The Howard varsity football team from Wilmington, DE, will host Red Lion Christian Academy from Bear, DE, in a playoff game today at 1 p.m. at Howard. This matchup is part of the 2024 Delaware High School Football Playoff Brackets: DIAA – 2A tournament.

Red Lion Christian Academy vs Howard High School Football Game Info:

What: Delaware High School Football
Who: RLCA vs Howard
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 1:00pm
Bracket: 2024 Delaware High School Football Playoff Brackets: DIAA – 2A
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Red Lion Christian Academy vs Howard

The 2024 Delaware High School Football Playoffs continue with a crucial matchup between the Howard Wildcats and the Red Lion Christian Academy Lions. Both teams have posted identical 8-3 records this season, and they will meet today in a home playoff game at Howard. This game is part of the DIAA – 2A tournament, where each team will battle for a spot in the next round.

Team Overviews

Red Lion Christian Academy Lions (8-3 Overall, 4-1 League)
Red Lion Christian Academy enters the playoffs with a strong 8-3 record, boasting a .727 overall win percentage. Their league record is even more impressive, with a 4-1 mark. The Lions have been solid on the road with a 6-1 away record, but they face a challenge on Howard’s home turf. Offensively, Red Lion has averaged 29.6 points per game, with standout performances from senior running back Judah Barber, who leads the team with 90.3 rushing yards per game, and quarterback Evan Budinger, who has thrown for an average of 123.5 passing yards per game. Defensively, Chris Trumbell has been a key player, contributing 10.1 tackles per game. The Lions’ offense is balanced, with 229.3 rushing yards per game and 128.2 passing yards per game, allowing them to adapt to different game situations.

Howard Wildcats (8-3 Overall, 5-0 League)
Howard’s record is equally impressive, with an 8-3 overall record and a perfect 5-0 mark in league play. The Wildcats have been dominant at home, finishing with a 4-2 record, and they will look to continue their strong home performance in this playoff game. Howard’s offense averages 31.3 points per game, led by Amir Maddrey, who has rushed for 98.5 yards per game. Quarterback Jameson Bryant has been a standout, with 120.8 passing yards per game, while Suhayl Benson has contributed 38.1 receiving yards per game. Howard has shown excellent balance in its offense with 210.1 rushing yards and 123.2 passing yards per game. On defense, Maddrey also plays a crucial role, leading the team with 5.3 tackles per game and 0.5 sacks per game. The Wildcats will rely on their ability to score quickly and control the game at home to advance in the playoffs.

Key Matchup Insights

This game is particularly intriguing as both teams have faced similar opponents this season. Red Lion Christian Academy and Howard share a 3-1 record against common opponents, with each team handling most of their opponents with ease. However, both teams also suffered a loss to Caravel this season, adding a layer of vulnerability for both sides.

The strength of each team will come down to their respective offenses. Red Lion’s ability to control the ground game with Barber and balance it with Budinger’s passing attack will be key against Howard’s dynamic offense. Howard, on the other hand, will look to exploit their strong rushing game led by Maddrey, with Bryant directing the offense and Benson being a reliable receiving target.

What to Watch For

• Offensive Balance: Both teams have the ability to attack through both the air and on the ground, making this game a battle of strategic offensive plays.
• Playoff Experience: Howard comes into this game with a solid 1-0 playoff record this season, while Red Lion Christian Academy also enters with a strong postseason pedigree.
• Turnovers: The team that can avoid turnovers and capitalize on their opportunities will have the upper hand.

Playoff Stakes

The stakes are high as Howard looks to extend its undefeated league record and advance further in the DIAA 2A playoffs. Red Lion Christian Academy, with its powerful offense and solid defense, will look to break Howard’s strong home advantage and make a run for the championship. Fans can expect a competitive, hard-fought contest as both teams battle for a spot in the next round of the 2024 DIAA 2A Playoffs.

With everything on the line, this game promises to be an exciting matchup filled with dynamic plays, high-energy moments, and a fierce fight for playoff survival.