The Sycamore (IL) varsity football team will host a playoff game against St. Francis (Wheaton, IL) on Saturday, November 16, at 1 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets in the IHSA Class 5A tournament.
What: Illinois High School Football
Who: Sycamore (IL) vs St. Francis (IL)
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSA – Class 5A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
St. Francis vs. Sycamore: A Comparative Breakdown of Two Football Giants
As the football season heats up, two standout teams, St. Francis and Sycamore, have established themselves as formidable forces. With contrasting records and statistics, the teams have demonstrated impressive prowess on the field. Here’s a closer look at how these two teams compare in terms of rankings, records, performance stats, and individual leaders.
Team Records and Rankings
St. Francis enters the season with a strong 9-2 overall record. They have shown resilience in their conference play with a 2-1 mark and have been solid at home with a 5-2 record. The team has accumulated 353 points and allowed 253, averaging 32.1 points per game. The team’s win percentage stands at .818, while their conference win percentage is .667.
On the other hand, Sycamore has been nearly perfect, boasting an undefeated 11-0 record. With a 5-0 record in conference play, they have dominated on both offense and defense, outscoring opponents 435 to 123, averaging an impressive 39.5 points per game. Sycamore has not dropped a single game at home (5-0) or on the road (6-0), with a flawless win percentage of 1.000 in both categories.
Team Scoring Averages
In terms of scoring, both teams have shown an ability to put up big numbers, though Sycamore has a slight edge. St. Francis averages 7.3 points in the first quarter and 9.2 points in the second quarter. Their third quarter scoring drops to 7.0 points, and they finish strong in the fourth quarter with 8.1 points. Overall, the team averages 32.1 points per game.
Sycamore, however, has been more consistent in their scoring across the game. They average 13.1 points in the first quarter and 11.7 points in the second quarter, maintaining a strong offensive presence throughout the game. While their scoring dips to 7.1 points in the third quarter, they rebound with 7.6 points in the final period, finishing with a total of 39.5 points per game.
Team Stat Comparison
Looking deeper into team statistics, St. Francis shows a balanced offensive attack, averaging 45.0 rushing yards per game and 39.5 passing yards per game. However, they lag behind in total yardage, averaging 84.5 yards per game. Defensively, they are strong, with 18.3 tackles per game and 0.6 sacks per game.
Sycamore’s statistics, though not as detailed, reflect a more potent offensive unit. They excel in total yardage and scoring, but specific numbers for their rushing, passing, and receiving yards are not listed. Their defense has been just as impressive, allowing only 123 points over the course of their undefeated season.
Key Players and Leaders
Both teams have standout players who have contributed significantly to their success.
For St. Francis, TyVonn Ransom has been the standout on the ground, rushing for an average of 97.7 yards per game. Brady Palmer, a dual threat, has thrown for 143.3 passing yards per game and also leads the team in total yards with 194.0 yards per game. Ian Willis has been a reliable receiver with 48.0 receiving yards per game, while Ryan Palmeri has made his mark on defense with 7.3 tackles per game. Will Alt is also notable for his ability to get to the quarterback, with 0.7 sacks per game.
Sycamore’s offensive stats remain strong across the board, but specific numbers are not listed. Nevertheless, Brady Palmer (listed under St. Francis) is likely a key player for Sycamore as well, contributing heavily to the team’s total yards and points per game. Their defense has also been a major factor, allowing them to shut down opponents week after week.
Record Breakdown
When breaking down the teams’ records, St. Francis shows strength in both conference and non-conference games. They have a solid 2-1 conference record and a 5-1 non-league record. They’ve performed well at home (5-2) and on the road (3-0), but the team has yet to play a neutral-site game this season.
Sycamore, with a perfect 11-0 record, has dominated across the board. Their 5-0 record in conference play is a testament to their dominance within their league. Additionally, their success extends to both home (5-0) and away games (6-0), along with a 2-0 playoff record. Sycamore’s undefeated streak in both conference and non-conference games places them as one of the top teams in their division.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while St. Francis has demonstrated solid performance and resilience throughout their season, Sycamore’s undefeated record and high-scoring offense make them the team to beat. St. Francis will need to find ways to balance their offense and defense to challenge Sycamore’s high-powered attack. As the season progresses, fans of both teams will be eagerly watching to see if St. Francis can bounce back and if Sycamore can continue their historic run. With both teams boasting strong leaders and impressive statistics, this rivalry is one that promises exciting matchups for the rest of the season.
