The Ruston (LA) varsity football team will face Destrehan (LA) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, December 6, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the “2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division I Non-Select” tournament.
Ruston vs Destrehan Game Info:
What: Louisiana High School Football
Who: Ruston (LA) vs Destrehan (LA)
When: Friday, December 6, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division I Non-Select
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: Ruston vs Destrehan
The 2024-25 high school football season in Louisiana showcased some thrilling matchups and standout performances, particularly from Destrehan and Ruston High Schools. Both teams had successful campaigns and provided fans with exciting moments, but how do they compare on the field? This analysis delves into their overall records, scoring averages, and head-to-head performance to highlight their strengths and challenges.
Season Overview
Destrehan finished the season with an impressive 11-3 record, placing them seventh in the state standings within their classification. Their district performance was strong, securing a 6-1 record, and they achieved a .857 winning percentage within district play. Their offense was formidable, scoring a total of 551 points over the season, while their defense allowed 287 points.
Ruston, on the other hand, concluded the season with a 10-2 record, earning them the third spot in their classification. The team’s district performance was decent but not flawless, with a 3-2 record, leading to a .600 district winning percentage. Ruston’s offensive unit accumulated 461 points, showcasing a potent attack, while their defense was equally effective, allowing just 185 points.
Scoring Averages
When comparing the scoring averages between Destrehan and Ruston, the statistics reveal a closely matched battle. Destrehan’s offensive averages per quarter were 9.0, 11.1, 8.3, and 8.3 points, culminating in an average of 39.4 points per game. Ruston’s scoring breakdown was similarly competitive, with averages of 9.7, 13.0, 10.7, and 6.5 points per quarter, leading to an overall average of 38.4 points per game. This shows that while Destrehan had a slightly higher average per game, Ruston’s consistency throughout each quarter kept them close.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Destrehan and Ruston did not face each other during the regular season, but their records against common opponents provide insight into their competitive edge. Both teams posted a 1-1 record against shared opponents, Alexandria and Ouachita Parish.
- Against Alexandria:
- Destrehan traveled to Alexandria and suffered a 45-27 loss on September 20, 2024.
- Ruston hosted Alexandria on October 25, 2024, and narrowly lost in a high-scoring game, 40-36.
- Against Ouachita Parish:
- Destrehan secured a strong 30-12 home victory on November 15, 2024.
- Ruston managed a closely contested win, 22-21, on October 11, 2024.
These results indicate that while both teams were evenly matched against these common opponents, Destrehan had a more decisive victory over Ouachita Parish, whereas Ruston’s game against Alexandria was closely contested.
Record Breakdown and Key Statistics
| Category | Destrehan (24-25) | Ruston (24-25) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 11-3 | 10-2 |
| District Record | 6-1 | 3-2 |
| Home Record | 6-1 | 6-1 |
| Away Record | 4-2 | 3-1 |
| Neutral Record | 1-0 | 1-0 |
| Playoff Record | 3-0 | 2-0 |
| In-State Record | 6-2 | 6-2 |
| Out-of-State Record | 4-0 | 4-0 |
Both teams demonstrated strong performances at home and in neutral-site games, with Ruston having an edge in away games with a 3-1 record compared to Destrehan’s 4-2.
Conclusion
The 2024-25 season was a testament to the caliber of both Destrehan and Ruston. Their overall and playoff records showcased their resilience, while their scoring averages displayed offensive prowess. Destrehan’s slight edge in scoring and its performance against Ouachita Parish might tilt the scale in their favor when comparing the two teams. However, Ruston’s consistent play and ability to challenge formidable opponents make them an equally respected powerhouse.
As both teams move forward, their successful 2024-25 campaigns set a high bar for future seasons and emphasize the competitive spirit of Louisiana high school football.
