The Warsaw (IN) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Lafayette Jefferson (Lafayette, IN) on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 PM.
What: Indiana High School Football
Who: Warsaw (IN) vs Lafayette Jefferson (IN)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
Lafayette Jefferson vs. Warsaw: A Football Comparison for the 2024-25 Season
As the 2024-25 high school football season rolls on, Lafayette Jefferson and Warsaw have established themselves as dominant forces in Indiana’s football landscape. With impressive records, standout performances, and intriguing team dynamics, both schools have a lot to offer as they continue their campaigns. Here’s a breakdown of their seasons, comparing key statistics, player performances, and their head-to-head record.
Record Breakdown
Lafayette Jefferson has been nearly flawless, finishing the regular season with a perfect 11-0 record. They are undefeated both at home (6-0) and on the road (5-0), showcasing their resilience across various settings. Their league performance has been equally impressive, finishing 6-0 in conference play.
Warsaw, on the other hand, has put together an 8-3 overall record, with a 5-2 mark in conference play. They have a solid home record (4-1) but have faced more challenges on the road (4-2). Their strong finish in league competition with a 5-2 record keeps them competitive but shows room for improvement as they head into postseason play.
Offensive Comparison
Looking at team scoring averages, Lafayette Jefferson clearly outpaces Warsaw in nearly every category. They average a strong 45.5 points per game, with consistent scoring across all four quarters—18 points in Q1, 21.6 in Q2, and 5.6 and 7.6 points in the second half. Their offensive strength is highlighted by a dynamic passing game and a solid rushing attack.
Warsaw, in contrast, averages just 33.5 points per game, with their most productive quarter being the first (7.4 points). Their offense has struggled to maintain a consistent pace throughout games, often falling short in the second half.
When it comes to specific yardage averages, Lafayette Jefferson’s offensive numbers are notably higher:
- Rushing Yards Per Game: Lafayette Jefferson averages 176.9 yards, showcasing a well-rounded rushing attack.
- Passing Yards Per Game: They generate 247 yards per game through the air, led by quarterback Keyen Crowder, who also contributes a significant chunk of the total offense.
- Receiving Yards Per Game: With 247.2 yards per game, Lafayette Jefferson maintains a balanced passing game with Andre Fancher being a key contributor.
- Total Yards Per Game: Their overall offensive output stands at 423.9 yards per game, well above Warsaw’s more modest numbers.
On the other hand, Warsaw hasn’t been able to match these yardage totals, though their defense has been a focal point.
Defensive and Special Teams Comparison
On defense, Lafayette Jefferson is stout with 93 tackles per game and 1.8 sacks per game, helping them limit the opponent’s scoring opportunities. Their defense has also played a crucial role in maintaining their undefeated record.
Warsaw has been less dominant in comparison but has shown improvement as the season has progressed. They allow 197 points for the season, resulting in a point-per-game figure of just under 20 points, which suggests solid defense in key moments.
Notable Players
Lafayette Jefferson boasts several standout performers.
- Marquis Adkins, their leading rusher, averages a solid 71.4 yards per game.
- Keyen Crowder has been the heart of their offense, throwing for 243.3 yards per game and leading the team with 261.6 total yards per game.
- Andre Fancher is a key receiving threat, averaging 87.5 yards per game.
Warsaw‘s standout players include:
- Mason Smythe, their top scorer, who averages 5.0 points per game.
- Blake Gordon, a defensive force with 0.5 sacks per game, contributes heavily to their defensive efforts.
Head-to-Head and Common Opponents
Both teams have squared off against Michigan City in non-league play, with both Lafayette Jefferson and Warsaw securing victories. Lafayette Jefferson edged out a 17-13 win over Michigan City, while Warsaw triumphed 20-7.
However, the overall head-to-head record between Lafayette Jefferson and Warsaw remains tied, as neither team has yet faced off directly this season. Both have shown they can dominate their respective schedules, but the real test will come in the playoffs.
Conclusion
As we head into the playoffs, Lafayette Jefferson appears to be the more dominant team on both sides of the ball. With an unbeaten record, an explosive offense, and a strong defense, they are poised to make a deep run. However, Warsaw, with its solid defense and talented players, is certainly a team to watch. If they can find more offensive consistency, they could challenge any team in the state.
Both programs have proven themselves as elite contenders in Indiana football, and their paths in the postseason will be exciting to follow as they strive for championship glory.