The Durand/Pecatonica (Durand, IL) varsity football team will host Wilmington (IL) for a home playoff game on Saturday, November 16 at 2:00 PM. This game is part of the 2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets in the Class 3A tournament.

What: Illinois High School Football
Who: Durand/Pecatonica (IL) vs Wilmington (IL)
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSA – Class 3A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

2024 High School Football Showdown: Wilmington vs. Durand/Pecatonica

As the high school football season heats up, two teams have emerged as dominant forces in Illinois, each boasting impressive records and a fierce competitive spirit. Wilmington (24-25) and Durand/Pecatonica (24-25) are set for an exciting showdown, with both teams coming off stellar seasons and strong performances in key areas. Let’s break down the stats, strengths, and players to watch as these two powerhouses prepare for their next game.

Wilmington’s Unbeaten Streak

Wilmington has been nothing short of exceptional this season, going undefeated with a perfect 11-0 overall record. They have dominated in their conference, finishing 7-0 in league play, and have been a tough opponent on both their home turf (6-0) and on the road (4-0). The Wildcats have scored a total of 468 points, while giving up just 106, showcasing their remarkable offensive power and defensive prowess.

In terms of scoring, Wilmington averages a strong 42.5 points per game. Their first-quarter offense stands out, putting up 16.3 points on average, with a notable spike to 18.7 in the second quarter. However, the team tends to slow down in the second half, scoring just 5.2 points in the third quarter and 3.3 points in the fourth.

Key players for Wilmington include:

• Cooper Hoffman, who has been a force in both the passing game and total yards. Hoffman is ranked #3 nationally in passing yards, averaging 186.3 yards per game, and he also leads the team in total yards per game with 258.9.
• Jaxon Diedrich, a standout wide receiver with 80.7 yards per game, ranking him #7 in the state.
• Dermot Dolan, who is the team’s primary rusher, contributing 75.5 yards per game.

Wilmington’s defense has been equally formidable, with Ethan Rager contributing 7.3 tackles per game and Payton Mulder racking up 1 sack per game. These defensive leaders help ensure that Wilmington is a well-rounded, difficult team to beat.

Durand/Pecatonica: The Fearless Challengers

On the other hand, Durand/Pecatonica comes in with an impressive 10-1 overall record, with a strong 7-1 conference performance. The team has proven its strength, particularly in high-scoring matchups, putting up a total of 473 points for the season. They’ve been especially dominant on the road, with a 5-1 away record, while also remaining perfect in neutral-site games (1-0).

Durand/Pecatonica’s scoring average of 43 points per game places them just ahead of Wilmington’s 42.5 points. While the team’s first-half scoring is consistent, with 10.1 points in the first quarter and 12.5 in the second, they also maintain a steady rhythm in the second half, scoring 10.3 in the third and 10.2 in the fourth.

Notable players for Durand/Pecatonica include:

• Cooper Hoffman (same name but not to be confused with Wilmington’s star), who ranks #3 nationally in passing yards, is crucial to their offense, contributing 186.3 yards per game.
• Jaxon Diedrich, with 80.7 receiving yards per game, and Dermot Dolan, contributing 75.5 rushing yards per game.
• Durand/Pecatonica’s defense is highlighted by Ethan Rager, who tackles with precision and consistency. He has played a key role in their defensive unit, helping maintain their dominant record.

The team is led by a solid defense with top-tier tacklers and sacks, ready to challenge Wilmington’s impressive offense.

Head-to-Head: A Look at the Records

While Wilmington holds an unbeaten record, Durand/Pecatonica is no slouch, having secured a strong 10-1 record themselves. They have both shown a balanced offensive and defensive approach to the season, making them equally dangerous opponents. When comparing the two teams, here are some standout differences:

• Scoring: Both teams score highly, with Wilmington slightly edging out Durand/Pecatonica with 42.5 points per game versus 43.0 points per game for Durand/Pecatonica.
• Offensive Balance: Wilmington excels in both rushing (263 yards per game) and passing (190.7 yards per game), while Durand/Pecatonica keeps the competition tight with 190.8 receiving yards per game and strong rushing stats.
• Defense: Wilmington’s defense is slightly more dominant, averaging 57.1 tackles per game, while Durand/Pecatonica lags slightly with 57.1 tackles. Both teams have a knack for taking down the quarterback with sacks (Wilmington averaging 1.2 per game, Durand/Pecatonica 1.0).

Conclusion

This matchup between Wilmington and Durand/Pecatonica is set to be an exciting, high-stakes battle. With Wilmington’s perfect season and top-tier offense led by Cooper Hoffman, Jaxon Diedrich, and Dermot Dolan, they will be a formidable force to contend with. However, Durand/Pecatonica’s impressive 10-1 record and equally strong offensive and defensive play will ensure they won’t back down without a fight. Expect this game to be a thrilling showcase of high school football talent as both teams look to cement their place at the top of the standings.