The Brookfield High School varsity football team will host a home playoff game against St. Joseph High School (Trumbull, CT) today at 1:30 PM in Brookfield. This matchup is part of the “2024 Connecticut High School Football Playoff Brackets: CIAC – Class M” tournament.
St. Joseph Cadets vs Brookfield Bobcats High School Football Game Info:
What: Connecticut High School Football
Who: Brookfield vs St. Joseph
When: Saturday, December 14, 2024
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 Connecticut High School Football Playoff Brackets: CIAC – Class M
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: St. Joseph Cadets vs Brookfield Bobcats
The Brookfield High School Bobcats (12-0) will face off against the St. Joseph Cadets (9-3) today at 1:30 PM in a highly anticipated home playoff game as part of the “2024 Connecticut High School Football Playoff Brackets: CIAC – Class M” tournament. Both teams are coming into this game with strong seasons, but Brookfield’s undefeated record and dominant performance throughout the year make them the team to beat.
Team Records and Rankings
Brookfield holds the top rank in Class M with a flawless 12-0 overall record and an equally impressive 7-0 league record. The Bobcats have been unyielding at home, winning all seven of their home games and showcasing a potent offense and stalwart defense.
St. Joseph, ranked 11th in Class M, enters the game with a 9-3 record and a solid 5-2 performance in league play. While they have been competitive both at home (5-1) and on the road (4-2), the Cadets face a formidable challenge in Brookfield, whose statistical dominance stands out this season.
Scoring and Offensive Prowess
Brookfield averages an impressive 40.4 points per game, far outpacing St. Joseph’s 24.8 points per game. The Bobcats excel in every quarter, with consistent scoring averages above nine points. In contrast, St. Joseph shows its strongest performance in the second quarter, averaging 10.6 points.
Brookfield’s offensive success stems from their powerful rushing game, with 296.8 rushing yards per game compared to St. Joseph’s 103.1. While the Cadets rely more on their passing game (158.1 passing yards per game), Brookfield’s ground-and-pound approach has proven nearly unstoppable.
Key Players to Watch
For Brookfield, running back Michael Walters is a standout player, leading the team with 116.6 rushing yards per game and averaging 12.7 points per game. Quarterback Thad Balzi complements Walters with efficient passing, averaging 69.6 yards per game. On defense, linebacker Chase Sylvia anchors the team with 10.3 tackles per game and 0.6 sacks per game. Offensive lineman Mason Heck also shines with 29 pancake blocks.
St. Joseph’s top performers include quarterback Harry “HT” Jones, who leads the team in total yards with 152.5 per game, combining 141.8 passing yards and additional rushing contributions. Wide receiver Tyrell Wright Jr. averages 55.2 receiving yards per game, while linebacker Kyle Wicker leads the defense with 6.1 tackles per game.
Team Stat Comparison
Brookfield holds a significant advantage in total yardage, averaging 372.1 yards per game to St. Joseph’s 261.2. Their rushing game, nearly three times as productive as St. Joseph’s, highlights their offensive dominance. Defensively, Brookfield edges out St. Joseph in tackles per game (56.9 to 53.9) and sacks per game (2.8 to 1.5), showcasing their ability to control the line of scrimmage.
Playoff History
Both teams have strong playoff pedigrees, with Brookfield entering this game as an undefeated powerhouse. St. Joseph’s playoff experience and resilience, however, cannot be underestimated. The Cadets have a history of rising to the occasion in high-pressure games.
What to Expect
This playoff game is set to be a clash of contrasting styles. Brookfield’s explosive rushing attack and disciplined defense will test St. Joseph’s balanced offensive approach and ability to adapt. For the Cadets to pull off an upset, they’ll need to find a way to slow down Walters and capitalize on opportunities through the air.
Brookfield’s home-field advantage and season-long dominance make them the favorites, but playoff football often delivers surprises. Fans can expect an intense, hard-fought battle as these two talented teams vie for a spot in the next round of the CIAC Class M tournament.
