The Athol (MA) varsity football team will play a home non-conference game against Springfield International Charter School (Springfield, MA) today at 6 p.m.

What: Massachusetts High School Football
Who: Athol (MA) vs Springfield International Charter School (MA)
When: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

ICS vs. Athol: A Comparative Breakdown of 2024-25 Football Seasons

As the 2024-25 high school football season progresses, two teams, Springfield International Charter School (SICS) and Athol, have shown promise with differing records and styles of play. Here’s an in-depth look at how the two teams measure up.

Team Records and Performance

SICS has been impressive so far with a 6-3 overall record, holding a strong 4-1 performance in league play. Their success has been especially noticeable in home games, where they boast a 3-2 record, and their away games have yielded a solid 3-1 record. The team’s league win percentage is an impressive .800, far surpassing their overall win percentage of .667.

In contrast, Athol has a more balanced, yet less impressive, 4-4 overall record. They stand at 2-2 in league play, with a 1-2 record both at home and away. Athol’s neutral-site games are a bright spot, as they are undefeated in those matchups with a 2-0 record. Their league win percentage matches their overall win percentage at .500, indicating a more even split between success and challenges.

Team Scoring

In terms of scoring, SICS has shown a more explosive offense. The team averages 32.3 points per game, with their most productive quarter being the fourth, where they average 9.3 points. Their first and second quarters are solid as well, with 6.0 and 8.7 points per game, respectively.

On the other hand, Athol’s offense has been more erratic. They average 25.0 points per game, with the majority of their scoring coming in the second quarter (8.5 points). However, their first and third quarters are a struggle, with only 1.8 points per quarter in both periods. The team’s ability to make a fourth-quarter push (5.0 points per game) shows they are not easily deterred, but they need more consistency across all four quarters.

Team Stat Comparison

Here’s a look at the statistical breakdown between SICS and Athol:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: SICS leads with 206.6 rushing yards per game, a significant advantage over Athol, who has not recorded rushing stats.
• Passing Yards Per Game: Athol has not posted any passing yard statistics either, but SICS’ standout quarterback, Nyrel Norris, is averaging a noteworthy 163.1 passing yards per game.
• Receiving Yards Per Game: Both teams show solid performance in the passing game, with SICS racking up 163.1 receiving yards per game.
• Total Yards Per Game: SICS also leads here with a total of 369.7 yards per game, showcasing their versatile offensive attack.
• Tackles Per Game: Athol is more competitive in defense, averaging 47.6 tackles per game.
• Sacks Per Game: Both teams struggle to put significant pressure on the quarterback, with SICS averaging 1.7 sacks per game and Athol not providing sack stats.
• Points Per Game: SICS also has the edge in this category, with an average of 33.9 points per game compared to Athol’s 25.0.

Team Leaders

• SICS: Key players for SICS include Jaedis Elmore, who leads with 98.3 rushing yards per game, and Nyrel Norris, the team’s offensive star with 163.1 passing yards and 223.9 total yards per game. Norris also leads the team in points, with 9.8 per game. Jaylen McIver contributes 71.8 receiving yards per game, and on defense, Xavier Colon is a force with 6.4 tackles per game and 1.0 sacks.
• Athol: While there is less information on Athol’s standout players, their balanced attack relies on solid team play. Key performances will be necessary to close the gap with SICS, particularly in generating more offensive output across all quarters.

Common Opponents and Head-to-Head

Both teams have faced the same common opponent, Pathfinder RVT. SICS triumphed in their matchup, winning 40-30, while Athol also secured a dominant 40-0 victory over the same team. This indicates that while SICS may have a stronger overall record, Athol has been competitive and capable of big wins in certain scenarios.

Conclusion

In summary, while both teams have had their share of successes and challenges, SICS has the upper hand in most areas, especially with their strong offense and overall record. However, Athol has shown resilience and can be a competitive force when they find their rhythm. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these teams adjust and continue to battle in league play.