The Liberty Christian High School (Richland, WA) varsity football team will face Ocosta (Westport, WA) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 15, 2024.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Washington High School Football
Who: Liberty Christian vs Ocosta
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: on Friday, November 15, 2024
“2024 Football Washington State Championships – 1B State Football”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
A Clash of Titans: Ocosta vs. Liberty Christian Football Showdown
As the high school football season reaches its peak, two powerhouse teams—Ocosta and Liberty Christian—are making headlines with their impressive performances. With contrasting styles and records, this matchup promises to be one for the ages.
Team Overview
Ocosta (24-25) has been a force in Washington state football, finishing the regular season with a 6-3 record. They ranked 30th in the state and 1,426th nationally. Despite a losing record on the road (2-3), they were dominant at home, going a perfect 4-0. Their overall win percentage stands at a respectable .667, with a district win percentage of .625. They have scored a total of 314 points while allowing 334, indicating some struggles on defense but a solid offensive showing.
Liberty Christian, on the other hand, has been nearly unstoppable. With a perfect 9-0 record, they ranked 1st in the state and 108th nationally. Their dominance is clear, with an impressive 6-0 record at home and a perfect 3-0 on the road. They have outscored their opponents by a wide margin, racking up 582 points while allowing just 122. This 1.000 win percentage and 1.000 district win percentage demonstrate their absolute control of the season.
Scoring Averages
When it comes to putting points on the board, Liberty Christian has been in a league of their own. Their average points per game (64.7) dwarfs Ocosta’s (34.9). The scoring breakdown shows Liberty Christian excelling early, with an explosive 23.5 points per game in the first quarter, while Ocosta averages just 7.3 in the opening frame. Ocosta’s second-quarter surge (11.8 points) keeps them competitive, but Liberty Christian’s consistent scoring through all four quarters helps them maintain their dominance.
Stat Comparison
In terms of offensive output, both teams bring a solid rushing game to the table. Ocosta averages 257.2 rushing yards per game, just edging out Liberty Christian’s 230.3. Passing yards show a clearer advantage for Liberty Christian, as they average 185.4 yards compared to Ocosta’s 109.7. Overall, Liberty Christian’s offensive output is higher, averaging 415.8 total yards per game versus Ocosta’s 366.9.
On defense, Liberty Christian also holds the edge, averaging 64.9 tackles per game compared to Ocosta’s 50.0. Both teams have proven capable of pressuring opposing quarterbacks, but Liberty Christian’s 2.7 sacks per game also surpasses Ocosta’s 1.8.
Team Leaders
Ocosta‘s offensive leader is Ronin Rutzer, who leads the team with 130.4 rushing yards per game. He is also a key defensive player, with 9.7 tackles per game. Quarterback Kayden Turner has been a steady presence for Ocosta, contributing 109.1 passing yards per game and 183.0 total yards per game.
For Liberty Christian, their star player is Perry Pottle, who leads the team in multiple categories, including 150.1 total yards per game. Pottle also averages 185.4 passing yards per game. Defensively, Addison Lyle leads the charge with 10.6 tackles per game, while Ryan Powell contributes 1.0 sacks per game.
Record Breakdown
Looking at the breakdown of their records, Liberty Christian has been flawless across the board, with a 9-0 record in the regular season and a perfect 5-0 in district play. Their dominance at home (6-0) and on the road (3-0) has been undeniable. Ocosta has had a more balanced but solid season, with a strong home record (4-0) and a 5-3 district record. Their away games (2-3) have proven challenging, but they’ve still been a force in their league.
The Road Ahead
As both teams look toward their postseason aspirations, it’s clear that Liberty Christian is the team to beat, with their perfect record and high-powered offense. However, Ocosta has shown resilience and potential, and their performance in the playoffs could surprise many.
This matchup—whether in the postseason or future seasons—will be one to watch closely. With strong individual performances, well-rounded teams, and intense rivalry, these two programs are sure to provide exciting football for years to come.
