The Union Parish (Farmerville, LA) varsity football team will host Oakdale (LA) in a home playoff game today at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division III Non-Select tournament.

What: Louisiana High School Football
Who: Union Parish (LA) vs Oakdale (LA)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division III Non-Select
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Oakdale vs. Union Parish: A Tale of Two Teams

As the high school football season progresses, the contrast between the Oakdale Eagles and the Union Parish Farmers is becoming more apparent. With the conclusion of the 2024-2025 season looming, both teams have had their ups and downs, and the statistics tell an intriguing story of their respective journeys.

Oakdale Eagles: A Struggling Team with Bright Spots

The Oakdale Eagles, with an overall record of 3-7, have faced a difficult season. Their performance in district play has been slightly better at 2-2, but their overall win percentage stands at just 30%. Despite the challenges, there are some bright spots for Oakdale, particularly on the individual front.

• Team Scoring: Oakdale has struggled to put up points, averaging only 15.9 points per game. Their scoring breakdown shows a very slow start, with only 0 points in the first quarter and a modest 3.0 points per game in the second quarter. However, they have shown a slight improvement in the second half with 4.0 points in the third and 3.0 points in the fourth.
• Key Players: Tyquereis Wilson has been a standout, leading the team in rushing yards (75.7 per game), tackles (11.5 per game), and points (6.2 per game). Wilson has also made an impact in other areas, including the passing game, where Braxton Patterson has been solid with 85 passing yards per game and 90.7 total yards per game. On the receiving side, Chase Meeking has been the primary target with 50.1 receiving yards per game.
• Team Performance: Oakdale’s offensive and defensive stats reflect their struggles. With an average of 220.8 rushing yards per game, they have shown they can move the ball on the ground, but the passing game has been inconsistent with 85.0 yards per game. Defensively, they average 68.3 tackles per game and have 1.6 sacks per game, indicating a team that works hard but has trouble finishing plays.

Union Parish Farmers: A Team of Consistent Performers

In contrast, Union Parish has enjoyed a much more successful season, posting a 6-4 record with an impressive 5-1 district performance. Their overall win percentage of 60% reflects their ability to perform consistently, particularly in district matchups.

• Team Scoring: The Farmers have been a high-scoring team, averaging 31.6 points per game. Their scoring breakdown shows strong offensive play across all four quarters, with an average of 10.6 points in the first quarter and steady performances throughout the game (7.8 in the second, 8.0 in the third, and 8.2 in the fourth). This consistent scoring has been key to their success.
• Key Players: Union Parish’s offensive success is built around a solid rushing attack, and they have been able to control the clock with 220.8 rushing yards per game. The team’s passing game has been slightly less dominant, but they have balanced their offense effectively with 85 receiving yards per game. Defensively, the Farmers are solid, with key tacklers helping to limit opponents to just 211 points on the season.
• Team Performance: Union Parish’s offensive balance of rushing and passing is reflected in their total yards per game, where they average 305.8 yards. With strong defensive efforts (316 points scored versus 211 points allowed), they’ve shown their ability to win both shootouts and defensive battles. The Farmers are also quite effective at getting pressure on the quarterback, with an average of 1.0 sack per game.

Head-to-Head and Playoff Implications

In a head-to-head matchup, the Farmers hold a clear advantage with their higher win percentage and stronger overall performance. Union Parish has been dominant in district play, while Oakdale has struggled with a 2-2 district record and a 1-5 record in non-league games.

Looking forward, Union Parish’s strong season puts them in a better position for postseason play. Oakdale, on the other hand, will need to make significant improvements to contend in their district and beyond.

Conclusion

While Oakdale may have had a rough season with struggles on both sides of the ball, the team has had bright individual performances that could build the foundation for future success. Union Parish, on the other hand, has been more consistent and balanced, positioning them as a serious contender for the playoffs. The difference in performance, particularly in scoring and defensive consistency, highlights the contrasting seasons of these two teams as they approach the final stretch of the season.