The upcoming high school football matchup between Newcastle and Guthrie promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams boasting identical records of 9-3. As the season progresses, both teams have proven themselves to be formidable opponents in their respective districts, and this game is set to highlight their contrasting playing styles and key players. Here’s a breakdown of their records, team statistics, and what to expect from this exciting clash.

Records and Rankings

Both teams come into the game with a 9-3 overall record, but their paths to this point have shown different patterns. Newcastle, representing the 4A classification, has dominated in district play with a perfect 6-0 record, though they’ve faced some tough non-district competition, recording a 1-3 mark. Guthrie, also at 9-3, has a slightly less dominant district record of 6-1, but they’ve been strong in their non-district matchups, going 1-2.

At home, Newcastle has been a strong force with a 6-1 record, while Guthrie has had a solid 4-2 mark. On the road, Newcastle has had mixed results, posting a 3-2 record, while Guthrie has excelled away from home with a 5-1 record.

Offensive Firepower

Both teams feature potent offenses, but with distinct characteristics. Guthrie has been slightly more efficient in terms of scoring, averaging 39.3 points per game compared to Newcastle’s 36.6. The Blue Jays have been particularly strong in the second quarter, where they average 12.2 points, and they also excel in the third quarter, averaging 11.8 points. In contrast, Newcastle has shown a more balanced scoring distribution, with 16.6 points in the first quarter and a strong finish with 11.0 points in the fourth quarter.

In terms of yardage, Guthrie leads with 318.1 total yards per game compared to Newcastle’s 334.8, primarily due to their superior rushing attack. Guthrie averages 248.5 rushing yards per game, which is significantly better than Newcastle’s 206.1. However, the Racers have struggled more in the passing game, averaging just 69.6 yards through the air. Meanwhile, Newcastle has been more versatile, with 128.8 passing yards per game and a well-rounded offense that also includes 127.6 receiving yards per game.

Key Players to Watch

For Newcastle, the standout performer is Taylor “TJ” Bradford, who leads the team with 123.2 rushing yards per game and 9.0 points per game. Bradford has been a consistent contributor to the team’s offense, and his ability to control the ground game will be crucial in this matchup. Jackson Schanuel has been another key player, contributing 115.7 passing yards and 177.7 total yards per game.

Guthrie’s top performer is Kolten Carlock, who leads the Blue Jays with 133.5 total yards per game, including 103.8 rushing yards per game. Carlock has been a driving force for Guthrie’s offense and will likely play a pivotal role in this game. Other notable players include Daelon Rice, who averages 52.2 receiving yards per game, and Kellen Hirzel, who leads the team with 10.9 tackles per game.

Defensive Strengths

On the defensive side, both teams have shown resilience, with Guthrie averaging 72.6 tackles per game compared to Newcastle’s 74.0. However, Guthrie has been more successful in the sack department, averaging 3.5 sacks per game compared to Newcastle’s 1.6. The defensive lines will be crucial in disrupting the opposing offenses, and this could be a key area where the game is won or lost.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced some of the same opponents, and the results are somewhat similar. Against Tuttle, both teams suffered losses, though Guthrie’s loss (31-24) was more competitive than Newcastle’s (21-0). However, both teams enjoyed strong victories over Duncan, MacArthur, and Noble, each winning those matchups by large margins.

Head-to-Head Playoff History

When it comes to postseason play, both teams are evenly matched, with each sporting a 2-0 record in neutral-site playoff games. The winner of this game will have a significant advantage as they look to advance further in the playoffs.

Conclusion

This game promises to be a hard-fought battle, with both Newcastle and Guthrie bringing impressive offensive and defensive units to the field. With their strong rushing attacks and talented key players, expect a high-intensity matchup. Whether it’s Newcastle’s balanced offensive approach or Guthrie’s explosive scoring potential, this showdown could have major playoff implications. Fans of both teams are in for a thrilling experience, as these two powerhouse programs meet on the gridiron.