East Valley and Franklin Pierce: A Tale of Two High School Football Powerhouses

As we head into the final stretch of the high school football season, two teams from the state of Washington, East Valley and Franklin Pierce, have stood out with impressive records and a thrilling style of play. These two teams have dominated their respective divisions, setting up what promises to be an exciting showdown as both continue to chase championship aspirations. Let’s take a deeper dive into the rankings, records, and team dynamics that make East Valley and Franklin Pierce the teams to watch this season.

Team Records and Overview

East Valley has posted a solid overall record of 8-2 this season. Their district performance, 6-2, and undefeated home record (4-0) are a testament to their strong presence on both sides of the ball. The team has been a consistent force, with an average of 37.1 points per game, thanks to a balanced offense that excels both in the air and on the ground. Their defense has also played a significant role, holding opponents to just 132 points across the season.

In contrast, Franklin Pierce has been nothing short of dominant, maintaining an unbeaten 10-0 record with a perfect 7-0 in district play. Their offensive output has been extraordinary, averaging 54 points per game, a full 16.9 points higher than East Valley. With an unstoppable offense and a suffocating defense that has only allowed 72 points all season, Franklin Pierce has become the team to beat in the district and beyond.

Offensive and Defensive Comparison

Looking at the statistics, it’s clear that Franklin Pierce’s offense has been on another level compared to East Valley. Franklin Pierce leads East Valley in almost every offensive category, with a commanding 384 rushing yards per game compared to East Valley’s 171.5, and they also dominate in total yards, averaging 430.3 yards per game, while East Valley racks up 340.4. The disparity in passing and receiving yards is also evident, with East Valley passing for 168.9 yards per game, compared to Franklin Pierce’s 46.3.

East Valley’s offense, while not as prolific, has still been efficient. Quarterback Jaxon Berg has been a key contributor, throwing for 169.2 yards per game and adding 174.9 total yards per game. Braden Albrecht has been a key figure in the run game, averaging 105.6 yards per game, helping balance the offense and keep opposing defenses on their toes.

Defensively, Franklin Pierce outshines East Valley in both tackles per game (59.5 vs. 51.9) and sacks (3.5 vs. 2.5). With a stronger pass rush and more consistent tackling, Franklin Pierce has been able to shut down opponents with ease. However, East Valley’s defense has been solid as well, with linebacker Luc Broussard leading the team with 7.3 tackles per game, and defensive back Zeliah Wade contributing with 1 sack per game.

Key Players to Watch

For East Valley, much of the offensive production comes from the duo of Jaxon Berg and Braden Albrecht. Berg’s dual-threat ability makes him a versatile weapon, and Albrecht has been a reliable rushing force. Additionally, Greyson Stevens has been a top receiving threat, with 96.1 yards per game and 12 points per game.

On the Franklin Pierce side, Bryson Allen has been the centerpiece of their offense. Averaging 139.6 rushing yards per game, Allen has been a dominant force on the ground, frequently finding the end zone. Quarterback Jeremiah Orcutt has been efficient with the ball, posting 42.8 passing yards per game, and wide receiver Junior Teregeyo has been a key target with 24.7 receiving yards per game. Defensively, Zeke Isaacson’s 9.7 tackles per game and Junior Teregeyo’s 0.7 sacks per game have been vital to the team’s defensive prowess.

Scoring Breakdown

Looking at the scoring averages by quarter, East Valley tends to start fast, averaging 18.2 points in the first quarter, but their scoring drops off as the game progresses, averaging just 7.8 points in the third quarter and 2.8 points in the fourth. This suggests that while they can build early leads, they may struggle to maintain that momentum throughout the game.

Franklin Pierce, on the other hand, has a more balanced offensive attack. They score an average of 20 points in the first quarter, and their scoring remains consistent throughout the game, particularly in the second quarter, where they average 25 points. This ability to keep the pressure on throughout the game makes them a dangerous team for any opponent.

Record Breakdown

Both teams have been dominant in their respective leagues, but Franklin Pierce’s perfect record stands out as the most impressive. While East Valley has had their share of victories, their two losses were hard-fought battles that have only made them stronger. Franklin Pierce, on the other hand, has been untouchable all season, with a 5-0 away record and no losses at home. Their defense has been particularly tough in away games, where they have consistently shut down opposing offenses.

Final Thoughts

As both East Valley and Franklin Pierce continue their journeys, fans can expect high-energy matchups filled with explosive plays and dramatic moments. While East Valley may have the edge in a more balanced, methodical attack, Franklin Pierce’s offensive firepower and stingy defense will make them the favorites heading into the postseason. Both teams have the talent and determination to go all the way, and their upcoming matchups are sure to be filled with excitement. The clash between these two Washington powerhouses is one that no football fan will want to miss.