The St. Joseph’s Prep varsity football team (Philadelphia, PA) will host Parkland (Allentown, PA) in a playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 PIAA Football Championship – 6A tournament.

St. Joseph’s Prep vs Parkland Football Game Info:

What: Pennsylvania High School Football
Who: St. Joseph’s Prep vs Parkland
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 PIAA Football Championship – 6A
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Game preview: St. Joseph’s Prep vs Parkland

As the 2024-2025 high school football season unfolds, one matchup is generating plenty of excitement — Parkland vs. St. Joseph’s Prep. Both teams have demonstrated incredible strength throughout the season, and with the stakes rising, this game is set to be one of the most anticipated in Pennsylvania high school football.

Parkland’s Strong Campaign

Parkland, boasting a record of 11-2, has been a powerhouse in Pennsylvania’s Class 6A. With a conference record of 4-1, the Trojans have shown consistency and dominance, particularly in their home games where they remain undefeated at 5-0. Offensively, Parkland averages 33.1 points per game, led by standout players like Tj Lawrence, who racks up 88.3 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Osmany Guzman adds another layer to the offense with 128.5 passing yards per game, while Leo Dauberman leads the receiving corps with 41.0 yards per game. The Trojans’ well-rounded offense and aggressive defense, including Tj Lawrence’s 5.4 tackles per game, have been key contributors to their success.

St. Joseph’s Prep’s National Prestige

On the other side of the field stands St. Joseph’s Prep, a nationally ranked team, currently at #37. With an impressive overall record of 8-2, the Hawks have faced tough competition and are always a force to be reckoned with. Their 5-1 conference record speaks to their dominance in the local league, and they’ve been nearly flawless at home with a 4-0 mark. St. Joseph’s Prep averages 35.6 points per game, led by strong performances from their offense. While their exact rushing and passing yards statistics aren’t specified, their balanced attack makes them a tough matchup. The Hawks are also well-equipped defensively, boasting consistent tackles and a disciplined approach to both the passing and running game.

Key Statistical Comparison

The numbers tell an intriguing story as both teams approach this high-stakes encounter. Parkland leads in rushing yards per game with 183.6, driven by the dynamic Tj Lawrence, while St. Joseph’s Prep has a more balanced approach without a clear standout. Parkland’s total yards per game of 320.6 slightly edges out St. Joseph’s Prep’s total offense. However, the Hawks have shown better efficiency in the air, with Osmany Guzman leading the charge in both passing and total yardage.

While both teams score plenty, their point averages are relatively close, with St. Joseph’s Prep posting 35.6 points per game compared to Parkland’s 33.1. However, it’s important to note that Parkland has a higher scoring consistency in the second quarter, where they average 11.7 points per game. This could prove crucial in a high-stakes playoff atmosphere.

Home and Away Strengths

Parkland’s dominance at home (5-0) will be put to the test, as St. Joseph’s Prep also boasts a strong away record of 3-2. What makes this matchup particularly exciting is both teams’ ability to handle pressure, especially in neutral or playoff settings where both have excelled. St. Joseph’s Prep has an undefeated record (1-0) in neutral-site games, a potential advantage if the game moves beyond traditional home-field advantages.

Player Matchups to Watch

• Tj Lawrence (Parkland) vs. St. Joseph’s Prep defense: Lawrence is a true standout on the ground, averaging over 88 rushing yards per game. How St. Joseph’s Prep defends against him could determine the pace of the game.
• Osmany Guzman (Parkland) vs. St. Joseph’s Prep’s passing defense: Guzman’s 128.5 passing yards per game will be key for Parkland. St. Joseph’s Prep will need to contain him through the air to prevent big plays.
• Leo Dauberman (Parkland) vs. St. Joseph’s Prep’s secondary: Dauberman, with 41 receiving yards per game, could be a game-changer if he gets open for big receptions.

Playoff History and Expectations

Both teams have playoff aspirations, with St. Joseph’s Prep (1-0 in playoffs) having the edge in postseason experience. Parkland, however, has shown resilience all season and will be looking to add a signature win to their impressive 2024 campaign.

Conclusion

With both teams showcasing high-level talent on both sides of the ball, the Parkland vs. St. Joseph’s Prep matchup is shaping up to be an exciting clash of football titans. Parkland will look to leverage its home-field advantage and ground game, while St. Joseph’s Prep aims to assert its national stature and well-rounded offense. This game is poised to be a defining moment in the 2024-2025 high school football season, with both teams hungry for victory and a deep playoff run.