The Tonganoxie (KS) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Lansing (KS) on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m.

What: Kansas High School Football
Who: Tonganoxie (KS) vs Lansing (KS)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Football Playoff Preview: Lansing vs. Tonganoxie

As the high school football season reaches its pinnacle, the Lansing (KS) and Tonganoxie (KS) teams are set for a thrilling neutral playoff clash on Friday, November 15, 2024. This match promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams looking to extend their playoff runs. Here’s a look at the teams, their strengths, and what to expect in this highly anticipated game.

Season Overview

Both Lansing and Tonganoxie have had competitive seasons, with Lansing finishing with a 6-4 overall record and Tonganoxie posting a solid 7-3 mark. Lansing comes into the game with a 4-3 district record, while Tonganoxie boasts a 4-2 district record. Both teams have shown resilience, each having a strong home and away record.

Team Performance Comparison

While both teams are known for their offensive power, their styles of play vary. Lansing has averaged 31.8 points per game, with notable contributions from their offensive leader, Jaxon Pollard, who has racked up 101.6 rushing yards per game. They also boast a strong passing attack led by Reid Oakley, who has thrown for 195.6 yards per game.

Tonganoxie, while averaging slightly fewer points per game at 31.1, has a more balanced offense. Their running back, Tanner Hand, has been a key playmaker, rushing for 99.7 yards per game, and their quarterback, Talon Langford, is effective both as a passer and a runner, with 121.1 passing yards per game.

The statistical comparison reveals some intriguing insights:

• Rushing Attack: Tonganoxie has the edge in rushing yards, averaging 193.9 yards per game compared to Lansing’s 141.5. Both teams can run the ball effectively, but Tonganoxie has been slightly more consistent in this area.
• Passing Game: Lansing excels in passing yards, averaging 205.2 per game. Reid Oakley has been a strong performer through the air, while Tonganoxie’s Langford has a more balanced approach, contributing 126.9 passing yards per game.
• Total Yards: Lansing has a slight advantage in total yards per game, averaging 346.7 yards, while Tonganoxie averages 320.8 yards. This suggests that Lansing’s offense is a bit more explosive overall.

Head-to-Head History

The most recent encounter between these two teams was a non-conference game on September 20, 2024. Tonganoxie triumphed with a narrow 14-13 victory over Lansing. Despite a slow start, Lansing rallied in the second half, scoring 7 points in the third quarter and 6 in the fourth, but couldn’t overcome Tonganoxie’s strong first-quarter performance. Tonganoxie managed to hold on to their lead, with Lansing’s offense stalling in the later stages of the game.

Key Players to Watch

• Lansing:
  • Jaxon Pollard – A dynamic running back, Pollard is a key to Lansing’s offensive success. His ability to break through defenses with his 101.6 rushing yards per game will be critical.
  • Reid Oakley – A strong passer, Oakley’s arm will be crucial in keeping the Tonganoxie defense on its toes. With 195.6 passing yards per game, he’s capable of making big plays.
• Tonganoxie:
  • Tanner Hand – As the primary rusher for Tonganoxie, Hand’s ability to move the ball on the ground will be vital to the team’s success. With 99.7 rushing yards per game, he is a constant threat.
  • Talon Langford – A versatile quarterback, Langford’s dual-threat ability makes him a player to watch. His passing game (121.1 yards per game) and rushing game add another layer of danger for Lansing’s defense.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced similar competition during the season. Lansing and Tonganoxie each have a 1-1 record against common opponents this season:

• Basehor-Linwood: Lansing lost to Basehor-Linwood 45-14, while Tonganoxie also lost but by a closer score of 44-6.
• Eudora: Lansing secured a 37-19 win over Eudora, while Tonganoxie won 35-14, showcasing their ability to handle tough competition.

What to Expect

This neutral playoff game is set to be a tightly contested battle. Lansing will likely rely on its passing game to open up opportunities, while Tonganoxie will focus on their balanced attack, leveraging a strong running game and the versatility of quarterback Langford. The game could very well come down to which team can control the line of scrimmage and make the most of their scoring opportunities.

Tonganoxie’s slight edge in the rushing game and their strong early-season performance against common opponents may give them the confidence they need heading into this matchup, but Lansing’s explosive offense cannot be overlooked. The stakes are high, and both teams are hungry for the win to advance further in the playoffs.

Conclusion

Friday’s matchup between Lansing and Tonganoxie is shaping up to be a thrilling contest. With both teams having key players capable of making game-changing plays, fans are in for an exciting game. Lansing will look to avenge their earlier loss and use their passing attack to full effect, while Tonganoxie will seek to continue their playoff success with a balanced offense and stout defense. It’s a game you won’t want to miss!