The Southside (Youngsville, LA) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Ruston (LA) today 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: Southside (LA) vs Ruston (LA)
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division I Non-Select
Live stream: Watch here
High School Football Showdown: Ruston vs. Southside
The 2024-25 high school football season has showcased some impressive performances, but none more intriguing than the fierce competition between Ruston and Southside. Both teams, holding a perfect 9-2 overall record, are standout contenders in their respective classifications and are generating significant excitement among fans.
Team Overview and Records Ruston, competing in Louisiana’s Class 3A, has demonstrated consistency and skill throughout the season. With a 9-2 record, the team has achieved an .818 win percentage. Their district record stands at 3-2, reflecting their competitive spirit within the league. Ruston’s balance between home and away games has been strong, posting a 6-1 record at home and 3-1 on the road, showcasing their adaptability and resilience.
Southside, ranked in Louisiana’s Class 18, has been equally formidable. They also boast a 9-2 record and have managed a stellar 5-1 district record, giving them an impressive .833 district win percentage. Southside’s performance at home has been impeccable, winning all three of their home matchups, while their road record stands at 3-2. The team’s strength extends beyond state lines with an unbeaten 4-0 record in out-of-state games.
Scoring Analysis When comparing scoring averages, Ruston and Southside display distinct offensive strengths:
- Ruston: Averages 10.0 points in the first quarter, followed by a steady increase to 11.5 in the second, 10.4 in the third, and a slight dip to 7.1 in the fourth, culminating in an average of 37.5 points per game.
- Southside: Starts strong with 11.0 points in the first quarter and a commanding 17.0 in the second. Their third-quarter scoring dips to 5.0, but they finish strong with 13.5 points in the fourth, averaging 33.4 points per game.
These averages reflect both teams’ strategic approaches: Ruston’s consistent output and Southside’s powerful second-quarter blitz followed by resilience in the final quarter.
Head-to-Head and Common Opponents While Ruston and Southside have yet to face each other this season, their records against common opponents provide insight into their relative strengths. For example, both teams squared off against Acadiana:
- Ruston: Secured a victory over Acadiana with a 35-27 win on September 6.
- Southside: Faced Acadiana later in the season and fell 43-10, indicating that Ruston’s encounter was more favorable.
This head-to-head result against a shared opponent underlines Ruston’s edge in that particular matchup.
Playoff and State Performances When examining playoff readiness, both teams have made their marks in-state, with Ruston holding a 2-0 playoff record and Southside achieving a solid 5-2 performance. Their out-of-state records remain flawless for Ruston at 0-0, while Southside has a strong 4-0 record, showcasing their capability to compete on broader platforms.
Conclusion The rivalry between Ruston and Southside has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. With identical 9-2 records, both teams have proven themselves as elite contenders. Ruston’s balanced offensive output and Southside’s explosive second-quarter bursts set the stage for an electrifying matchup if they meet in the postseason. As the season continues to unfold, all eyes will be on these two powerhouses to see which team will rise to claim the title and solidify their legacy in Louisiana high school football.
