Eastside Catholic vs. Lincoln: A Clash of Football Titans

The 2024-25 high school football season in Washington has been filled with intense rivalries, and two of the most dominant teams this year are Eastside Catholic and Lincoln. Both teams have put up impressive records and strong performances, leading to an exciting showdown between these powerhouse programs.

Team Overview

Eastside Catholic has proven to be one of the top teams in the state with an outstanding 9-1 record overall and a dominant 6-1 mark in district play. Their win percentage stands at a remarkable .900, ranking them high in the state. They have been known for their explosive offense, averaging 37.9 points per game, and a well-rounded defense that allows just 13.3 points per game. They boast a strong roster, with notable players such as Maurice Gosby Jr., who leads the team in rushing yards, and Sione Kaho, a dual-threat quarterback with both rushing and passing contributions.

Lincoln, meanwhile, has put together a strong 9-2 season, remaining undefeated in district play with a perfect 5-0 record. They’ve earned a solid .818 win percentage, with a 1.000 district win rate. Lincoln’s offense has also been potent, averaging 32.7 points per game, with a defense that allows 17.7 points per game. Notable standouts for Lincoln include Jadeon Scranton, who leads the team in scoring, and Dre Sio-Fetaui, who has been a key force in their defense.

Both teams are formidable, with Eastside Catholic having a slight edge in scoring and total yards per game.

Scoring Breakdown

Eastside Catholic has been a high-scoring team throughout the season, especially in the first half of games. Their average of 13.6 points in the first quarter and 12.3 in the second quarter has helped them establish early leads. They tend to slow down slightly in the second half, with 5.3 points in the third quarter and 6.6 in the fourth, but their strong early-game performances usually put them in control.

Lincoln, on the other hand, has a more balanced scoring attack but has struggled to put up as many points early in games. Their highest scoring quarter is the fourth, where they average 7.9 points, followed by 9.7 in the first quarter. Their offense tends to pick up momentum as the game goes on, and their late-game scoring could make them a dangerous team in tight matchups.

Key Statistics

Both teams have strong offensive and defensive units, but the comparison between the two shows different strengths.

• Eastside Catholic has been exceptional on the ground, averaging 192.3 rushing yards per game. Maurice Gosby Jr. leads the charge with 90.7 rushing yards per game. They also have a strong passing game with 181.1 passing yards per game, primarily led by Sione Kaho.
• Lincoln relies more on their passing attack, with 183.2 receiving yards per game, led by the connection between quarterback Sione Kaho and his receivers. Lincoln’s rushing game averages 151.2 yards per game, showing a more balanced offensive approach.

Defensively, Eastside Catholic outpaces Lincoln with 69.5 tackles per game and 2.2 sacks per game, which have helped them limit opponents’ offensive production. Lincoln, however, has a strong defensive leader in Dre Sio-Fetaui, with an average of 12.0 tackles per game, contributing significantly to their defensive efforts.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced Rainier Beach in their respective matchups. Eastside Catholic dominated in a 49-6 victory, while Lincoln also triumphed with a 33-20 win. Both teams have proven they can handle tough competition and have displayed consistent performances against similar opponents.

Head-to-Head Record

While both teams have impressive records, they have yet to face each other this season. However, their common opponent record stands at 1-0 each, showing they are more than capable of dominating other teams in their district. With both teams in excellent form, any upcoming matchup between them promises to be a thrilling contest.

Conclusion

The 2024-25 season has been a stellar year for both Eastside Catholic and Lincoln, with each team showcasing their unique strengths on offense and defense. While Eastside Catholic’s explosive scoring and strong all-around game make them a tough contender, Lincoln’s balanced attack and defensive prowess ensure they are never to be underestimated. As the season progresses, the prospect of a showdown between these two teams promises to deliver an exciting and competitive game. Whether it’s Eastside Catholic’s high-powered offense or Lincoln’s balanced approach, fans can expect an exciting clash between two of Washington’s top high school football teams.