Anacostia vs. Bell: A Breakdown of the 2024-2025 Season

As the 2024-2025 high school football season draws to a close, the rivalry between Anacostia and Bell remains one of the most anticipated matchups in the DC area. Both teams have shown promising performances, with distinct differences in their overall success and team dynamics. Here’s a breakdown of their season so far, including key statistics, head-to-head results, and player performances.

Season Overview

Anacostia (5-6, 3-2 in league) and Bell (9-2, 5-0 in league) have had contrasting seasons. Anacostia has faced a tough road in both league and non-league play, finishing the season with a below .500 record. Bell, on the other hand, has been dominant, remaining undefeated in league play and entering the postseason as one of the top contenders in their division.

Anacostia’s Performance:

Anacostia has had a mixed record of wins and losses, showing resilience with a 3-2 league record but struggling in non-league play (1-4). They have had notable victories, including a decisive win over McKinley Tech and a thrilling 22-18 victory over Ron Brown. However, their losses to teams like KIPP DC Legacy College Prep and Roosevelt indicate a need for improvement in both defense and consistency.

Team Statistics:

• Offensive Average: Anacostia has averaged 245 yards per game, with a solid rushing game led by Ri’chard Wheeler (139.7 yards per game). However, their passing game has been less effective, averaging just 175.3 yards per game.
• Defensive Average: On defense, they average 64.7 tackles per game, with Malachi Hill leading the team with 12.9 tackles per game.

Bell’s Performance:

Bell’s season has been nothing short of stellar, with a 9-2 overall record. Their undefeated league performance speaks volumes about their dominance. Their only two losses came from non-league matchups, while they crushed opponents like McKinley Tech and Cardozo in league play. Bell’s high-powered offense, which averages 356 yards per game, has been the driving force behind their success, outscoring their opponents by a wide margin.

Team Statistics:

• Offensive Average: Bell’s offense, led by Antonio Washington (158.9 rushing yards per game) and Jakari Graham (75.9 passing yards per game), has been nearly unstoppable, with 216.5 rushing yards and 90.7 passing yards per game.
• Defensive Average: Their defense, averaging 42.4 tackles per game, has been equally impressive, with Aaron Perkins contributing 9.1 tackles per game.

Key Matchup: Anacostia vs. Bell

The two teams faced off in a major game on October 25, where Bell emerged victorious with a commanding 33-10 win. This game was a showcase of Bell’s offensive and defensive prowess, as they dominated the scoreboard throughout.

In terms of scoring, Anacostia struggled to keep up, with their average of 22.3 points per game falling short against Bell’s explosive offense, which averages 32.4 points per game. The offensive line for Anacostia was unable to hold back Bell’s defense, and their passing game, in particular, failed to make a significant impact.

The next meeting between the teams will be a critical playoff game, with Bell looking to continue their dominant run and Anacostia hoping to turn the tide in their favor.

Team Leaders

• Anacostia:
  • Ri’chard Wheeler is the key player for Anacostia, leading the team in rushing (139.7 yards per game), passing (145.2 yards per game), and total yards (316.6 yards per game). He is also a top scorer with 5.3 points per game.
  • Malachi Hill and Devin Parks lead the defense, contributing 12.9 and 1.9 sacks per game, respectively.
• Bell:
  • Antonio Washington is a powerhouse for Bell, rushing for an average of 158.9 yards per game.
  • Jakari Graham, with 75.9 passing yards per game, has been effective in the air, supporting the team’s dynamic offensive scheme.
  • Aaron Perkins and Jayden Watts play crucial roles in the defense, with Perkins contributing 9.1 tackles per game.

Common Opponents and Comparison

The two teams have faced some common opponents this season, and the results tell an interesting story. While Anacostia holds a 4-3 record against common opponents, Bell has an impressive 6-1 record. Notably, both teams had close games against KIPP DC Legacy College Prep and Roosevelt, with Anacostia narrowly losing 28-26 to KIPP DC and Bell winning 35-26. Similarly, Bell’s 46-6 defeat of Roosevelt highlights their strong performance compared to Anacostia’s 27-14 loss to the same team.

Conclusion

As both teams prepare for their playoff clash, Bell enters as the favorite, bolstered by their undefeated league record and overall dominance. However, Anacostia has the talent and determination to surprise, especially with standout performances from Ri’chard Wheeler and a defense capable of stepping up under pressure. The stage is set for what promises to be an exciting and hard-fought battle in the postseason.