Lake Stevens vs. Chiawana: A Football Showdown of Strengths

As the high school football season heads into the final stretch, two powerhouse teams—Lake Stevens and Chiawana—are making headlines with impressive records and exceptional performances. With contrasting strengths and strategies, the matchup between these two teams promises to be an exciting one. Here’s a breakdown of both teams, their strengths, and what makes this contest particularly intriguing.

Team Overview:

Lake Stevens Vikings:

• Record: 8-3 overall, 5-1 in district play
• Home Record: 6-1
• Away Record: 2-2
• Scoring Average: 44.6 points per game
• Points Allowed: 203 total points (an average of 18.5 per game)

Lake Stevens enters the game with an overall winning record and a strong district performance, boasting a .727 win percentage. Their offense is formidable, averaging over 44 points per game, led by standout performers like Jayshon Limar (115.6 rushing yards per game) and quarterback Kolton Matson (222.9 passing yards per game). The Vikings’ ability to score quickly and efficiently is their key to success, especially with a powerful rushing game and a balanced attack through the air.

Chiawana Riverhawks:

• Record: 10-1 overall, 8-0 in district play
• Home Record: 6-0
• Away Record: 4-1
• Scoring Average: 46.1 points per game
• Points Allowed: 96 total points (an average of 8.7 per game)

Chiawana, with a stunning 10-1 record, has dominated its competition, posting an impressive .909 win percentage. The Riverhawks’ offensive and defensive units have been outstanding, scoring a high average of 46.1 points per game, while their defense has allowed just 96 points all season. Chiawana’s offense has been led by Braxton Feldmann (120.3 rushing yards per game) and Julian Martinez (70.5 receiving yards per game), making them a balanced and powerful team.

Offensive Comparison:

In terms of offensive production, both teams have impressive numbers, though their styles vary.

• Lake Stevens: Known for its explosive offense, the Vikings rack up an average of 437.1 total yards per game, led by the dual-threat combination of Matson’s passing and Limar’s rushing. Their balanced attack is evident in their consistent ability to score high, particularly in the first two quarters (12.4 points in the first and 14.7 points in the second).
• Chiawana: The Riverhawks have been dominant in both the ground and air game, though their rushing attack is particularly effective with Feldmann leading the charge. Chiawana averages 507 total yards per game, with 72.6 rushing yards per game coming from their dynamic backfield. While their scoring drops slightly in the third and fourth quarters, they are consistently able to put up big numbers early, with 17.8 points in the first quarter and 14.6 in the second.

Defensive Comparison:

Both teams have shown strong defensive performances, though Chiawana’s defense has been especially stingy.

• Lake Stevens: The Vikings have allowed 203 points this season, averaging 18.5 points per game. Their defense is solid, with 73.3 tackles per game and 4.0 sacks per game, but they will need to step up their game against the high-powered Chiawana offense.
• Chiawana: The Riverhawks have allowed only 96 total points this season, averaging a remarkable 8.7 points per game. With 14.5 tackles per game and 0.7 sacks per game, Chiawana’s defense has been nearly impenetrable, allowing them to dominate opponents both at home and away.

Key Players to Watch:

• Lake Stevens:
  • Jayshon Limar (RB): With an average of 115.6 rushing yards per game, Limar is a key factor in the Vikings’ ground game.
  • Kolton Matson (QB): Matson is central to the offensive game plan, averaging 222.9 passing yards per game. His ability to connect with receivers like Keagan Howard (60.5 receiving yards per game) will be critical in keeping Chiawana’s defense on its toes.
• Chiawana:
  • Braxton Feldmann (RB): Feldmann leads the team with 120.3 rushing yards per game, providing a steady offensive presence on the ground.
  • Julian Martinez (WR): Martinez is the go-to target for Feldmann in the passing game, averaging 70.5 receiving yards per game.
  • Cooper Cissne (LB): On defense, Cissne’s leadership, with 19.7 tackles per game, will play a crucial role in slowing down Lake Stevens’ offensive attack.

Records Breakdown:

When comparing the two teams’ records, it’s clear that Chiawana holds an edge, especially in district play, where they have gone undefeated (8-0). On the other hand, Lake Stevens has faced tougher competition in non-league games, recording a 2-2 record in that category.

Final Thoughts:

This matchup will feature two highly potent offenses and defenses that are tough to break through. Lake Stevens will need to leverage its high-scoring offense and hope for a strong performance from Matson and Limar to match the Riverhawks’ explosive playmakers. Chiawana, meanwhile, will look to maintain its defensive dominance and make the most of its powerful rushing attack.

While both teams have their strengths, Chiawana’s undefeated district record and ability to limit opponents’ scoring could give them a slight edge heading into this matchup. However, Lake Stevens is more than capable of pulling off an upset if their offense fires on all cylinders and their defense can slow down the Riverhawks’ relentless attack. This game promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the top teams in Washington.