The Taylor Yellowjackets (10-2) from Cleves, OH, will host the Archbishop Alter Knights (7-5) from Kettering, OH, in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) for Region 16.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Ohio High School Football
Who: Taylor vs Archbishop Alter
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 16
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Game preview: Taylor vs Archbishop Alter

In a highly anticipated playoff matchup, the Archbishop Alter Knights (7-5) will take on the Taylor Yellowjackets (10-2) on Friday, November 15th, at 7 p.m. in Cleves, OH. Both teams come into this game with strong records, and the contest promises to be an exciting showdown with playoff implications.

Team Overview

• Archbishop Alter has shown a solid season in the Greater Catholic League, finishing with a 3-2 conference record. The Knights have been somewhat inconsistent on the road, posting a 3-4 away record, but they come off a dominant 42-0 victory against Wyoming in their last playoff game. Despite struggles on offense, Archbishop Alter has demonstrated resilience and defensive strength.
• Taylor, on the other hand, enters the game as the conference champion, boasting a remarkable 6-1 league record and a dominant overall mark of 10-2. The Yellowjackets have been a high-scoring team, averaging 30.7 points per game, and are undefeated in neutral-site games this season (1-0). Their offense has been explosive, particularly in the first half, and they will look to maintain that momentum heading into this matchup.

Key Matchups

• Offensive Comparison:
  The Knights have struggled to put up points this season, averaging just 17.3 points per game. Much of their offense has come from Easton Schrimpf (122 rushing yards per game) and Charlie Kantz (142 passing yards per game), who will need to step up in this playoff game. However, their production has been inconsistent, especially in the middle quarters of games where they score very little.
  In contrast, Taylor has been highly efficient on offense, with a balanced attack that has averaged 30.7 points per game. Charlie Kantz has been a dual-threat for the Knights, also contributing 165 total yards per game, but Taylor’s high-scoring ability could put pressure on Alter’s defense.
• Defensive Edge:
  Archbishop Alter’s defense, led by Brody Lehmann, has been a key factor in their success. With 9 tackles per game and 2.5 sacks per game, Lehmann is a force to be reckoned with. The Knights have allowed an average of 128 points over the season but have stepped up their play in critical moments.
  On the other hand, Taylor has struggled to generate consistent defensive pressure, averaging just 0.2 sacks per game. However, their offense has often been able to outscore opponents, keeping them in control of games.

Common Opponents

The two teams share one common opponent this season: Wyoming.

• Archbishop Alter defeated Wyoming 42-0 on November 8, 2024.
• Taylor lost to Wyoming 35-26 earlier in the season.
  This provides a slight edge to Archbishop Alter, who dominated this opponent, while Taylor’s loss could raise questions about their defense.

Playoff History & Records

• Playoff Experience: Archbishop Alter has been solid in playoff performances, with a 2-0 record in neutral-site games. Meanwhile, Taylor has also been strong in the postseason, posting a 2-0 record when playing in neutral locations.
• Home and Away Performance: Taylor’s excellent 5-1 home record contrasts with Alter’s 3-4 away record this season. While the Knights are a bit more vulnerable on the road, their recent win over Wyoming indicates that they are capable of excelling in difficult environments.

Looking Ahead

As the game approaches, the key factors will likely include how well Archbishop Alter can control the ball and sustain drives against Taylor’s high-powered offense, as well as whether they can take advantage of any defensive lapses by the Yellowjackets. Taylor, on the other hand, will look to continue their offensive dominance, particularly in the first half, and to improve their defensive efforts to handle the Knights’ playmakers.

With playoff stakes high, this game is expected to be a competitive and intense matchup. Both teams will be looking to secure a spot in the next round, but only one can emerge victorious. Will the defensive-minded Archbishop Alter team upset the high-scoring Taylor Yellowjackets, or will Taylor’s offensive firepower prove too much to handle?

Final Prediction:

This game will be one of strategy, with Archbishop Alter hoping to grind out a victory on the ground and with solid defense, while Taylor will try to outpace them with a dynamic offense. The Knights will need to control the ball and limit Taylor’s big plays to stay competitive. Taylor enters as the favorite, but Archbishop Alter’s playoff pedigree could make them a dangerous underdog.