The Lincoln High School (Tacoma, WA) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against Eastside Catholic (Sammamish, WA) on Friday, November 22,
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Washington High School Football
Who: Lincoln vs Eastside Catholic
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: on Friday, November 22,
“2024 Football Washington State Championships – 3A State Football”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
High School Football Showdown: Eastside Catholic vs. Lincoln
As the 2024 football season continues to heat up, two teams in Washington state have stood out for their dominant performances: Eastside Catholic and Lincoln. Both programs have earned impressive records, with Eastside Catholic boasting a 9-1 overall record and Lincoln following closely with a 9-2 mark. These teams are not only top contenders in their district but also showcase some of the most exciting individual talents across the state. Let’s dive into their stats, team dynamics, and how they stack up against each other in what promises to be an intense rivalry.
Team Records and Overall Performance
Eastside Catholic has maintained a formidable 9-1 record, with a district record of 6-1. Their performance at home (5-1) and on the road (4-0) further highlights their consistency throughout the season. Their offense has been explosive, scoring an average of 37.9 points per game, thanks to a balanced attack. On the defensive side, they have been equally dominant, allowing just 133 points over the course of the season.
On the other hand, Lincoln has also proven their strength, finishing with a 9-2 record. Their district record is perfect at 5-0, and they have been just as effective at home (4-2) and on the road (4-0). Their offense, while not as high-scoring as Eastside Catholic’s, still averages 32.7 points per game. Their defense has given up more yards (195 total points) compared to Eastside Catholic, but they remain a tough team overall.
Offensive and Defensive Breakdown
Eastside Catholic:
- Rushing Yards Per Game: 192.3
- Passing Yards Per Game: 181.1
- Total Yards Per Game: 373.4
- Points Per Game: 37.9
- Tackles Per Game: 69.5
- Sacks Per Game: 2.2
Eastside Catholic has a balanced offensive attack that combines a potent rushing game (led by Maurice Gosby Jr., who averages 90.7 yards per game) with a solid passing game. Quarterback Sione Kaho leads the way with 180.5 passing yards per game, while wide receiver Kanoa Teplasy provides a reliable target with 71.8 receiving yards per game. With an average of 373.4 total yards per game, they have shown they can strike from anywhere on the field. On defense, their tackling ability stands out, with Dre Sio-Fetaui leading the team with 12 tackles per game.
Lincoln:
- Rushing Yards Per Game: 179.2
- Passing Yards Per Game: 183.2
- Total Yards Per Game: 362.4
- Points Per Game: 32.7
- Tackles Per Game: 69.5
- Sacks Per Game: 2.2
Lincoln mirrors Eastside Catholic’s offensive balance with 179.2 rushing yards per game and 183.2 passing yards per game, though their total yardage is slightly lower (362.4 yards per game). Their offense is led by versatile quarterback Sione Kaho, who also stands out for his total offensive contribution of 213.4 yards per game. Lincoln’s defense is strong as well, with players like Kaivone Cooks providing pressure with 0.8 sacks per game and the team averaging 69.5 tackles per game.
Key Player Matchup
- Eastside Catholic: Maurice Gosby Jr. (Rushing), Sione Kaho (Passing), Kanoa Teplasy (Receiving)
- Lincoln: Sione Kaho (Total Yardage), Dre Sio-Fetaui (Tackling), Kaivone Cooks (Sacking)
While both teams boast strong individual performances, Eastside Catholic’s Maurice Gosby Jr. leads the rushing attack, while Lincoln’s Sione Kaho has proven to be a versatile weapon both through the air and on the ground. Kanoa Teplasy, a reliable receiver for Eastside Catholic, will likely have a key role in any passing game, while Lincoln’s defense, led by Dre Sio-Fetaui, will look to contain the explosive offensive unit from Eastside Catholic.
Common Opponents and Head-to-Head Comparisons
Both teams have faced similar opponents, including a recent victory over Rainier Beach. On October 25, Eastside Catholic dominated at home, securing a 49-6 win, while Lincoln followed with a 33-20 victory over Rainier Beach on November 8.
Playoff Aspirations
Both teams have proven themselves on the field, with Eastside Catholic entering the postseason with a 9-1 record, including a perfect 5-1 record in the league. Lincoln, at 9-2, also has an eye on the playoffs and will look to continue their strong play in the postseason.
Conclusion
As Eastside Catholic and Lincoln continue to battle it out in Washington high school football, they stand as two of the state’s most formidable teams. While Eastside Catholic has the edge in terms of offensive firepower and scoring ability, Lincoln’s balance and defensive prowess make them a dangerous contender. With both teams holding strong records, a matchup between these two would be a thrilling contest as they both push for a spot in the state playoffs. Fans of Washington high school football should keep an eye on these teams as they head into the postseason.
