The Washington varsity football team will host Burton today at 2 p.m. for an important home conference game. Both teams are eager to secure a win to improve their standings in the league. This rivalry matchup promises to be an exciting and competitive contest as they battle for supremacy.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football
Who: Burton vs Washington
When: Today, November 16, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Washington vs. Burton

Today at 2 p.m., Washington High School will host Burton in a critical conference matchup. Both teams have faced difficult seasons, but this game provides an opportunity for each to secure a much-needed victory and gain momentum as the season progresses.

Burton High School (24-25 Season)

Burton enters the game with a challenging 1-7 record overall and is still searching for their first league win, sitting at 0-5 in conference play. The team has struggled in both home and away games, with a 0-4 home record and a 1-3 away record. Despite their difficulties, Burton has managed to score 26 points this season, but their defense has allowed a staggering 346 points, which has been a major factor in their struggles.

• Overall Record: 1-7
• League Record: 0-5
• Home Record: 0-4
• Away Record: 1-3
• Win Percentage: .125
• League Win Percentage: .000
• Points Scored (PF): 26
• Points Allowed (PA): 346

Burton’s offense has been limited throughout the season, with an average of just 3.3 points per game. Their scoring is consistently low in each quarter, averaging only 1.1 points in the first three quarters, and they struggle to generate any points in the fourth quarter. If Burton hopes to pull off an upset, they will need to significantly improve their offensive and defensive performance.

• Scoring by Quarter:
  • Q1: 1.1
  • Q2: 1.1
  • Q3: 1.1
  • Q4: 0
  • Total: 3.3 points per game

Washington High School (24-25 Season)

Washington has had a slightly better season, posting a 3-6 overall record. In league play, they are 2-3, and while their home record is 2-4, they have shown resilience on the road with a 1-2 record. With 162 points scored and 257 points allowed, Washington has had its ups and downs, but they have been more competitive than Burton throughout the season.

• Overall Record: 3-6
• League Record: 2-3
• Home Record: 2-4
• Away Record: 1-2
• Win Percentage: .333
• League Win Percentage: .400
• Points Scored (PF): 162
• Points Allowed (PA): 257

Washington’s offense has been more productive, averaging 18.0 points per game. Their strongest quarters have been the third and fourth, where they average 6.2 and 5.4 points, respectively. They also manage to put up 4.0 points in the first quarter and 3.0 in the second. If Washington can maintain this offensive balance throughout the game, they should be able to secure a victory.

• Scoring by Quarter:
  • Q1: 4.0
  • Q2: 3.0
  • Q3: 6.2
  • Q4: 5.4
  • Total: 18.0 points per game

Key Matchup Factors

Washington enters this game as the clear favorite, given their stronger record and more consistent offense. Burton’s struggles to put points on the board make it difficult for them to stay competitive in games. To have a chance at an upset, Burton will need to dramatically improve both their offensive production and defensive efforts.

For Washington, the key to victory will be maintaining their scoring momentum, especially in the second half, where they have been most productive. Their defense will also need to be vigilant, as they cannot afford to underestimate Burton despite their opponent’s struggles this season.

As the season draws to a close, the Burton (1-7) vs. Washington (3-6) matchup holds significant implications for both teams, as they continue to search for ways to improve on a tough season. Both teams have faced adversity, with limited success on offense and defense. Let’s break down the key statistics, players, and common opponents for these two teams heading into their final contest.

Team Stat Comparison

Burton has struggled to generate consistent offense, averaging just 52.5 total yards per game. Their rushing attack, led by Kene Smallwood, averages 40.4 rushing yards per game, and their passing game has been almost non-existent, contributing only 12.1 passing yards per game. The team has been equally challenged defensively, with only 11.8 tackles per game and 0.8 sacks per game. Burton has managed to put up just 3.0 points per game, reflecting their struggles to find the end zone.

On the other hand, Washington has also faced difficulties, but they have managed to score more, averaging 17.3 total yards per game. Their rushing attack is virtually non-existent, as they have yet to register meaningful passing or rushing statistics. Their defense, though, has been more active, averaging 11.8 tackles per game, with 0.8 sacks per game.

Key Players to Watch

• Burton:
  • Kene Smallwood: The star player for Burton has been their lead rusher, averaging 35.8 rushing yards per game. While his offensive contributions haven’t been enough to turn the tide for Burton, he remains their primary source of offense.
  • Emiliano Lopez: With 21.8 passing yards per game, Lopez has been asked to step up in the passing game but hasn’t been able to create much production so far this season.
• Washington:
  • Maximus Caceres: Leading the team with 4.0 points per game, Caceres has been one of the few bright spots for Washington on offense. However, much more will be needed from the entire team for Washington to find success.
  • Darien Tillman: The defensive standout with 0.5 sacks per game, Tillman will be pivotal in trying to contain Burton’s offense and give his team a chance to compete.

Common Opponents Breakdown

Both teams have faced a number of the same opponents, and these results offer insights into their respective strengths and weaknesses:

• Richmond:
  • Burton: Beat Richmond 2-0 on 9/6/24.
  • Washington: Beat Richmond 31-6 on 9/20/24.

  Washington’s commanding victory over Richmond stands in stark contrast to Burton’s narrow win, indicating Washington’s ability to handle weaker teams more effectively.

• Mission:
  • Burton: Lost to Mission 37-16 on 10/4/24.
  • Washington: Beat Mission 33-21 on 11/2/24.

  Washington’s win over Mission shows they are capable of more competitive play, while Burton’s loss highlights their ongoing struggles to keep pace with more formidable opponents.

• Lowell:
  • Burton: Lost to Lowell 62-0 on 10/12/24.
  • Washington: Lost to Lowell 42-15 on 10/26/24.

  Both teams were overwhelmed by Lowell, but Burton’s loss was even more lopsided, showing a greater gap between them and the higher-tier teams.

• Galileo:
  • Burton: Lost to Galileo 24-8 on 10/18/24.
  • Washington: Beat Galileo 38-0 on 11/9/24.

  Washington’s dominant victory contrasts with Burton’s lackluster performance against Galileo, further emphasizing the disparity between the two teams.

• Lincoln:
  • Burton: Lost to Lincoln 77-0 on 10/26/24.
  • Washington: Lost to Lincoln 54-0 on 10/19/24.

  Both teams struggled against Lincoln, but Burton’s loss by a wider margin underscores their issues in staying competitive against top teams.

• Balboa:
  • Burton: Lost to Balboa 53-0 on 11/2/24.
  • Washington: Lost to Balboa 31-14 on 10/12/24.

  Washington managed to put up some points against Balboa, but both teams were overmatched, with Burton’s loss being more significant.

Record Breakdown

• Burton: With a 1-7 overall record and a 0-5 league record, Burton has had a tough year. They have struggled to keep pace in both league and non-league matchups, with their only victory coming against Richmond. Their 1-5 record against common opponents further reflects their overall challenges this season.
  • Record Summary: 1-7 overall, 0-5 league, 0-4 home, 1-3 away.
• Washington: While Washington’s 3-6 overall record and 2-3 league record are slightly better than Burton’s, they too have faced significant struggles this season. Their 3-3 record against common opponents shows that they have been more competitive against teams of similar caliber, but they have also been unable to capitalize on key matchups.
  • Record Summary: 3-6 overall, 2-3 league, 1-2 home, 2-3 away.

Conclusion

As both teams head into this matchup, Washington holds the advantage. Their slightly better record, combined with their stronger performances against common opponents, gives them the edge. Burton has struggled mightily this season, with offensive and defensive woes contributing to their poor record.

However, Burton could make this game competitive if Kene Smallwood can break off some big runs, and if Emiliano Lopez can find a rhythm in the passing game. Washington, on the other hand, will need to build on their better showings and tighten up their defensive play to ensure a victory.

Overall, Washington is expected to come out on top, but with both teams looking to finish their seasons on a positive note, this game could provide an exciting conclusion to their campaigns.