The La Center (WA) varsity football team will face Montesano (WA) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 7:00 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Washington High School Football
Who: La Center vs Montesano
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
“2024 Football Washington State Championships – 1A State Football”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

Clash of Titans: Montesano vs. La Center Playoff Showdown

The Montesano Bulldogs and the La Center Wildcats are set to collide in a highly anticipated neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 PM. Both teams have impressive resumes this season, but the numbers, records, and past performances suggest contrasting styles and strengths. Let’s break down the matchup.

Season Performance

Montesano (8-3) enters the game with a strong overall record, bolstered by a solid 3-1 mark in district play and an impressive 6-1 record at home. They’ve outscored opponents 360-152, showcasing a balanced team capable of putting points on the board while maintaining a stout defense.

La Center (9-1), however, stands out with a dominant .900 win percentage and a near-perfect 6-1 district record. Their offense has been explosive, tallying 439 points this season while holding opponents to just 67, a staggering point differential that highlights their defensive strength and offensive firepower.

Scoring Averages

A look at quarter-by-quarter scoring reveals key differences in the teams’ styles.

• Montesano averages 32.7 points per game, with their most productive quarter in the second (12.2). However, their scoring pace slows in the fourth quarter, where they average only 4.5 points.
• La Center leads the way with 43.9 points per game. They start strong, averaging 12.2 points in the first quarter and maintaining consistent scoring throughout, including 9.2 in the final period.

La Center’s ability to score early and maintain momentum could be crucial in this playoff matchup.

Head-to-Head Results

The teams met earlier this season on September 6, with La Center delivering a decisive 35-7 victory at Montesano. The Wildcats dominated from the start, holding the Bulldogs scoreless for three quarters before allowing a single touchdown in the fourth.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced Elma during the season and secured dominant victories. Montesano shut out Elma 45-0 on November 1, while La Center defeated Elma 58-6 a week later. These results underscore La Center’s higher scoring potential, but both teams proved capable of controlling games against mutual competition.

Key Factors

• Momentum: La Center enters the game on a roll, having won nine of their ten games. Montesano has rebounded well after their loss to La Center but faces an uphill battle in this rematch.
• Playoff Experience: Montesano has already played two playoff games, which could give them an edge in familiarity with high-stakes environments. La Center, however, has yet to play a playoff game this season.
• Neutral Site Dynamics: Neither team has played a neutral-site game this year, adding an element of unpredictability.

What to Expect

For Montesano to compete, they’ll need to shore up their defense against La Center’s high-powered offense and find ways to sustain drives and score consistently. Meanwhile, La Center will look to replicate their earlier success, using their balanced attack and stingy defense to control the game.

This playoff clash promises to be an exciting battle of resilience and skill. Fans can expect a game filled with intense competition as both teams aim to advance deeper into the postseason. Who will emerge victorious? We’ll find out under the Friday night lights!