The Arlington (WA) varsity football team will play a home playoff game against Graham-Kapowsin (Graham, WA) today at 1:00 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Washington High School Football
Who: Arlington vs Graham-Kapowsin
When: Today, November 16, 2024
Time: 1:00. p.m. ET
“2024 Football Washington State Championships – 4A State Football”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

High School Football Showdown: Graham-Kapowsin vs. Arlington

As the 2024-25 Washington high school football season enters its final stretch, two powerhouse teams—Graham-Kapowsin and Arlington—are generating significant buzz. With impressive records, stellar individual performances, and high expectations, both teams are poised for a memorable postseason run. Let’s take a deep dive into their season statistics, performance breakdown, and key players ahead of their anticipated matchups.

Team Overview

Graham-Kapowsin enters the playoffs with a solid 7-3 record, securing an undefeated district campaign (5-0) and a respectable 3-3 mark on the road. Their overall scoring average of 30.7 points per game underscores their offensive capabilities, though their scoring tends to dip in the later quarters. A balanced offense—led by quarterback Aj Tuivaiave—has kept them competitive all season. Tuivaiave, averaging 244.3 passing yards per game, has been a key contributor, complemented by top receiver Kase Betz, who averages 81.4 receiving yards per game.

On defense, the Eagles boast an average of 47.7 tackles per game, with linebacker Caleb Braithwaite contributing 6.8 tackles per game. Graham-Kapowsin’s defense has been a formidable force, keeping opponents under 200 points for the season (177 points allowed).

Arlington, with a stellar 9-1 record, has been dominant in almost every aspect of the game. Their high-octane offense, which scores an impressive 42.5 points per game, is one of the most explosive in the state. The Eagles (yes, the same team name, but from different districts) have been especially effective in the first half of games, averaging 29.4 points between the first two quarters. Leyton Martin, their star quarterback, has been exceptional, averaging 220 passing yards per game. Meanwhile, Chase Deberry provides a potent receiving threat, registering 74.8 yards per game.

Defensively, Arlington’s 56.9 tackles per game and 1.5 sacks per game make them one of the most hard-hitting teams in the state. Tre Haines has led the charge on defense, averaging 6.3 tackles per game. Arlington’s only loss came in a tough district matchup, but they rebounded quickly, maintaining their undefeated home record.

Key Statistical Comparisons

When comparing the two teams’ overall statistics, several trends emerge that could play a pivotal role in future matchups:

• Total Yards Per Game: Arlington outpaces Graham-Kapowsin by a significant margin, averaging 391.6 total yards per game compared to Graham-Kapowsin’s 351.6 yards.
• Rushing and Passing: Arlington dominates in the running game, averaging 163.1 rushing yards per game. In contrast, Graham-Kapowsin focuses more on the pass, with 246.0 passing yards per game, compared to Arlington’s 228.5.
• Defense: Arlington’s defense seems slightly more efficient in terms of tackles, averaging 56.9 per game versus Graham-Kapowsin’s 47.7. However, both teams register a similar number of sacks per game (1.5), making for an even contest when it comes to pressuring the quarterback.
• Points Per Game: Arlington’s offense is more potent, scoring an average of 42.5 points per game, while Graham-Kapowsin puts up 30.7 points per game. This scoring differential suggests that Arlington may have the edge in high-scoring games, but Graham-Kapowsin’s defense could help them keep the game competitive.

Team Leaders and Notable Performances

Graham-Kapowsin‘s standout players this season have been their offensive duo, Aj Tuivaiave and Kase Betz. Tuivaiave’s ability to pass the ball and make big plays has been a cornerstone of their offense. On the receiving end, Betz has consistently been a top target. On defense, Caleb Braithwaite has been a leader in tackles, making crucial stops across the field.

On the other hand, Arlington’s star players include Leyton Martin, who has been the engine behind their high-scoring offense, and Chase Deberry, who has proven to be a reliable and dynamic receiving threat. On the defensive side, Tre Haines and Jr Bernardo have been key contributors to Arlington’s defensive success.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced Jackson this season and emerged victorious. Graham-Kapowsin defeated Jackson 48-6 on November 9, while Arlington won 49-21 in their earlier matchup on September 20. This shared win against a common opponent adds an interesting layer to the comparison, showing both teams’ dominance over similar competition.

Head-to-Head Breakdown

In terms of head-to-head performance, Graham-Kapowsin and Arlington are yet to face off this season. However, their contrasting styles—Graham-Kapowsin’s balanced offensive attack versus Arlington’s explosive scoring ability—make for a compelling matchup. Each team has proven capable of handling adversity, with both having won big games and posted dominant victories.

Conclusion

With a high-powered offense, solid defensive units, and standout individual performances, both Graham-Kapowsin and Arlington are teams to watch as the postseason approaches. Graham-Kapowsin’s balanced offense and tenacious defense give them the tools to challenge even the most potent teams, while Arlington’s explosive attack and strong defensive play make them a formidable opponent in any matchup.

As these two teams gear up for a possible showdown, one thing is certain: fans can expect an exciting and high-stakes game when these two juggernauts meet. Whether it’s Graham-Kapowsin’s strategic passing attack or Arlington’s relentless offensive firepower, the outcome will likely come down to which team can execute their game plan most effectively when it matters most.