The South Central varsity football team (Coldwater, KS) will host a playoff game against Hoxie (KS) on Friday, November 22, at 6:00 PM. This matchup is part of the “2024 Kansas High School Football Playoff Brackets: KSHSAA – Class 8-Player DI” tournament.
What: Kansas High School Football
Who: South Central (KS) vs Hoxie (KS)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Kansas High School Football Playoff Brackets: KSHSAA – Class 8-Player DI
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
Clash of Titans: Hoxie vs. South Central – Breaking Down the Matchup
The Kansas high school football landscape is set for a monumental showdown as Hoxie and South Central, two unbeaten powerhouses, prepare to face off. Both teams boast flawless 11-0 records, with dominant performances throughout the season. Here’s an in-depth look at the teams, their strengths, and what to expect from this highly anticipated matchup.
Rankings and Records
- Hoxie
- National Rank: 57 | Kansas Rank: 4 | Class Rank: 2
- Season Record: 11-0 (6-0 district)
- Points Scored: 504 | Points Allowed: 84
- South Central
- National Rank: 43 | Kansas Rank: 2 | Class Rank: 1
- Season Record: 11-0 (3-0 district)
- Points Scored: 676 | Points Allowed: 124
Both teams are undefeated, but South Central holds an edge in national and state rankings. Hoxie, however, matches their dominance in district play and boasts an impressive defensive record, conceding only 84 points all season.
Scoring Averages and Game Flow
- Hoxie averages 45.8 points per game, thriving in early quarters with 22.2 points in the first quarter. However, their scoring tapers off significantly in the second half, averaging just 2.0 points in the final quarter.
- South Central, on the other hand, averages 61.5 points per game, with a remarkable 24.0 points in the second quarter. Their scoring remains steady, even in later quarters, showcasing their ability to close out games.
South Central’s explosive offense could pose a significant challenge for Hoxie’s defense, especially in the early game momentum battle.
Team Statistics Comparison
| Category | Hoxie | South Central |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards/Game | 157.2 | 216.9 |
| Passing Yards/Game | 104.6 | 100.9 |
| Total Yards/Game | 261.8 | 317.8 |
| Tackles/Game | 55.7 | 51.5 |
| Sacks/Game | 0.8 | 2.9 |
| Points/Game | 45.8 | 61.3 |
South Central’s edge in rushing yards, total offensive production, and sacks gives them a slight advantage. However, Hoxie’s defense leads in tackles and efficiency, making this a classic offense-vs-defense battle.
Key Players to Watch
Hoxie
- Noah Nickelson (#10): 80.0 rushing yards per game.
- Duncan Bell (#11): 103.7 passing yards per game, 153.5 total yards per game.
- Easton Nickelson (#44): 14.6 tackles per game, anchoring the defense.
South Central
- JT Prusa (#5): 90.2 rushing yards per game, 24.0 points per game, and 49.0 receiving yards per game.
- Easton Huck (#9): 93.8 passing yards per game, 141.1 total yards per game.
- Jase Rutherford (#33): 1.4 sacks per game, a defensive game-changer.
Common Opponents
Both teams faced and dominated Hill City, Rawlins County, and Oxford. However, South Central’s higher-scoring margin in these games (162 points scored vs. 74 for Hoxie) demonstrates their superior offensive efficiency.
Final Thoughts
Hoxie enters the game with a disciplined defense and a balanced offensive approach. Their ability to neutralize South Central’s high-octane offense will be critical. On the other hand, South Central has showcased a relentless scoring machine all season, bolstered by standout performances from JT Prusa and Easton Huck.
This clash promises to be a high-stakes battle of strategies and endurance. Will Hoxie’s defense rise to the occasion, or will South Central’s firepower prove unstoppable? Football fans won’t want to miss this epic showdown!
