul Catholic is the clear favorite to win. However, playoff football is unpredictable, and Pope John XXIII will be motivated to pull off the upset. Expect a spirited effort from the Lions, but DePaul Catholic’s overall strength should carry them to victory.