The Istrouma varsity football team (Baton Rouge, LA) will host a home playoff game against Washington (Shreveport, LA) today at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division II Select tournament.

What: Louisiana High School Football
Who: Istrouma (LA) vs Washington (LA)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division II Select
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

A Tale of Two Teams: Washington vs. Istrouma Football Breakdown

As the football season draws to a close, the Washington (24-25) and Istrouma (24-25) teams have had distinctly different journeys, yet both have shown moments of promise. With a closer look at their statistics and season records, here’s a breakdown of how these two teams compare.

Team Records & Performance

Washington, with a 4-6 overall record, has faced several challenges this season. Their district performance has been particularly tough, with a 2-5 record, while they’ve had more success on home turf with a 4-2 record. Despite their struggles in the district, Washington has managed to score 252 points throughout the season, but they’ve allowed 265 points, indicating that defense has been a major hurdle.

In contrast, Istrouma has had a much stronger season, finishing 7-3 overall and 5-3 within their district. Their performance away from home has been impressive, with a 4-1 record. On average, they’ve scored 255 points this season while allowing just 95, showcasing a dominant defense and efficient offense.

Scoring Averages: A Tale of Two Halves

Looking at team scoring averages, Washington shows a more inconsistent offense. They start strong in the first half, averaging 6.3 points in the first quarter and 10.5 in the second, but they struggle in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they score only 2.5 points on average. This trend of inconsistency can make it difficult to maintain a lead, as their overall scoring average sits at 25.2 points per game.

Istrouma, on the other hand, scores more steadily, with their strongest quarter being the first at 10.8 points. However, their scoring drops significantly in the second quarter (3.6 points) and remains low in the third quarter, with 0 points on average. They do rebound slightly in the fourth, adding 2.6 points to their total, finishing with an overall average of 25.5 points per game. While Istrouma’s offense isn’t as explosive as Washington’s early on, their defense and ability to control the game has led them to a stronger season.

Offensive and Defensive Statistics

Washington’s offense is led by standout performances, particularly from Aaron Dillard, who is averaging 87.2 rushing yards per game. Devion Stewart leads the passing game with 135.1 yards per game, and Dk Mitchell has been a reliable target, receiving 72.1 yards per game. Together, these stats reflect a balanced offensive approach.

In comparison, Istrouma has not reported specific individual stats for rushing, passing, or receiving, but they have shown efficiency in overall play, with a total of 260.5 yards per game, highlighting their strong offensive line and skillful playmakers.

Defensively, Washington has posted solid numbers, with 23.8 tackles per game and 0.6 sacks per game. However, Istrouma has demonstrated an even stronger defensive presence, allowing just 95 points for the season and posting 2.7 tackles per game and 0.2 sacks per game. This impressive defense has been a key factor in their success.

Key Leaders

Washington’s key players include:

• Aaron Dillard – A dominant rusher with 87.2 yards per game.
• Devion Stewart – The leader in passing with 135.1 yards per game.
• Dk Mitchell – Reliable in receiving with 72.1 yards per game.
• Jaylen O’Neal – Defensive leader with 7.0 tackles per game.

For Istrouma, while individual stat leaders are not as detailed, their collective team strength has been a standout feature, with a solid performance across both sides of the ball.

Head-to-Head Comparison & Conclusion

When comparing the two teams’ records, Istrouma comes out on top with a stronger overall and district performance. Their 5-3 district record highlights their ability to compete within their conference, while Washington’s 2-5 district record indicates struggles in their competitive matchups. Despite this, Washington has had a more favorable home record, winning 4 of their 6 home games.

In conclusion, Istrouma’s balanced approach—bolstered by a dominant defense and steady offense—has set them up for a stronger finish to the season. Washington’s ability to score in the early quarters and their balanced offensive attack gives them a fighting chance, but their inability to consistently finish games has been a significant factor in their losses. If Washington can tighten their defense and maintain offensive momentum in the second half, they may yet surprise in future matchups. However, Istrouma’s solid all-around play positions them as the stronger team heading into the remainder of the season.