The Ursuline Fighting Irish (11-1) will host the Aurora Greenmen (11-1) in a playoff matchup on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM. This game is part of the 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets for Region 9 in Ohio.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Ohio High School Football
Who: Ursuline vs Aurora
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 9
Watch here: Watch here
Game preview: Ursuline vs Aurora
As the 2024-2025 high school football season draws to a close, two teams in Ohio have risen to prominence: Aurora and Ursuline. Both have achieved stellar records, with identical overall performances at 11-1, showing dominance in their respective divisions. But when it comes to team stats, individual leaders, and scoring averages, the differences are just as intriguing as their comparable success.
Team Overview:
Aurora (24-25)
- Overall: 11-1
- Conference: 6-1
- Home Record: 5-1
- Away Record: 5-0
- Neutral Record: 1-0
- Win Percentage: .917
- Conference Win Percentage: .857
- Points Scored (PF): 510
- Points Allowed (PA): 120
Ursuline (24-25)
- Overall: 11-1
- Conference: 3-0
- Home Record: 6-1
- Away Record: 5-0
- Win Percentage: .917
- Conference Win Percentage: 1.000 (undefeated in conference play)
- Points Scored (PF): 429
- Points Allowed (PA): 105
Both teams finished with an identical win percentage, but their paths to success have been marked by different strengths. Aurora’s offense, particularly in scoring, has been a key factor in their impressive point tally of 510 for the season. In contrast, Ursuline has been a powerhouse in conference play, remaining undefeated in the league.
Offensive Powerhouse:
When it comes to scoring, Aurora has been the more potent force overall. The team averages 42.5 points per game, compared to Ursuline’s 35.8. The breakdown of scoring by quarters highlights Aurora’s ability to establish control early on: they average 16.2 points in the first quarter and maintain a steady surge throughout the game. Ursuline’s offense, while strong, averages 11.8 points in the first quarter and gradually ramps up.
Statistical Comparisons:
Here’s how the two teams compare in key statistics:
Aurora
- Rushing Yards Per Game: 198.4
- Passing Yards Per Game: 155.2
- Total Yards Per Game: 353.6
- Tackles Per Game: 68.6
- Sacks Per Game: 2.8
- Points Per Game: 42.5
Ursuline
- Rushing Yards Per Game: 185.2
- Passing Yards Per Game: 155.2
- Total Yards Per Game: 340.4
- Tackles Per Game: 68.6
- Sacks Per Game: 2.8
- Points Per Game: 35.8
While the total offensive yards are nearly identical, Aurora’s higher rushing yards per game suggest they rely more on their ground game to control the clock and gain big chunks of yardage. Both teams excel in defense, averaging a similar number of tackles and sacks per game.
Player Highlights:
- Aurora’s Key Players:
- Joe Balog leads the team with 65.7 rushing yards per game, showing his ability to power through defenses.
- Dc Ferrell, who has been dynamic, racking up 149.8 passing yards per game and 209.2 total yards per game. He also contributes significantly on defense, with 3.8 points per game.
- Devonte Taylor has been a reliable target in the passing game, averaging 52.9 receiving yards per game.
- Ursuline’s Key Players:
- Joe Balog is also a standout for Ursuline, with 20.4 rushing yards per game.
- Dc Ferrell leads the way in total yards per game with 209.2 yards, showing his versatility in both the air and on the ground.
- On defense, Kevin Boudrey stands out with 7.4 tackles per game.
Head-to-Head & Playoff Success:
In terms of head-to-head performances and playoff history, both teams have proven their dominance in different ways. While neither Aurora nor Ursuline has met in direct competition this season, both have managed strong playoff records. Aurora has a 2-0 record in neutral-site games, while Ursuline is 1-0 in out-of-state contests. Both teams have proven their worth in high-pressure games, and with playoff season around the corner, they’ll be ready for the next challenge.
Conclusion:
Aurora and Ursuline have been two of the most successful teams in Ohio this season, boasting identical overall records and showcasing a blend of offensive strength and defensive prowess. While Aurora edges out in offensive firepower, Ursuline’s dominance in the conference and consistency across the board make them a team to watch as the season progresses.
Both teams will look to maintain their impressive form heading into the postseason, where their paths may cross, offering fans an exciting showdown between two of the state’s best football teams.
