The West St. John varsity football team (Edgard, LA) will host Arcadia (LA) in a home playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division IV Non-Select tournament.

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

High School Football Showdown: Arcadia vs. West St. John

As the 2024-2025 Louisiana high school football season unfolds, two teams stand out in their respective districts—Arcadia and West St. John. With contrasting records, styles of play, and key players, the upcoming matchups between these two squads are expected to offer intense competition. Let’s dive deeper into the stats and trends for each team to understand what could define their season.

Record and Performance Breakdown

Arcadia (4-6 overall, 3-4 district record)
Arcadia’s season has been a mix of highs and lows. With a 4-6 overall record, their performance has been solid but inconsistent. In district play, they hold a 3-4 record, indicating competitive struggles within their league. When at home, they have managed to secure 1-3 victories but showed more promise on the road with a 3-3 record. Their offensive output has been a concern, averaging just 17.6 points per game. Despite these challenges, they’ve been a tough team to break down, averaging 218.3 total yards per game, thanks to key performances by their standout players.

West St. John (6-3 overall, 2-2 district record)
In contrast, West St. John has had a much more successful season so far with a 6-3 overall record, boasting a solid district mark of 2-2. They’ve been particularly strong in away games, where they’ve recorded a 4-1 record, while their home games have been more balanced at 2-2. Their offense has been a powerhouse, averaging 36.2 points per game, with their total yards per game at 272.3. This offensive strength could be a significant factor as they prepare for tough competition.

Team Scoring Averages

Both teams have distinct scoring patterns. Arcadia’s offense tends to perform best in the first quarter with an average of 7.6 points but drops off significantly in the second and third quarters, where they average 5.1 and 2.2 points, respectively. This inconsistency has been a hurdle, as their fourth-quarter performance also struggles to close out games (3.1 points per quarter).

On the other hand, West St. John has demonstrated more balance and firepower across all four quarters, with their most potent performance coming in the third quarter (15.0 points). Their overall consistency and ability to score across different periods have contributed to their high-scoring average of 36.2 points per game.

Key Players

Arcadia’s Key Players:

• Bratreviauntae Ferrell leads the team with 37.1 rushing yards per game, showcasing his ability to break through defenses and gain ground.
• Rodtravious Jackson plays a critical role in the passing game, averaging 120.7 passing yards per game and contributing significantly to the team’s total yardage (138.0 total yards per game).
• Tekiyrian Abney, with 7.8 tackles per game, is a defensive leader who helps anchor the team’s defense.

West St. John’s Key Players:

• Kalon Gardner has been a dynamic force in the backfield with 103.2 rushing yards per game.
• Jayce Farnell directs the passing game, averaging 92.2 yards per game, helping keep the offense balanced and unpredictable.
• Joradae Grows is a standout defensive player, with 11.6 tackles per game, setting the tone for the defense.

Team Stat Comparison

When comparing the two teams, West St. John has a clear advantage in most categories:

• Rushing Yards per Game: West St. John (180.1) vs. Arcadia (97.6)
• Passing Yards per Game: Arcadia (120.7) vs. West St. John (92.2)
• Total Yards per Game: West St. John (272.3) vs. Arcadia (218.3)
• Points per Game: West St. John (32.7) vs. Arcadia (15.2)

Defensively, West St. John also holds the upper hand, averaging 68.9 tackles per game compared to Arcadia’s 53.9. However, both teams have shown a commitment to defense, with Arcadia averaging 2.4 sacks per game and West St. John slightly edging them out with 2.7.

Outlook for the Season

West St. John enters the season as a clear favorite, boasting a more robust offense and a solid defense. Their ability to control the game and dominate in all quarters, combined with standout individual performances, puts them in an excellent position to make a deep playoff run.

Arcadia, meanwhile, has room to improve. Their scoring struggles and defensive inconsistencies have hurt them at times. However, they are not without their strengths, especially with dynamic players like Ferrell and Jackson. With the right adjustments, they could challenge for an upset in future matchups.

In conclusion, the 2024-2025 football season looks promising for both teams, but West St. John’s offensive prowess and overall balance give them the edge heading into their remaining games. As both teams continue to evolve, Arcadia will need to address their scoring and consistency issues to stay competitive in a tough district, while West St. John will look to build on their strong momentum and push for a district title.