The Providence (Clarksville, IN) varsity football team will host South Putnam (Greencastle, IN) for a home playoff game on Friday, November 22 at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 IHSAA Football State Tournament, presented by the Indianapolis Colts, in the Class 1A State Tournament.
What: Indiana High School Football
Who: Providence (IN) vs South Putnam (IN)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 IHSAA Football State Tournament presented by the Indianapolis Colts – Class 1A State Tournament
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
South Putnam vs. Providence: A Comparison of Football Powerhouses
As the 2024-2025 high school football season unfolds, two teams have established themselves as forces to be reckoned with in Indiana: South Putnam and Providence. Both squads boast impressive records and standout players, but their paths to success have been distinct. Let’s take a closer look at how these two programs compare in terms of performance, team stats, and individual leaders.
Record Overview
South Putnam enters the season with an overall record of 11-2, and has had a strong conference showing with a 4-1 record. Their dominance at home is noteworthy, finishing 7-0 in home games and showcasing a remarkable win percentage of .846 overall and .800 in the conference.
Providence, on the other hand, has been perfect this season with a 12-0 record. The team has remained unbeaten in all competitions, including an 8-0 record in away games and a perfect 4-0 in conference play. Providence’s exceptional performance across the board is evident in their flawless 1.000 win percentage both overall and in their conference.
Scoring Averages
When comparing the team scoring averages, South Putnam leads with a higher points-per-game average at 42.3, compared to Providence’s 33.1. South Putnam’s scoring is notably stronger in the early quarters, particularly in the first half where they average 16.9 in Q1 and 19.1 in Q2. However, their performance dips in the second half, especially in the fourth quarter, where they average just 1.9 points.
Providence, while scoring fewer points overall, has a more consistent output throughout the game. They average 8.8 points in both Q1 and Q4, which suggests a balanced and sustained approach to scoring throughout the game.
Team Stat Comparison
In terms of total yards per game, South Putnam leads with an average of 353.5, while Providence generates 322.2 yards. South Putnam excels in both rushing and passing yards per game, averaging 212.6 rushing yards and 140.9 passing yards. They are particularly strong on the ground, with senior running back Ty Benton contributing 118.6 rushing yards per game.
Providence’s offensive strategy is somewhat more balanced, with 221.9 rushing yards per game and 100.3 passing yards. Their rushing game is spearheaded by Preston Kempf, who averages 77.4 rushing yards per game and 95.9 passing yards, making him a dual threat in the backfield.
When it comes to defense, South Putnam averages 79.9 tackles per game, with Keenan Mowery-Shields leading the team with 16.0 tackles per game. They also get a bit more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, with 2.1 sacks per game, led by Zach Dorsett who has 0.7 sacks per game.
Providence’s defense is slightly less aggressive in terms of sacks, averaging 2.0 per game. However, they are still very effective in limiting yardage, with Lucas Thomas contributing 8.0 tackles per game and Griffin Tucker adding 0.9 sacks per game.
Key Players
Several standout players are making waves this season for both teams. South Putnam’s Ty Benton is a dominant force on offense, leading the team with 118.6 rushing yards per game and contributing 15.1 points per game. Quarterback Wyatt Mullin is another key player, with 136.5 passing yards per game and a total of 179.3 yards per game.
For Providence, Preston Kempf stands out as a dual-threat player, with 77.4 rushing yards per game and 95.9 passing yards per game. His versatility on offense has made him a key figure for the team. Meanwhile, Kalen Sipes has made an impact on defense, contributing 8.0 tackles per game.
Playoff and Championship Outlook
Looking ahead, both teams have proven themselves as playoff contenders. South Putnam has a strong 4-0 record in the playoffs, while Providence is similarly undefeated in postseason play with a 4-0 record. South Putnam’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations, particularly in close games, will be critical as they head into the postseason. Providence’s perfect record and balanced team play make them a formidable opponent for anyone in the state.
Conclusion
Both South Putnam and Providence are teams to watch as they continue their remarkable runs in Indiana high school football. With strong records, standout individual performances, and consistent team play, they are setting the stage for an exciting postseason. Whether it’s South Putnam’s explosive offense or Providence’s consistent dominance, both programs have the tools to make a deep playoff run this season. The stage is set for an exciting finish to what has already been an outstanding season for both teams.
