The Decatur varsity football team (Berlin, MD) will host Walkersville (MD) in a home playoff game today at 6:30 PM. This matchup is part of the “2024 Maryland High School Football Playoff Brackets: MPSSAA – 2A” tournament.
What: Maryland High School Football
Who: Decatur (LA) vs Walkersville (LA)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Where: MPSSAA 2A State Quarterfinal
Bracket: 2024 Maryland High School Football Playoff Brackets: MPSSAA – 2A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
Decatur vs. Walkersville: A Tale of Two Seasons
As the 2024-25 season unfolds, two Maryland high school football teams—Walkersville and Decatur—stand as stark contrasts in performance and rankings. While Decatur has soared to an undefeated record, Walkersville has experienced a rollercoaster season marked by flashes of brilliance and occasional struggles. Here’s a deep dive into their respective seasons, statistics, and what sets these teams apart.
Season Performance Overview
Walkersville (6-5 Overall, 2-4 Region)
- Class Rank: 82
- Win Percentage: .545
- Points For (PF): 351
- Points Against (PA): 232
Walkersville’s season has been defined by balance and resilience, managing a respectable 6-5 record. While their regional performance (2-4) left room for improvement, they showcased competitive play at home (3-2) and a balanced offensive game plan.
Decatur (11-0 Overall, 7-0 Region)
- Class Rank: 26
- Win Percentage: 1.000
- Points For (PF): 496
- Points Against (PA): 74
Decatur has been nothing short of dominant. With a flawless record and a significant point differential (+422), they’ve established themselves as a powerhouse. Decatur’s perfect home and away records (6-0 and 5-0, respectively) underline their versatility and consistency.
Scoring Trends
Walkersville
- Average points per game: 31.9
- Most productive quarter: Q2 (8.7 points)
Decatur
- Average points per game: 45.1
- Most productive quarter: Q1 (18.4 points)
Decatur’s explosive first-quarter offense sets the tone early, often overwhelming opponents before halftime. In contrast, Walkersville’s scoring peaks in the second quarter, indicating an ability to adapt mid-game but a slower start overall.
Team Stats Comparison
| Category | Walkersville | Decatur |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards/Game | 125.9 | 156.8 |
| Passing Yards/Game | 215.5 | 169.8 |
| Total Yards/Game | 341.4 | 326.7 |
| Tackles/Game | 56.8 | 62.3 |
| Sacks/Game | 2.8 | 3.5 |
| Points/Game | 31.9 | 45.1 |
While Walkersville edges Decatur in passing yards, Decatur’s balanced offense and superior rushing game allow them to control the tempo effectively. Their defensive edge, highlighted by higher tackles and sacks per game, reinforces their dominance.
Key Players
Walkersville
- Rushing Leader: Vernon Deshields III (68.7 yards/game)
- Passing Leader: Johnny Hobgood (156.8 yards/game)
- Defensive Leader: Davin Chandler (5.9 tackles/game)
Decatur
- Rushing Leader: Johnny Hobgood (156.8 yards/game)
- Defensive Star: Davin Chandler (6.0 tackles/game)
Both teams lean heavily on standout players. For Walkersville, Hobgood’s dual-threat capabilities make him the centerpiece, while Chandler anchors their defense. Decatur’s depth shines, with consistent contributors across both offense and defense.
Final Analysis
Walkersville’s 2024-25 season reflects a team on the rise but with room for growth, particularly in regional matchups. Decatur, on the other hand, exemplifies excellence, combining offensive firepower with a staunch defense to remain undefeated.
While Decatur’s season has been a masterclass in consistency, Walkersville has demonstrated flashes of potential that could make them a formidable contender in the future. As these teams progress, fans can expect thrilling football marked by grit, strategy, and standout performances.
