The Christian Brothers Academy varsity football team from Albany, NY, will face Shaker from Latham, NY, in a neutral-site conference game on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: New York High School Football
Who: Shaker vs Christian Brothers Academy
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Shaker vs. Christian Brothers Academy
As the 2024-2025 high school football playoffs approach, the Shaker and Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) teams are set to face off in a highly anticipated neutral-site game that promises to be a thrilling contest. Both teams have had impressive seasons, with Shaker entering with a 9-1 record, while CBA boasts a perfect 10-0 mark. With a chance to advance further in the playoffs, this game is sure to deliver the intensity and excitement that fans expect from two of New York’s top high school programs.
Team Overview
Shaker (Latham, NY)
- Overall Record: 9-1
- League Record: 8-1
- Home Record: 4-1
- Away Record: 5-0
- Win Percentage: 0.900
- Points Scored (PF): 383
- Points Allowed (PA): 117
Shaker has been dominant this season, with their only loss coming at the hands of Christian Brothers Academy in a 27-19 conference game on October 18. The team’s ability to dominate opponents in both home and away games—especially their impressive away record—has been a highlight of their season. With an average of 38.3 points per game, Shaker’s offense has been efficient, particularly in the first half, where they have been able to build substantial leads.
Christian Brothers Academy (Albany, NY)
- Overall Record: 10-0
- League Record: 9-0
- Home Record: 5-0
- Away Record: 5-0
- Win Percentage: 1.000
- Points Scored (PF): 436
- Points Allowed (PA): 71
CBA has been unstoppable this season, cruising through their league with a perfect 9-0 record. Their powerful offense, led by quarterback Archie Jones, has averaged over 43 points per game, while their defense has been nearly impenetrable, allowing only 71 points in 10 games. CBA is firing on all cylinders and enters the playoffs with immense confidence, especially after their solid victory over Shaker earlier in the season.
Team Scoring Averages
| Quarter | Shaker | CBA |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 9.0 | 15.8 |
| Q2 | 13.9 | 10.5 |
| Q3 | 9.2 | 8.5 |
| Q4 | 7.6 | 8.0 |
| Final | 38.3 | 43.6 |
Both teams show strong first-quarter performances, with CBA averaging 15.8 points in the opening frame compared to Shaker’s 9.0. CBA’s ability to score quickly could give them a critical edge if they can build an early lead. Shaker, however, has shown resilience and a strong second-quarter performance, averaging 13.9 points during that period, which will be key in keeping the game competitive.
Key Stat Comparison
| Stat | Shaker | Christian Brothers Academy |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards/Game | – | 176.3 |
| Passing Yards/Game | – | 172.8 |
| Total Yards/Game | – | 349.1 |
| Tackles/Game | 63.7 | – |
| Sacks/Game | 0.7 | – |
| Points/Game | 46.3 | 43.6 |
Shaker’s offense has been potent this season, averaging 46.3 points per game, thanks to their explosive playmakers. While CBA has an equally impressive scoring rate (43.6 points per game), their defense has been a major factor, holding opponents to just 71 points all season. Shaker will need to break through CBA’s defense if they hope to keep the game close, while CBA will aim to stifle Shaker’s high-scoring offense.
Key Players to Watch
Shaker
- Thomas Toher: The team’s leading rusher, Toher has been the focal point of Shaker’s offense, amassing crucial yards in both the passing and running games.
- Lucius Anderson: As a top receiving threat, Anderson has the ability to make big plays downfield, and his performance will be key in Shaker’s offensive attack.
- Jake Marra: A defensive leader, Marra’s 14 tackles per game will be crucial in stopping CBA’s potent offense.
Christian Brothers Academy
- Archie Jones: The star quarterback for CBA, Jones is the key playmaker, capable of leading the offense through both the air and on the ground. His decision-making and accuracy will be critical in breaking down Shaker’s defense.
- Lucius Anderson: A standout receiver, Anderson’s ability to stretch the field will give CBA an advantage in their passing game.
- Jacob Vogel: Known for his ability to get to the quarterback, Vogel’s pass-rushing will be a factor in pressuring Shaker’s offensive line.
Common Opponents
| Opponent | Shaker Result | CBA Result |
|---|---|---|
| Shenendehowa | Won 28-7 | Won 40-20 |
| Niskayuna | Won 35-14 | Won 47-6 |
| Guilderland | Won 34-6 | Won 49-6 |
| Colonie Central | Won 55-0 | Won 69-13 |
| Albany | Won 67-8 | Won 73-0 |
| Saratoga Springs | Won 35-14 | Won 28-0, 27-7 |
| Schenectady | Won 56-6 | Won 75-0 |
Both teams have proven themselves against common opponents, with each securing dominant wins. Their ability to overwhelm teams like Shenendehowa and Saratoga Springs shows that they are capable of putting up big scores while maintaining control defensively.
Record Breakdown
| Category | Shaker | Christian Brothers Academy |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 9-1 | 10-0 |
| League | 8-1 | 9-0 |
| Non-League | 1-0 | 1-0 |
| Head-to-Head | 1-0 | 0-1 |
| Common Opponent | 8-0 | 8-0 |
| Home | 4-1 | 5-0 |
| Away | 5-0 | 5-0 |
| Playoff | 0-0 | 0-0 |
Shaker enters this game with a strong 9-1 record, having dominated their league and non-league games alike. CBA, however, has been flawless all season with a perfect 10-0 record, which will give them a psychological edge going into this matchup.
Prediction and Keys to Victory
Shaker’s path to victory relies on its explosive offense and strong away-game performance. They must strike early and maintain the tempo to counteract CBA’s balanced offensive attack. The key will be to limit turnovers and capitalize on every scoring opportunity.
For Christian Brothers Academy, their defense will be the deciding factor. If they can stifle Shaker’s high-scoring offense and keep the pressure on their quarterback, they should be able to control the game. Offensively, CBA will need to stay efficient, utilizing Archie Jones’ dual-threat capabilities to break down Shaker’s defense.
Both teams have been dominant throughout the season, and this neutral-site playoff game will be a true test of which team can execute under pressure. With such high stakes, this game is set to be a thrilling contest that fans won’t want to miss.
