The St. Joseph’s Prep (Philadelphia, PA) varsity football team will face Central Catholic (Pittsburgh, PA) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 PIAA Football Championship – 6A tournament.
St. Joseph’s Prep vs Central Catholic Football Game Info:
What: Pennsylvania High School Football
Who: St. Joseph’s Prep vs Central Catholic
When: Saturday, December 7, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 PIAA Football Championship – 6A
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Game preview: St. Joseph’s Prep vs Central Catholic
As the 2024 high school football season heads into its final stretch, two teams stand out in the state rankings: Central Catholic and St. Joseph’s Prep. Both teams have had impressive seasons, showcasing their talent in different aspects of the game. With a look at their season records, team stats, and individual performances, here’s a breakdown of what fans can expect from this exciting matchup.
Season Records & Standings
Central Catholic enters this season with an impressive 12-2 record, dominating their conference with a perfect 7-0 conference performance. They have shown exceptional strength both at home (7-0) and on the road (4-2), along with a solid neutral-site victory (1-0). The team’s overall win percentage stands at an impressive .857, and they are scoring at an average of 42.1 points per game, a testament to their high-octane offense.
On the other hand, St. Joseph’s Prep, ranked as the top team in Pennsylvania, has posted a 10-2 overall record with a 5-1 conference record. The Prep has been dominant at home (5-0), with a strong road performance (4-2) and a perfect neutral-site record (1-0). With a win percentage of .833, St. Joseph’s Prep is also scoring an impressive 36.5 points per game.
Offensive & Defensive Comparison
Both teams bring impressive offensive stats to the table. Central Catholic averages 360.4 total yards per game, excelling in the passing game with 185.1 yards per game, and rushing the ball effectively at 175.4 yards per game. St. Joseph’s Prep, though not releasing specific rushing stats, has shown a potent passing game, led by standout quarterback Jy’aire Walls, who has averaged 177.6 passing yards per game.
Defensively, Central Catholic has been solid, averaging 51.5 tackles per game and 2.2 sacks per game, helping them maintain their dominant record. St. Joseph’s Prep also has a strong defensive presence, holding their opponents to an average of just 193 points on the season.
Individual Player Performances
Central Catholic boasts some stellar individual performances. Elijah Faulkner has been a standout running back, averaging 113.0 rushing yards per game, while quarterback Jy’aire Walls has contributed with 177.6 passing yards per game and 186.4 total yards per game. Bradley Gompers has also made his mark, averaging 61.2 receiving yards per game and 6.5 tackles per game, while Ashton Blatt provides defensive pressure with 0.6 sacks per game.
For St. Joseph’s Prep, much of the offensive leadership comes from quarterback Jy’aire Walls, who leads the team with 177.6 passing yards per game, contributing heavily to their passing attack. As with Central Catholic, the Prep’s defense has been strong, holding opponents to an average of 193 points on the season, with key defensive players stepping up throughout the year.
Head-to-Head and Common Opponents
While Central Catholic and St. Joseph’s Prep have not yet faced each other this season, both teams have faced tough competition. Central Catholic comes into the game with a clean 7-0 record in home games and will likely feel confident at home. Meanwhile, St. Joseph’s Prep enters with a dominant 5-0 home record, ensuring they will be a formidable opponent in any venue.
The match between these two powerhouses promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams bringing high-powered offenses, strong defenses, and standout individual performances. As the season nears its climax, this game could play a pivotal role in deciding who stands at the top of Pennsylvania high school football for 2024. Fans are sure to see a showdown full of explosive plays, hard-hitting defense, and unforgettable moments.
