The Roman Catholic (Philadelphia, PA) varsity football team will host Hollidaysburg (PA) in a home playoff game today at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 PIAA Football Championship – 5A tournament.

Roman Catholic vs Hollidaysburg Football Game Info:

What: Pennsylvania High School Football
Who: Roman Catholic vs Hollidaysburg
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 PIAA Football Championship – 5A
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Game preview: Roman Catholic vs Hollidaysburg

As the 2024 PIAA Football Championship approaches, the spotlight falls on two formidable teams—Hollidaysburg and Roman Catholic. Both squads have impressive records and boast powerful offenses, setting the stage for an exciting showdown.

Team Overview:

Hollidaysburg enters this matchup undefeated with a perfect 13-0 record, demonstrating dominance on both sides of the ball. The Golden Tigers have outscored their opponents 422 to 190 over the season, and their balanced attack has made them a powerhouse. Averaging 32.5 points per game, Hollidaysburg’s offense has been highly productive, particularly in the first half, where they average 21.4 points. On defense, they are tough as nails, allowing just 14.6 points per game.

Roman Catholic, with a solid 9-4 record, also brings a potent offense to the table, averaging 39.1 points per game. They’ve had an impressive showing in the postseason, with a 1-0 playoff record, and despite some ups and downs in their conference, the Cahillites have been dangerous in both home and away games. Their offense has averaged 508 yards per game, with a remarkable passing game led by Semaj Beals, who has accumulated over 300 yards per game. Defensively, they allow 310 yards and 14.2 points per game.

Team Scoring Breakdown:

Hollidaysburg excels in efficient scoring, averaging 9.0 points in the first quarter and steadily adding to their lead in the second (12.4 points). They are a disciplined team, controlling the game early to build an advantage, but they also know how to finish strong, even when facing adversity. The Golden Tigers’ offense has an effective balance between the run game (149.2 yards per game) and the air attack (178.1 passing yards per game), making them difficult to predict and defend against.

Roman Catholic, on the other hand, starts strong, with an impressive 14.6 points in the first quarter. Their offense’s strength lies in their passing game, led by Beals, who is a significant threat on every down. Their rushing game, although more modest at 43.2 yards per game, complements their high-flying passing attack. The Cahillites also score well in the second quarter (15.1 points), before dropping off slightly in the third and fourth quarters.

Key Players to Watch:

For Hollidaysburg, the star is Mitchell Baronner, who leads the team with 75.3 rushing yards per game. His ability to grind out tough yards will be key to keeping Roman Catholic’s offense off the field. Quarterback Maddox Bainey is another player to watch, with 175.3 passing yards per game, and a total of 203.6 yards per game. His ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground will be pivotal to Hollidaysburg’s chances.

Roman Catholic’s most notable weapon is the dynamic Semaj Beals, whose 297.8 passing yards per game makes him one of the top quarterbacks in the state. His deep-ball accuracy and playmaking ability will put pressure on the Hollidaysburg defense. Wide receiver Eyan Stead (89.3 receiving yards per game) is another key contributor, often providing Beals with a reliable target downfield. On the defensive side, JoJo Delecce’s 5.5 tackles per game is worth noting, as he will be crucial in trying to disrupt Hollidaysburg’s offensive flow.

Statistical Comparison:

When it comes to total yards, Hollidaysburg has a decisive edge, averaging 327.3 yards per game compared to Roman Catholic’s 137.3 yards. The Golden Tigers have been much more effective at controlling the clock and moving the chains, but Roman Catholic makes up for this with their explosive passing game. The Cahillites are more prone to big plays, especially through the air, but have struggled in the run game and on defense.

Defensively, Hollidaysburg has a significant advantage in tackling (61.6 tackles per game), which will be critical when facing Roman Catholic’s high-octane passing attack. Roman Catholic’s defense has not been as sharp, allowing 310 total yards per game.

Prediction:

With both teams bringing unique strengths to the table—Hollidaysburg’s balanced offense and stout defense, versus Roman Catholic’s potent passing attack—the game promises to be a thrilling contest. Hollidaysburg’s ability to control the game early and their defensive strength against the pass will be key factors in determining the outcome. If Roman Catholic can get Beals into a rhythm early and exploit weaknesses in the Golden Tigers’ secondary, they may have a chance to keep the game close. However, Hollidaysburg’s consistent scoring and control of the game may ultimately prove too much.

This game is set to be an exciting, high-stakes battle with plenty of star power. Fans of both teams are sure to witness a memorable matchup as these two teams look to claim the championship title.