The Declo (ID) varsity football team will face West Side (Dayton, ID) in a neutral non-conference game on Friday, November 22, at 5:30 PM.
What: Idaho High School Football
Who: Declo (ID) vs West Side (ID)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 5:30 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
West Side vs. Declo: A High-Stakes Football Showdown
As the West Side Pirates (Dayton, ID) and the Declo Hornets (ID) gear up for their neutral playoff matchup on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 p.m., fans of Idaho high school football are in for a thrilling contest. With identical 10-1 records and a shared history this season, both teams will look to cement their dominance and extend their postseason run.
Season Overview
Both West Side and Declo boast impressive records this season, with only one loss each. They have mirrored each other in many statistical categories, including overall win percentage (.909) and conference win percentage (.800). Each team has excelled at home, with undefeated 6-0 records, and their lone losses occurred in conference play.
- West Side: 343 points scored, 130 points allowed
- Declo: 289 points scored, 70 points allowed
These numbers highlight West Side’s slightly higher offensive output, while Declo’s defense has been particularly stifling, allowing fewer than 10 points per game on average.
Team Scoring Averages
Scoring trends suggest a tight contest. West Side holds an edge in final scoring averages, with 31.2 points per game compared to Declo’s 26.3. However, Declo’s consistency across all quarters demonstrates their balanced approach:
| Quarter | West Side | Declo |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Q2 | 7.3 | 5.3 |
| Q3 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Q4 | 5.3 | 4.8 |
West Side’s second-quarter scoring burst could be pivotal, but Declo’s disciplined defense has proven it can shut down high-scoring teams.
Head-to-Head Battle
The only prior meeting between these teams this season occurred on September 27, when Declo edged out West Side in a 6-0 defensive battle. This game showcased Declo’s ability to clamp down on a potent West Side offense, holding them scoreless on the road. The Pirates will look to avenge this loss in the neutral playoff setting.
Common Opponents
Both teams share multiple common opponents, with West Side holding a slight edge in performance:
- West Side: 7-0 record
- Declo: 5-1 record
Notable results include West Side’s dominant 29-0 playoff win over Aberdeen, a team that handed Declo their only loss earlier in the season (8-0 on September 6). Both teams have similarly dismantled other shared opponents such as Soda Springs and Wendell.
| Opponent | West Side Result | Declo Result |
| Firth | 33-19 (W) | 22-7 (W), 28-7 (W) |
| Soda Springs | 49-6 (W) | 47-0 (W) |
| Wendell | 58-27 (W) | 56-7 (W) |
| Aberdeen | 14-12 (W), 29-0 (W) | 8-0 (L) |
| Malad | 29-20 (W), 43-0 (W) | 33-6 (W) |
Keys to Victory
West Side Pirates:
- Improve offensive execution to counter Declo’s stingy defense.
- Capitalize on second-quarter scoring opportunities.
- Leverage their dominant playoff performances, including the shutout victory over Malad.
Declo Hornets:
- Continue their defensive dominance that held West Side scoreless in their last matchup.
- Maintain balance across all quarters to stay competitive throughout the game.
- Exploit turnovers and field position, as seen in their earlier win against the Pirates.
The Final Word
This playoff game promises to be a classic battle between two evenly matched teams. With revenge on the line for West Side and a desire to prove their September victory was no fluke for Declo, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Both teams’ records, statistics, and histories suggest a game that could go down to the wire. Fans should brace themselves for a showdown that encapsulates the best of Idaho high school football.
