The stage is set for an electrifying Tennessee high school football matchup as the Knoxville Catholic Fighting Irish take on the Baylor Red Raiders. This game, scheduled for Friday, November 15 at 7 p.m. ET, is a battle of two powerhouse programs with a history of deep playoff runs and exceptional talent. Knoxville Catholic and Baylor both have impressive seasons and explosive playbooks, which will make this matchup one of the highlights of the high school football season.

Game Information:

• Date: Friday, November 15, 2024
• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Location: Baylor School, Chattanooga, Tennessee
• Broadcast: NFHS Network (live-streaming option)

How to Watch: TV and Streaming Options

• NFHS Network: The NFHS Network will stream the game live, giving fans the opportunity to watch from home. To access this game, you’ll need to subscribe to the network’s streaming service.
  • Subscription Options: Monthly or annual subscription packages are available, providing access to thousands of high school sports events across the country.
  • Supported Devices: Viewers can stream on multiple devices, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, and smart TVs.

For fans unable to attend in person, the NFHS Network provides high-quality, real-time streaming, making it easy to follow the action live.

Team Previews

Knoxville Catholic Fighting Irish

• Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
• Season Recap: The Fighting Irish have been a formidable team all season. They bring a high-powered offense that has proven difficult to stop, along with a tough defense that excels in making big plays. Knoxville Catholic is known for its disciplined play and has a strong tradition of success in the playoffs.
• Coaching Style: The coaching staff emphasizes a balanced offensive approach, blending run and pass plays to keep defenses guessing. The defense is aggressive, focusing on disrupting the opponent’s rhythm and forcing turnovers.
• Notable Players:
  • Quarterback: The Fighting Irish’s quarterback is a consistent leader who commands the offense with poise. Known for his accurate arm and strong field awareness, he’ll be key in moving the chains and putting points on the board.
  • Running Back: Knoxville Catholic’s running back is a bruising, powerful runner who also possesses agility and speed, making him a dual-threat on the ground.
  • Linebackers: The defensive core includes standout linebackers who play a crucial role in shutting down the run game and providing pressure in the backfield.

Baylor Red Raiders

• Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee
• Season Recap: The Baylor Red Raiders have been on a tear this season, with a dynamic offense and a resilient defense. Their team is well-coached and disciplined, often showcasing big plays in critical moments. Baylor has a reputation for its relentless pressure and a potent offense that can score from anywhere on the field.
• Coaching Style: Baylor’s coaching staff promotes a high-tempo, offense-first approach, focusing on scoring fast and often. On defense, they emphasize creating pressure and forcing opponents to make mistakes.
• Notable Players:
  • Quarterback: The Red Raiders’ quarterback is an explosive playmaker known for his big arm and quick decision-making. He excels in both the short and deep passing game, keeping defenses on their toes.
  • Wide Receivers: Baylor boasts a talented receiving corps capable of stretching the field and creating mismatches. Their speed and ability to break tackles make them a threat on every play.
  • Defensive Line: The Red Raiders’ defensive line is quick and disruptive, consistently pressuring opposing quarterbacks and creating challenges for running backs.

Key Players to Watch

Knoxville Catholic Fighting Irish

1. Quarterback (#12): As the offensive leader, he’s known for his composure and playmaking ability. His ability to read defenses and execute under pressure makes him a central figure in Knoxville Catholic’s game plan.
2. Running Back (#24): With impressive speed and power, the running back is key to establishing Knoxville Catholic’s ground game. His ability to gain yards after contact will be a crucial factor in moving the chains.
3. Defensive Back (#8): Known for his quick reflexes and excellent tackling skills, this defensive back will be instrumental in defending Baylor’s potent passing attack.

Baylor Red Raiders

1. Quarterback (#7): A dual-threat athlete, Baylor’s quarterback will be relied upon to make quick decisions and keep the offense moving. His mobility allows him to extend plays, making him difficult for opposing defenses to contain.
2. Wide Receiver (#11): This receiver has breakaway speed and exceptional hands, making him a favorite target for big plays. Look for him to be heavily involved in Baylor’s offensive strategy.
3. Linebacker (#44): Known for his tackling ability and field awareness, this linebacker will play a critical role in stopping Knoxville Catholic’s running game and putting pressure on their quarterback.

Game Preview: Breaking Down the Matchup

Offensive Strategies

• Knoxville Catholic: The Fighting Irish are expected to use a balanced attack, combining a solid ground game with an efficient passing game. They will aim to keep Baylor’s defense off-balance by mixing up play calls and controlling the clock. Establishing the run will be essential, allowing the quarterback to exploit the secondary with play-action passes.
• Baylor: The Red Raiders are known for their explosive, fast-paced offense that seeks to score quickly. They’ll likely lean on their quarterback’s arm, utilizing a mix of short and deep passes to spread out Knoxville Catholic’s defense. Baylor’s receivers will be tasked with creating separation and challenging the secondary with their speed.

Defensive Strategies

• Knoxville Catholic: The Fighting Irish will focus on containing Baylor’s quarterback and limiting big plays from their wide receivers. They’ll likely employ a mix of zone and man coverage to prevent Baylor from breaking open the game, and their linebackers will play a key role in keeping the quarterback from escaping the pocket.
• Baylor: The Red Raiders’ defensive strategy will revolve around putting pressure on Knoxville Catholic’s quarterback and containing their star running back. Expect them to bring blitzes to force quick decisions and disrupt the offense’s rhythm. Their secondary will need to be alert to prevent big gains on passing downs.

Special Teams

• Special teams will be a pivotal aspect of this game, especially with field position likely being a key factor. Both teams have reliable kickers capable of hitting long field goals, and the return game could produce a game-changing play if either team’s special teams unit can break free for big yardage.

Odds and Predictions

Odds

No official odds are provided for high school games, but the matchup is anticipated to be close. Baylor is seen as the slight favorite due to their explosive offensive capability and home-field advantage. However, Knoxville Catholic’s defense could be a decisive factor if they are able to contain Baylor’s attack.

Prediction

• Final Score: Baylor 31, Knoxville Catholic 27
• Prediction: This game is expected to go down to the wire, with Baylor ultimately prevailing by a narrow margin. Their ability to score quickly and create big plays will likely give them the edge, but Knoxville Catholic’s disciplined approach will keep the game competitive. Look for a back-and-forth contest that comes down to who can execute best in the closing minutes.

Keys to Victory

Knoxville Catholic’s Keys to Victory

1. Control Time of Possession: Keeping Baylor’s high-octane offense off the field by sustaining long drives will be essential for Knoxville Catholic.
2. Minimize Mistakes: Turnovers could swing the game, so ball security and smart play-calling are crucial.
3. Limit Big Plays: Preventing Baylor from making big gains on offense will keep the game manageable and allow Knoxville Catholic’s defense to stay fresh.

Baylor’s Keys to Victory

1. Utilize Speed and Playmaking: Baylor’s offense thrives on speed and creativity, so utilizing their playmakers will be critical.
2. Create Defensive Pressure: Getting to Knoxville Catholic’s quarterback early and often will disrupt their offensive rhythm.
3. Win the Special Teams Battle: Solid kick returns and effective punting can make a big difference in setting up the offense and dictating field position.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

1. First Quarter: Expect both teams to feel each other out, with a focus on establishing their offensive rhythm. Knoxville Catholic may lean on their ground game early, while Baylor will likely take some deep shots to test the defense.
2. Second Quarter: As the game settles in, the offenses should start to open up. Baylor may look to increase their tempo, while Knoxville Catholic will continue to play a balanced attack, mixing runs and short passes to control the clock.
3. Third Quarter: Adjustments from halftime will be evident, as both coaching staffs identify weaknesses to exploit. Baylor may come out aggressive, while Knoxville Catholic’s defense will look to make a statement.
4. Fourth Quarter: This game could come down to the final drives, with each team needing to execute flawlessly. Baylor’s quick-strike capability gives them an edge, but if Knoxville Catholic can keep up, it might come down to the final play.

The matchup between Knoxville Catholic and Baylor promises high-energy play, skilled athletes, and a nail-biting finish. Both teams bring unique strengths to the table, and fans can expect a well-fought battle that showcases the best of high school football. Catch all the action live on NFHS Network and witness this thrilling game that’s sure to leave a lasting impact on both programs’ legacies.