The Valley Heights (Blue Rapids, KS) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Medicine Lodge (KS) on Friday, November 15, at 6 p.m.

What: Kansas High School Football
Who: Valley Heights (KS) vs Medicine Lodge (KS)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Football Team Comparison: Medicine Lodge vs. Valley Heights

As the 2024-2025 high school football season unfolds, both Medicine Lodge and Valley Heights have proven themselves as formidable contenders, with each team showcasing strong records and individual performances. The following is a detailed comparison of the two teams based on key statistics, rankings, and performances.

Team Records & Rankings

• Medicine Lodge (24-25)
  • Record: 7-2-1
  • District: 2-2
  • Home: 3-2
  • Away: 4-0-1
  • Win Percentage: .750
  • District Win Percentage: .500
  • Points Scored (PF): 263
  • Points Allowed (PA): 142
• Valley Heights (24-25)
  • Record: 8-2
  • District: 2-1
  • Home: 5-1
  • Away: 3-1
  • Win Percentage: .800
  • District Win Percentage: .667
  • Points Scored (PF): 388
  • Points Allowed (PA): 162

Valley Heights holds a slight edge in overall record and win percentage, but Medicine Lodge has proven to be a resilient team, particularly in away games where they remain undefeated (4-0-1).

Scoring Averages

When it comes to scoring, both teams exhibit strong performances, but there are some notable differences in how they score throughout the game.

• Medicine Lodge:
  • Q1: 3.8
  • Q2: 7.0
  • Q3: 3.3
  • Q4: 6.7
  • Final: 26.3 points per game
• Valley Heights:
  • Q1: 0.0
  • Q2: 6.0
  • Q3: 8.0
  • Q4: 12.0
  • Final: 38.8 points per game

Valley Heights outperforms Medicine Lodge with a higher final score per game, averaging nearly 39 points compared to Medicine Lodge’s 26.3. Valley Heights shows its strength in the second half, especially in the fourth quarter, where they score 12 points on average. In contrast, Medicine Lodge has a more balanced but slightly lower output throughout the game.

Team Stats Comparison

In terms of yardage and defensive capabilities, here’s how the two teams measure up:

• Medicine Lodge:
  • Rushing Yards: 157.6 per game
  • Passing Yards: 93.5 per game
  • Receiving Yards: 91.1 per game
  • Total Yards: 251.1 per game
  • Tackles: 53.8 per game
  • Sacks: 0.6 per game
  • Points Per Game: 24.1
• Valley Heights:
  • Rushing Yards: Data unavailable
  • Passing Yards: Data unavailable
  • Receiving Yards: Data unavailable
  • Total Yards: Data unavailable
  • Tackles: Data unavailable
  • Sacks: Data unavailable
  • Points Per Game: 24.1

Although specific yardage stats for Valley Heights are unavailable, their ability to score points and control the ball is evident in their overall performance. Medicine Lodge, on the other hand, excels in rushing and passing yards, contributing to a solid offensive presence.

Individual Leaders

Both teams have standout players who contribute significantly to their offensive and defensive strategies.

• Medicine Lodge:
  • Braxx Farr: 84.5 rushing yards per game
  • Keveon Ruiz: 112.1 passing yards per game, 184.5 total yards per game, 6.8 points per game
  • Durham Nittler: 67.5 receiving yards per game
  • Zayne Keller: 8.3 tackles per game
  • Sawyer Stone: 0.3 sacks per game
• Valley Heights:
  • Keveon Ruiz: 112.1 passing yards per game, 184.5 total yards per game, 6.8 points per game
  • Zayne Keller: 8.3 tackles per game

Keveon Ruiz’s dual role as both a passer and a key offensive contributor for Medicine Lodge stands out, while Zayne Keller’s defensive presence is notable for both teams, especially in tackles.

Head-to-Head & Common Opponents

In their most recent encounters with common opponents, the results show contrasting outcomes:

• Medicine Lodge: Lost to Sterling (33-26)
• Valley Heights: Defeated Sterling (24-19)

While Medicine Lodge fell to Sterling, Valley Heights successfully secured a win, which reflects their superior performance against shared competition.

Conclusion

The upcoming match between Medicine Lodge and Valley Heights promises to be an exciting contest. With Valley Heights boasting a slightly better overall record, they come in as favorites with a higher average score. However, Medicine Lodge’s strong away performance and balanced offensive attack could make for an unpredictable game. Both teams are filled with standout players, and this matchup is sure to showcase the best of high school football.