The Richard (Riverview, MI) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Loyola (Detroit, MI) on Friday, November 15 at 7 PM.
What: Michigan High School Football
Who: Richard (MI) vs Loyola (MI)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
Loyola vs. Richard: A Season of Contrasts and a Key Playoff Showdown
As the 2024 high school football season nears its climax, the Loyola (Detroit, MI) and Richard (Riverview, MI) teams are on divergent paths. With Loyola’s record standing at 6-6 and Richard’s an impressive 10-1, the stage is set for an exciting neutral-site playoff game on November 15, 2024, at 7 p.m.
Regular Season Overview:
Loyola’s performance throughout the season has been a tale of ups and downs. The team finished with a 6-6 overall record, struggling to make an impact in league play with just a 1-4 conference record. Despite their challenges, Loyola was competitive at home with a 2-3 mark, but struggles on the road and in league play hindered their playoff position. In terms of scoring, Loyola averaged 26.6 points per game, but their offense appeared inconsistent, with a scoring breakdown of 0 in the first and third quarters during most games.
In stark contrast, Richard enters the postseason with an outstanding 10-1 record, boasting a dominant 4-1 league performance and a perfect 4-0 mark in away games. Their offense was potent, averaging 35.9 points per game, with the team consistently strong in all quarters, particularly in the second and third. Richard’s defense has also been a standout, allowing only 162 points on the season, well below Loyola’s total of 259 points conceded.
Key Matchups:
Looking at the head-to-head matchup, Richard dominated the previous meeting between these teams, winning 29-8 on September 27, 2024. The game saw Loyola struggle to score, being shut out in the first, second, and fourth quarters. In contrast, Richard scored consistently across all quarters, with 29 points in total, proving their offensive prowess and defensive resilience.
Common Opponents:
Both teams faced several of the same opponents during the regular season, but their outcomes were notably different. Loyola struggled against teams like Lutheran North and Gabriel Richard, posting a 1-3 record in those matchups, while Richard fared much better, going 3-1. For example, while Loyola lost to Lutheran North 21-6 and Gabriel Richard 15-6, Richard defeated Gabriel Richard 40-18 and lost to Lutheran North in a closer 30-22 contest. Richard’s consistency against common opponents and their superior record speaks volumes about their form heading into the playoffs.
Playoff Implications:
For Loyola, this neutral playoff game is a critical opportunity to reset their season. After a challenging regular season, the team will need to perform at a higher level to keep their postseason hopes alive. They will have to find a way to overcome their scoring inconsistencies and execute a solid game plan to compete with Richard.
Richard, on the other hand, enters as the heavy favorite. With a balanced offense and a sturdy defense, they have all the tools to make a deep playoff run. If they continue to execute their game plan as they have throughout the regular season, they will likely advance with a victory.
Looking Ahead:
The neutral-site game on November 15 will test both teams’ resilience. Loyola will need to rise to the occasion and shake off the disappointments of the regular season, while Richard will look to continue their dominance and make a statement in the playoffs. The stakes are high, and the result of this game could set the tone for the rest of the postseason for both teams.
Stay tuned for an exciting playoff encounter, as Loyola and Richard face off with much more than just bragging rights on the line.
