The St. James Academy (Lenexa, KS) varsity football team will face Saint Thomas Aquinas (Overland Park, KS) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 Kansas High School Football Playoff Brackets (KSHSAA) for Class 5A.

What: Kansas High School Football
Who: St. James Academy (KS) vs Saint Thomas Aquinas (KS)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Kansas High School Football Playoff Brackets: (KSHSAA) – Class 5A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Saint Thomas Aquinas vs. St. James Academy: A Preview of the 2024 Playoff Clash

As the 2024 high school football season heads into its playoff phase, one matchup is generating particular excitement in Kansas: the battle between Saint Thomas Aquinas (STA) and St. James Academy (SJA). This game, set for Friday, November 22, promises to be a thrilling contest between two teams with contrasting records and strengths.

Team Overview and Season Records

Saint Thomas Aquinas enters the game with a flawless record of 11-0, dominating their league with a perfect 7-0 district record. The team’s overall scoring has been impressive, averaging 32.0 points per game while giving up just 166 points on the season. Their strong defense and high-scoring offense have been key to their undefeated run. STA has been dominant at home, going 7-0, and showing resilience on the road and in neutral settings.

On the other hand, St. James Academy has a 6-5 overall record, but their performance has been more inconsistent, especially within the district where they posted a 2-4 record. SJA’s offensive line has been capable of putting up decent numbers, averaging 28.5 points per game, but their defense has been more vulnerable, allowing 214 points in total.

Previous Matchup: Saint Thomas Aquinas Dominates

The previous encounter between these two teams on September 13, 2024 ended in a resounding 28-7 victory for Saint Thomas Aquinas. In that game, STA demonstrated their superiority across the board, scoring four touchdowns and showcasing both offensive efficiency and defensive dominance. St. James Academy struggled to get anything going on offense, managing only a single touchdown.

Team Strengths and Key Players

Saint Thomas Aquinas boasts a well-balanced team. Quarterback Tyson Beashore leads the offense with 208.9 passing yards per game, and wide receiver Sam Niesen has been a favorite target with 83.2 receiving yards per game. The running game is anchored by John Tujague, who contributes a solid 60.2 rushing yards per game. STA also excels defensively, with Aidan Dreiling leading the charge in sacks, averaging 1.1 sacks per game. Tackles leader Jordan Boone has been a force with 6.0 tackles per game.

St. James Academy, while not as statistically dominant, does have standout performances, particularly from Tyson Beashore. Despite a weaker overall record, their offensive capabilities should not be underestimated, with 126.6 rushing yards per game and 209.7 passing yards per game.

The Road to Playoffs

Saint Thomas Aquinas comes into this game riding a perfect record with dominant performances against common opponents like Blue Valley West, Blue Valley, and Bishop Miege. In contrast, St. James Academy has faced more struggles, particularly against tough district opponents, compiling a 4-3 record against common foes. The difference in record and overall team performance highlights STA’s position as the favorite heading into this playoff game.

However, St. James Academy’s resilience should not be overlooked. Despite their challenges, they are well-coached and have shown the ability to pull off upsets, notably in their games against Blue Valley and Bishop Miege.

Game Preview: What to Expect

• Offensive Showdown: STA’s offense has been rolling all season, scoring an average of 32 points per game, while SJA averages 28.5 points per game. This sets up a possible high-scoring affair, with both teams capable of explosive plays. Saint Thomas Aquinas has shown they can strike quickly and efficiently, while SJA will need to execute on offense and capitalize on any STA mistakes.
• Defensive Battle: While Saint Thomas Aquinas boasts a more impressive defense, St. James Academy’s defense will need to step up and contain the potent STA offense. With a tough defensive front led by Aidan Dreiling, STA’s defense should be the deciding factor, especially considering their ability to disrupt opposing offenses with 2.7 sacks per game.

Conclusion

The Saint Thomas Aquinas vs. St. James Academy matchup on November 22, 2024, will be one to watch. STA enters as the heavy favorite with an undefeated season and strong overall statistics, but St. James Academy will bring determination and a sense of urgency to the field. This game promises to be an exciting and hard-fought battle, with STA looking to extend their flawless season and SJA hoping to pull off an upset in the postseason.

Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM, and fans from both sides will be eagerly awaiting what promises to be an unforgettable playoff showdown.