The Richards varsity football team (Oak Lawn, IL) will host East St. Louis (IL) in a home playoff game today at 2 p.m.

What: Illinois High School Football
Who: Richards (IL) vs East St. Louis (IL)
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

A Comparison of Two High-Performing Teams: East St. Louis vs. Richards

In the world of high school football, two teams have stood out in the 2024-2025 season: East St. Louis and Richards. Both teams finished with impressive 11-1 records and are dominating their respective leagues, showcasing skill and determination on the field. Here’s a breakdown of how these two teams compare across several key metrics.

Overall Performance

Both East St. Louis and Richards had outstanding seasons with a perfect 5-0 conference record. East St. Louis dominated their league, winning all their conference games, while Richards similarly posted an undefeated record in the conference (6-0). This shows that both teams have a strong presence in their conferences, and their only losses came from non-conference matchups.

• East St. Louis: 11-1 overall, 5-0 conference
• Richards: 11-1 overall, 6-0 conference

Scoring Averages

One of the most telling statistics of a team’s performance is their ability to score points. East St. Louis averaged 42.7 points per game, outscoring Richards by over 5 points (36.5 points per game). East St. Louis particularly excelled in the first half, averaging 11.5 points in the first quarter and 13.1 in the second. Richards, while strong throughout, posted fewer points in the second half, especially in the third quarter where they averaged just 4.2 points.

• East St. Louis: 42.7 points per game
• Richards: 37.0 points per game

Offensive and Defensive Metrics

When comparing team stats, East St. Louis’s offense was a powerhouse, especially with a strong rushing game. They averaged 169.4 rushing yards per game and boasted impressive receiving and passing stats. Richards, however, had more balanced offensive numbers across the board, with a notably high passing yardage average of 217.9 yards per game. Both teams were well-rounded offensively, with East St. Louis’s strong rushing game and Richards’s aerial attack.

In terms of defense, East St. Louis was known for their solid tackling and ability to control the game, averaging 110.5 tackles per game, while also having 3.0 sacks per game. Richards, however, did not provide specific defensive statistics, but their strong team performance suggests they were formidable on both sides of the ball.

• East St. Louis:
  • Rushing Yards: 169.4
  • Passing Yards: 221.0
  • Total Yards: 387.3
  • Tackles per Game: 110.5
  • Sacks per Game: 3.0
• Richards:
  • Passing Yards: 217.9
  • Receiving Yards: 221.0
  • Total Yards: 387.3

Key Players

Both teams had standout players who led the charge offensively and defensively. East St. Louis’s TaRyan Martin was a dominant force with 59.1 rushing yards per game, while Kendrick Lyons showcased his versatility with 184.3 passing yards and 195.7 total yards per game. On defense, Keandre McClendon led the team with 12.3 tackles per game and also added 0.9 sacks.

Richards, while not having detailed stats for some key players, also showed a well-rounded attack, with notable contributions in their passing and receiving yards.

• East St. Louis Key Players:
  • TaRyan Martin: 59.1 rushing yards per game
  • Kendrick Lyons: 184.3 passing yards, 195.7 total yards per game
  • Keandre McClendon: 12.3 tackles per game, 0.9 sacks
• Richards Key Players:
  • Kendrick Lyons: Significant contributions in passing yards

Home vs. Away Performance

Both teams displayed strong performances in home and away games. East St. Louis was dominant at home with a 6-1 record, while Richards had a solid 4-1 away record. East St. Louis’s ability to play well in both home and away settings shows their adaptability, and Richards’s perfect away record indicates their strength on the road.

• East St. Louis:
  • Home: 6-1
  • Away: 3-0
  • Neutral: 2-0
• Richards:
  • Home: 4-1
  • Away: 5-0
  • Neutral: 2-0

Head-to-Head and Playoff Performance

Both teams had strong playoff performances, with East St. Louis posting a 3-0 playoff record, and Richards also finishing their postseason with a perfect 3-0 record. This consistency in high-stakes games proves both teams are not only strong in regular-season games but also in clutch situations.

• East St. Louis: 3-0 in playoffs
• Richards: 3-0 in playoffs

Conclusion

As we approach the end of the 2024-2025 football season, both East St. Louis and Richards have proven themselves as top-tier teams in Illinois, with excellent records and robust performances across various statistics. East St. Louis excels with a well-rounded offensive attack and dominant defense, while Richards’s passing game and solid team contributions have set them apart. Regardless of their differences, both teams remain contenders and exemplify excellence in high school football.