High school football fans are gearing up for an exciting game between Away and St. Joe’s on October 6, 2024, at 12:00 AM GMT+6. This matchup promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams are heading into this pivotal game with something to prove. As the stakes rise, fans can expect top-tier action, both on the ground and through the air. Whether you are a fan of hard-hitting defense or electrifying offense, this game is set to have it all.
In this article, we’ll cover how to watch the game, analyze both teams, provide insight into the key players to watch, assess team strengths and weaknesses, and give a prediction for the final outcome. Tune in to the NFHS Network to watch this anticipated game live.
How to Watch Away vs. St. Joe’s
If you’re unable to attend the game in person, you can still catch all the action live via the NFHS Network, the premier platform for high school sports streaming. You will need to subscribe to the service to watch the game and enjoy access to hundreds of high school sporting events throughout the season.
Game Details:
- Date: October 6, 2024
- Time: 12:00 AM GMT+6 (October 5, 2024, at 2:00 PM EDT local time)
- Location: St. Joseph’s High School, Montvale, New Jersey
- Streaming: Available live on NFHS Network
Subscription Information:
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Match Preview: Away vs. St. Joe’s
This showdown between Away and St. Joe’s is more than just another high school football game. It’s a matchup filled with passion, pride, and a deep sense of rivalry. Both teams have been preparing for this game for weeks, and the stakes couldn’t be higher as playoff spots and conference standings come into play. The Away team comes in with a mix of youth and experience, ready to challenge St. Joe’s, a traditional powerhouse in the region. St. Joe’s will rely on their established game plan, but they’ll have to be on their toes as Away looks to upset the home crowd.
Team Overview
Away: The Underdog with a Chip on Their Shoulder
The Away team has had an up-and-down season, entering this game with a 3-3 record. Coached by the energetic and tactical David Chandler, this team is known for its aggressive defensive approach and balanced offensive strategy. Despite the record, Away has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, and they are fully capable of pulling off a surprise win against St. Joe’s. This game represents a turning point for them, as a victory would not only boost team morale but also solidify their spot in playoff contention.
- Current Record: 3-3
- Head Coach: David Chandler
- Offensive Scheme: A balanced approach that focuses on running the ball to control the game tempo, complemented by play-action passes.
- Defensive Scheme: Away prides itself on its 4-3 defense, designed to stop the run and disrupt opposing quarterbacks.
St. Joe’s: The Powerhouse of Northern New Jersey
The St. Joe’s Green Knights are one of New Jersey’s most storied high school football programs. Coached by the experienced Dan Marangi, St. Joe’s enters the game with a 5-1 record, looking every bit like the championship contender they are. Known for their physicality on both sides of the ball, St. Joe’s relies on a stout defense and a powerful running game. Their offense has been able to control the line of scrimmage throughout the season, which has allowed them to dictate the pace of games. At home, the Green Knights rarely falter, and they’ll look to continue their dominance against a scrappy Away team.
- Current Record: 5-1
- Head Coach: Dan Marangi
- Offensive Scheme: Ground-and-pound offense with heavy use of the run game, setting up play-action passes to attack deep.
- Defensive Scheme: The Green Knights deploy a 3-4 defense, focusing on blitzing and keeping opponents out of the end zone.
Key Players to Watch
Both teams boast key players who will play pivotal roles in this game. These athletes are capable of swinging the outcome based on their performances on game day.
Away Team
- Running Back: Michael Johnson (Senior)
- Position: Running Back
- Strengths: Johnson is the engine of Away’s offense. With his combination of speed, vision, and toughness, he can break big plays at any moment.
- Key Role: Johnson needs to establish the run early to keep the Green Knights’ defense honest and control the clock.
- Quarterback: Zachary Evans (Junior)
- Position: Quarterback
- Strengths: Evans is known for his poise and decision-making. While not the flashiest quarterback, his accuracy and ability to read defenses make him dangerous.
- Key Role: Evans will need to make quick, smart decisions and connect on key third-down throws to keep the chains moving.
- Linebacker: David Hunter (Senior)
- Position: Linebacker
- Strengths: A tackling machine, Hunter has been the heart of Away’s defense all season. His leadership and football IQ allow him to diagnose plays quickly and be in the right position.
- Key Role: Hunter will be tasked with shutting down St. Joe’s running game and making big stops on key downs.
St. Joe’s
- Running Back: Tyler Booker (Junior)
- Position: Running Back
- Strengths: Booker is the star of St. Joe’s offense, known for his ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact. His vision and burst through the line make him a threat to score on every carry.
- Key Role: Booker will be the focal point of St. Joe’s offense. If he can get going early, it will open up the rest of the playbook for the Green Knights.
- Quarterback: Jake Flaherty (Senior)
- Position: Quarterback
- Strengths: Flaherty has a big arm and can make every throw on the field. His ability to spread the ball to multiple receivers and take advantage of play-action is what makes St. Joe’s offense so difficult to defend.
- Key Role: Flaherty’s leadership and passing efficiency will be crucial, especially if Away’s defense focuses on stopping the run.
- Defensive End: Marcus James (Senior)
- Position: Defensive End
- Strengths: James is an elite pass-rusher with a quick first step and the ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. His presence on the edge is a game-changer for St. Joe’s defense.
- Key Role: James will need to apply pressure on Evans throughout the game, making sure the quarterback is uncomfortable in the pocket.
Team Strengths and Weaknesses
Away
Strengths:
- Balanced Offense: Away has found success with a balanced offensive approach that can keep defenses guessing. By mixing the run and pass, they create opportunities to exploit defensive weaknesses.
- Tough Defense: The Away defense, led by David Hunter, is physical and capable of slowing down even the most potent offenses. Their ability to make key stops, particularly on third downs, has kept them competitive.
- Underdog Mentality: Away plays with a chip on their shoulder. They relish the underdog role, and that can sometimes translate into a spirited, fearless style of play.
Weaknesses:
- Inconsistent Quarterback Play: While Evans has shown flashes of greatness, he’s also had games where his decision-making has been questionable. Turnovers and inconsistency at the quarterback position have plagued Away in key moments.
- Struggles in Close Games: Away has struggled to finish in tight games. They have let leads slip away late and need to improve their execution in the fourth quarter to secure victories.
- Defensive Depth: While their starters are solid, Away’s depth on defense has been a concern. As the game wears on, fatigue can become an issue, especially against a physically imposing team like St. Joe’s.
St. Joe’s
Strengths:
- Dominant Running Game: St. Joe’s relies on its powerful rushing attack, led by Tyler Booker. Their ability to control the line of scrimmage and dictate the pace of the game has been a hallmark of their success.
- Efficient Passing Attack: With a quarterback like Flaherty, St. Joe’s is dangerous in play-action situations. Their ability to stretch the field and make big plays in the passing game complements their strong rushing attack.
- Stingy Defense: The Green Knights have one of the toughest defenses in the league. Their front seven, anchored by Marcus James, can wreak havoc on opposing offenses, while their secondary is opportunistic, forcing turnovers.
Weaknesses:
- Over-Reliance on the Run: If Away manages to shut down the run game, St. Joe’s will be forced to rely more heavily on their passing game. While effective, the passing game is not their first choice, and a one-dimensional offense could lead to problems.
- Penalties: St. Joe’s has struggled with penalties this season, particularly in key situations. Mental mistakes have cost them points and field position in close games, and they must play disciplined football to avoid giving Away free yardage.
- Complacency: As the heavy favorite, St. Joe’s will need to guard against complacency. They’ve been dominant this season, but any letdown in focus or effort could allow Away to keep the game close and potentially pull off an upset.
Game Odds and Prediction
This matchup is intriguing for several reasons. On paper, St. Joe’s is the more complete team, but Away has enough talent to make this a competitive game. The question is whether Away can execute their game plan well enough to overcome St. Joe’s physicality and depth.
Odds:
- Moneyline: St. Joe’s -200, Away +170
- Spread: St. Joe’s -7
- Over/Under: 42.5 points
Prediction:
St. Joe’s has the clear edge in terms of talent and home-field advantage. However, if Away can control the clock, avoid turnovers, and keep the game within reach going into the fourth quarter, they have a chance to pull off an upset. Still, St. Joe’s balanced attack and stout defense should be enough to secure the win.
Final Prediction: St. Joe’s 28, Away 17
The matchup between Away and St. Joe’s is shaping up to be a must-watch high school football game. With both teams fighting for playoff positioning, expect a high-stakes, hard-fought contest. Will Away play spoiler, or will St. Joe’s continue their dominant season?
Tune in to the NFHS Network on October 6, 2024, at 12:00 AM GMT+6 to catch all the action!
