The Faith Lutheran (Las Vegas, NV) varsity football team will play a home playoff game against Shadow Ridge (Las Vegas, NV) today at 6 p.m. This matchup is part of the “2024 NIAA Football Playoffs – 5A Division II South” tournament.
Shadow Ridge vs Faith Lutheran Football Game Info:
What: Nevada High School Football Playoffs
Who: Shadow Ridge vs Faith Lutheran
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m.
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Game preview: Shadow Ridge vs Faith Lutheran
As the Nevada high school football season heats up, a highly anticipated playoff matchup is set to take place today between the Shadow Ridge Mustangs and the undefeated Faith Lutheran Crusaders. The game will be held at Faith Lutheran’s home field at 6:00 p.m. tonight, marking the second meeting between the two teams this season. The Crusaders are looking to maintain their perfect record, while the Mustangs are eager to avenge their earlier loss.
Team Overview: Shadow Ridge Mustangs (9-3)
Shadow Ridge enters the game with a solid 9-3 overall record, having posted a 4-2 mark in league play. The Mustangs have been impressive on offense, averaging 36.1 points per game. Their high-scoring attack has been led by running back Tyrell Craven, who has racked up 107.9 rushing yards per game, contributing heavily to the team’s 336.6 rushing yards per contest. The Mustangs also feature quarterback Ula Cox, who adds 40.4 passing yards per game.
On defense, Shadow Ridge has been effective, allowing 331 points on the season, but their defense will be tested against Faith Lutheran’s high-powered offense. The Mustangs are averaging 52.3 tackles per game, with defensive standout Mujahid Gilliard leading the charge with 7.5 tackles per game.
Team Overview: Faith Lutheran Crusaders (10-0)
Faith Lutheran enters this matchup undefeated at 10-0, with a flawless 6-0 record in league play. The Crusaders are one of the most dominant teams in the state, with a stifling defense and an offense that can score in a variety of ways. They have been putting up 33.8 points per game on average and have an impressive balance of 190.3 passing yards and 123.3 rushing yards per game.
Quarterback Alexander Rogers has been at the helm of the Faith Lutheran offense, throwing for 190.3 yards per game, while running back Cale Breslin has been a force on the ground, rushing for 104.4 yards per game. Defensively, the Crusaders are a powerhouse, averaging 97.6 tackles per game, with Ricky Manning anchoring the defense with 12.5 tackles per game.
Head-to-Head Matchup
In their first meeting of the season on September 13, Faith Lutheran came out on top with a 35-20 victory over Shadow Ridge. The Crusaders built a commanding lead in the second half, scoring 14 points in both the third and fourth quarters. Despite a strong start by the Mustangs, who led 7-0 at the end of the first quarter, Faith Lutheran’s defense shut down Shadow Ridge’s offensive efforts in the final two quarters.
Key Matchup to Watch: Offense vs. Defense
One of the most intriguing aspects of this playoff game will be the battle between Shadow Ridge’s high-scoring offense and Faith Lutheran’s dominant defense. The Mustangs have proven they can score in a variety of ways, averaging 397 total yards per game, but they will be tested against a Crusader defense that has allowed just 105 points on the season. Shadow Ridge’s offensive line, led by Tyrell Craven and Ula Cox, will need to create running lanes and protect the quarterback to keep the Crusaders on their heels.
On the flip side, Faith Lutheran will look to neutralize Shadow Ridge’s offensive playmakers. The Crusaders’ defense has been formidable all season, with players like Ricky Manning and Aipa Kuloloia consistently stepping up to make game-changing plays. If Faith Lutheran can shut down the Mustangs’ running game early, it could be a long night for Shadow Ridge.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced off against several of the same opponents this season, with each squad recording impressive victories. Shadow Ridge has defeated teams like Palo Verde, Silverado, and Sierra Vista, while Faith Lutheran has posted commanding wins over the same opponents, including a 55-15 victory over Palo Verde and a 35-7 win over Green Valley. The performance of these common opponents suggests that both teams are battle-tested and ready for a high-stakes showdown.
Prediction
Faith Lutheran’s perfect record and dominant defense make them the favorites heading into this matchup, but Shadow Ridge’s explosive offense and potential for an upset cannot be overlooked. If the Mustangs can execute on offense and find ways to break through Faith Lutheran’s defensive line, they could challenge the Crusaders and potentially pull off the upset. However, Faith Lutheran’s depth and consistency throughout the season give them the edge as they look to remain undefeated.
The game kicks off at 6:00 p.m. tonight, and fans can expect an intense playoff atmosphere as these two powerhouse teams battle for a spot in the next round.
