The Ruston (LA) varsity football team will host Zachary (LA) for a home playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division I Non-Select tournament.

What: Louisiana High School Football
Who: Ruston (LA) vs Zachary (LA)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division I Non-Select
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

A Head-to-Head Comparison of Zachary and Ruston Football Teams (2024-2025 Season)

As the 2024-2025 Louisiana high school football season unfolds, two teams have stood out in their respective districts: the Zachary Broncos and the Ruston Bearcats. Both have strong records and feature impressive offensive and defensive stats, but a closer look reveals key differences and some fascinating parallels between these two powerhouses. Here’s a breakdown of their performances, statistics, and head-to-head comparisons.

Team Records and Performance

Zachary (7-3 Overall, 3-2 District)

• Zachary has posted a solid 7-3 record, including a 5-1 home record and a 2-2 performance on the road. Their overall winning percentage stands at .700, with a district win percentage of .600.
• The Broncos have scored a total of 374 points while allowing 262, giving them an average of 37.4 points per game.

Ruston (8-2 Overall, 3-2 District)

• Ruston boasts an 8-2 record, with a strong 5-1 home mark and a 3-1 away record. Their overall win percentage is slightly higher at .800, with a district win percentage of .600.
• The Bearcats have put up 370 points on the season, allowing only 157. This gives them an average of 37.0 points per game.

Both teams are relatively evenly matched in terms of scoring, but Ruston has demonstrated superior defense, allowing significantly fewer points compared to Zachary.

Scoring Averages by Quarter

Both teams have similar offensive outputs, with slight differences in scoring patterns across the quarters:

• Zachary: The Broncos average 10.9 points in the first quarter, tapering off to 8.3 in the second, 7.4 in the third, and closing with a surge of 10.2 points in the fourth. This balanced attack results in an overall average of 37.4 points per game.
• Ruston: The Bearcats score an average of 11.1 points in the first quarter, 11.2 in the second, 10.0 in the third, and 6.3 in the fourth. Despite their slightly lower fourth-quarter output, they average 37.0 points per game overall.

Ruston appears to have a stronger first half, maintaining higher scoring outputs through the second quarter, while Zachary closes strong with a higher fourth-quarter scoring average.

Offensive Stats Breakdown

Rushing, Passing, and Receiving

• Zachary has a balanced offensive attack, rushing for an average of 196.9 yards per game, with 168.8 yards passing and 175.0 receiving yards. Their total offensive output stands at 365.7 yards per game.
• Ruston has been strong in the rushing game but has not provided detailed statistics on their rushing, passing, and receiving yards. However, their impressive scoring suggests a well-rounded offensive strategy, likely built around a strong running game complemented by effective passing.

Key Players

Zachary’s Standouts:

• Davekio Ruffin: A standout player with 147.3 rushing yards per game and 14.6 points per game, Ruffin is a key driver of the Broncos’ offense.
• Caleb Gonzales: The quarterback for Zachary, Gonzales has thrown for 168.8 passing yards per game and has amassed 181.4 total yards per game, leading the team’s offensive engine.
• Treyvion Chaney: A top receiving threat for Zachary, Chaney averages 48.1 receiving yards per game.

Ruston’s Standouts:

• Ruston’s key offensive stats are largely based on their rushing attack and defense, with details on individual players still unclear. However, their ability to shut down opponents with a dominant defense and balanced offensive play is key to their success.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced off against Acadiana in the 2024 season. Zachary lost to Acadiana with a score of 43-28, while Ruston defeated them 35-27, showcasing Ruston’s ability to handle tough competition more effectively.

Home and Away Performance

• Zachary has been a formidable force at home, going 5-1, but has struggled somewhat on the road with a 2-2 record.
• Ruston has also been strong at home, posting a 5-1 record, and even more impressive on the road with a 3-1 record.

Playoff Outlook and Future Matchups

Both teams have shown themselves to be serious contenders in their districts and across the state. While Zachary’s overall record of 7-3 might give them a slight edge in terms of playoff positioning, Ruston’s defensive dominance and ability to win big games will make them a tough opponent for any team.

In summary, Zachary and Ruston are two of the most impressive teams in Louisiana’s high school football landscape this season. With similar records and scoring averages, it’s clear that both squads have the talent to make deep playoff runs. However, Ruston’s defensive prowess and strong first-half play might give them a slight edge should these teams face off in the postseason. Football fans in Louisiana should keep a close eye on these two powerhouse teams as they battle for district and state supremacy.