Football Game Preview: Brookfield Bobcats vs. Notre Dame Prep Lancers + How To Watch

Two dominant backs in Tyler Buttendorf and Ja'Cari Harris are getting ready to go toe-to-toe. The Brookfield Bobcats will be playing at home against the Notre Dame Prep Lancers at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. Brookfield's defense has only allowed 14.3 points per game this season, so Notre Dame Prep's offense will have their work cut out for them.

Brookfield is coming in off a wild two-game stretch: after soaring to 54 points two weeks ago, they were much more limited against Newtown on Thursday. They lost to the Nighthawks at home by a 21-7 margin. The Bobcats have struggled against the Nighthawks recently, as the game was their fifth consecutive lost matchup.

Meanwhile, Notre Dame Prep didn't have quite enough to beat Nonnewaug/Lakeview/Shepaug Valley on Friday and fell 35-32. Despite 233 more yards than the Chiefs, the Lancers couldn't convert that extra yardage to scores.

The match pitted two dominant backs against one another in Harris and Davion Joe. Joe had a solid game and gained 101 total yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Harris was balling out in the loss, rushing for 213 yards and three touchdowns while picking up 8.9 yards per carry.

Even if they lost, Notre Dame Prep's defensive line still kept up the pressure with six sacks. Nathan Derisme was particularly dangerous to the passing game, picking up four himself. Derisme is also crushing it when it comes to total tackles: he's made at least seven every time he's taken the field this season.

Brookfield's defeat was their first in the league, dropping their league record down to 2-1 and their overall record down to 4-2. As for Notre Dame Prep, their loss dropped their record down to an identical 4-2.

Saturday's game might be decided on the ground. Brookfield has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 230.7 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Notre Dame Prep struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 289.5 rushing yards. There's a good chance Saturday's contest turns into a tough fight on the ground.

Brookfield came up short against Notre Dame Prep in their previous meeting back in October of 2023, falling 28-20. Will the Bobcats have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other football content.