Woodson vs. Dunbar: A Tale of Two Teams in the 2024-2025 Football Season

The 2024-2025 football season has been a tale of contrasting journeys for two Washington, DC schools—Woodson and Dunbar. Both teams have shown strength on the field, but their records and performances tell very different stories. Here’s a closer look at how these two teams stack up heading into their crucial matchup.

Woodson’s Season Overview

The Woodson Warriors (6-4 overall, 3-3 in league play) have had a mixed season, with strong performances at home but struggles on the road. Despite their solid record at home (5-1), their away games have been challenging, with a 1-3 road record. The team has averaged 19 points per game, but their defensive efforts have been tested, as they’ve allowed nearly as many points (188 total) as they’ve scored (190).

Offensively, Woodson relies heavily on their rushing attack, averaging 158.7 yards per game. Allan Alston has been the team’s standout rusher, putting up 112.7 yards per game. The Warriors’ passing game has been less dominant, with Dallas Allen-Hall contributing 73 yards per game through the air.

Defensively, Woodson has shown resilience with 42.4 tackles per game, and Darnell Robinson has been a key player on the defensive line, contributing 1.3 sacks per game.

Dunbar’s Dominant Season

In stark contrast, Dunbar has had an exceptional season, boasting a remarkable 9-1 overall record and a perfect 5-0 in league play. They’ve been dominant both at home and on the road, with an undefeated 5-0 record at home and 4-1 on the road. The team has outscored their opponents by a wide margin, with 373 points scored and only 128 allowed, leading to an impressive average of 37.3 points per game.

The Bulldogs’ offense is potent in every phase. They’re averaging 179.7 yards per game through the air, with quarterback Brosnan Dukes leading the charge with 289.8 total yards per game, including 87.3 yards rushing and 51.5 yards passing. Dunbar’s rushing attack has been effective as well, with Dukes being a dual-threat quarterback and Tristan Waters also contributing significantly to the offense.

Defensively, Dunbar has been stingy, allowing only 10.6 points per game. They have been particularly tough against common opponents, maintaining a perfect 5-0 record against teams that both Woodson and Dunbar have faced.

Key Matchup: Woodson vs. Dunbar

In their most recent meeting on November 2, Dunbar demolished Woodson with a 53-0 victory. This result highlights the gap in performance between the two teams, but Woodson will have the opportunity to bounce back when they meet again in a neutral playoff game today at 2 p.m.

Comparative Stats

Looking at the statistical comparison between the two teams, Dunbar holds clear advantages in several key areas:

• Scoring: Dunbar averages 37.3 points per game, significantly higher than Woodson’s 19.0.
• Offense: Dunbar leads in total yardage, averaging 236.1 yards per game, compared to Woodson’s 216.8 yards.
• Passing Game: Dunbar’s passing attack is significantly more productive, with 179.7 yards per game, while Woodson averages just 58.1.
• Defense: Dunbar has allowed just 128 points all season, compared to Woodson’s 188.

However, Woodson’s strength lies in their rushing game, where they average 158.7 yards per game—well above Dunbar’s 56.4. The Bulldogs, though, have been effective in limiting opponent rushing yards and have proven themselves a complete team on both sides of the ball.

Players to Watch

For Woodson, look out for Allan Alston, who has been a key offensive contributor with 112.7 rushing yards per game. On defense, Darnell Robinson has been a force with his ability to make tackles and sack opposing quarterbacks.

For Dunbar, Brosnan Dukes has been outstanding as a dual-threat quarterback, accounting for 377.2 total yards per game. Tristan Waters has also been a top target in the passing game, contributing 107.0 receiving yards per game.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced several common opponents this season. Woodson’s 3-2 record against these teams contrasts with Dunbar’s perfect 5-0 record. Key games such as Woodson’s narrow wins over Ballou and Roosevelt, and Dunbar’s dominant victories over the same teams, illustrate the difference in their overall level of play.

Looking Ahead

While Woodson has had a solid season, their performance in the playoffs will likely depend on their ability to adapt against a high-flying offense like Dunbar’s. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, enter the game as clear favorites, boasting an undefeated record in league play and a robust defense.

The upcoming neutral site playoff game between these two teams will be a key test for both squads. Woodson will need to find ways to limit Dunbar’s explosive offense, while the Bulldogs will look to continue their dominance and advance further in the postseason.

As the 2024-2025 season draws to a close, it’s clear that while Woodson has had a competitive season, Dunbar’s strength and consistency make them the team to beat.