The Kentwood (LA) varsity football team has a home playoff game vs. St. Mary (Natchitoches, LA) today at 7pm.

What: Louisiana High School Football
Who: Kentwood (LA) vs St. Mary (LA)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

St. Mary vs. Kentwood Football Playoff Showdown: November 15, 2024

The St. Mary High School football team is set to face off against Kentwood High School in a thrilling Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) Division IV Select football playoff game tonight at 7:00 PM. The game will take place at Kentwood High School, setting the stage for an exciting matchup between two teams with contrasting records and playing styles.

Team Overview

St. Mary Panthers (5-5, 3-2 District)
St. Mary, based in Natchitoches, Louisiana, enters the game with a balanced record of 5-5 overall. The Panthers have had a strong district performance, finishing with a 3-2 record, and will be looking to continue their momentum in the postseason. On average, St. Mary scores 24.3 points per game, thanks to a solid offensive effort that balances the run and pass. Their total yards per game stands at 315.7, with 181.3 rushing yards and 134.4 passing yards. Key players to watch include John Paul Thibodaux, the team’s leading rusher with 95 yards per game, and Braylon Normand, the quarterback, who averages 88.9 passing yards per game.

Kentwood Kangaroos (7-3, 2-1 District)
Kentwood, on the other hand, comes into the playoffs with a more impressive record of 7-3 overall. The Kangaroos finished with a 2-1 district record and have been particularly strong at home, with a 4-1 record on their turf. Kentwood’s offense is dynamic, averaging 34.4 points per game, significantly higher than St. Mary’s. The Kangaroos have accumulated 316.4 total yards per game, led by the strong performances of their star players, including Ja’marion Burton, who is a standout with 82 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Ahmade Bickham Jr. is also a key contributor, throwing for an average of 113.6 passing yards per game.

Key Matchups and Players to Watch

• Running Game: The battle in the trenches will be pivotal. St. Mary’s John Paul Thibodaux, with 95 rushing yards per game, will be matched up against Kentwood’s stout defensive front. However, Kentwood counters with their dynamic rusher, Ja’marion Burton, and a team that has been solid in limiting opponent rushing yards.
• Quarterbacks: St. Mary’s Braylon Normand will need to elevate his passing game, where he averages 88.9 yards per contest, against a Kentwood defense that is allowing just 167 points over the course of the season. For Kentwood, Ahmade Bickham Jr. will look to exploit any openings in the St. Mary defense with his 113.6 passing yards per game.
• Tackling and Defense: Kentwood has the edge in tackles, averaging 92.3 per game compared to St. Mary’s 66.5. This will play a crucial role as both teams look to establish control early. The Panthers will need to find ways to break through Kentwood’s tough defensive line and secondary to stay competitive.
• Special Teams: Kentwood has a clear advantage in pancake blocks, boasting 156 compared to St. Mary’s 18. The ability to establish dominance in the trenches could set the tone for the game, with Kentwood’s linemen needing to neutralize St. Mary’s defensive efforts.

Offensive and Defensive Strategies

St. Mary will look to capitalize on their versatility in offense, mixing the run and pass to keep Kentwood’s defense off balance. However, Kentwood’s explosive offense, particularly in the first half (averaging 19.6 points per game in the first two quarters), will aim to set the tempo early.

Both teams have been effective in controlling the ball and running the clock, but Kentwood’s high-scoring offense may be tough for St. Mary to match if the Panthers fall behind early.

Predictions

While St. Mary’s solid but more balanced offense and capable defense can cause some issues for Kentwood, the Kangaroos’ explosive scoring ability and home-field advantage make them the favorites in this matchup. Expect Kentwood to pull away in the second half, leveraging their ability to score quickly and control the tempo of the game.

Conclusion

Tonight’s game will be an exciting playoff battle with plenty of talent on both sides. Kentwood’s overall strength and playoff experience give them the edge, but St. Mary’s resilience and solid all-around play could keep this game competitive. Football fans in Kentwood and Natchitoches are in for a treat as these two teams look to advance in the 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs.