The McKinley Tech varsity football team (Washington, DC) will face off against Bell (Washington, DC) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 6:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Washington, DC High School Football
Who: McKinley Tech vs Bell
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 6:00. p.m. ET
“2024 DCSAA Football State Tournament – Class A”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
Bell vs. McKinley Tech: A High-Stakes Showdown in DC Football
This Friday, November 15th, the Bell and McKinley Tech varsity football teams will face off in a neutral playoff game, following their impressive regular seasons. With the game scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m., anticipation is high for what promises to be an exciting clash between two rival teams from Washington, DC.
Team Overview: Bell
The Bell High School Eagles come into this game with a strong overall record of 8-2, including an undefeated 5-0 mark in league play. Their dominant performances this season have positioned them as one of the top teams in their division. Bell’s offense has been electric, averaging 27 points per game, led by standout running back Antonio Washington. Washington has been a force on the ground, racking up 146.4 rushing yards per game, contributing significantly to Bell’s impressive 220.7 rushing yards per game.
Defensively, Bell has shown resilience with 44.1 tackles per game and an average of 3.4 sacks per game, showcasing their ability to pressure the quarterback and stop opposing offenses. Bell’s offense has been balanced, with quarterback Jakari Graham contributing 81.6 passing yards per game and wide receiver Jayden Watts adding 49.0 receiving yards per game.
Bell has been especially dominant in their recent matchups, as seen in their 37-0 victory over McKinley Tech last month. They’ve consistently shown their prowess against common opponents, going 4-0 in these matchups, including dominant wins over teams like Phelps Architecture, Construction & Engineering, and Anacostia.
Team Overview: McKinley Tech
McKinley Tech, on the other hand, enters the game with a 4-5 overall record and a 3-2 league record. Their season has been more of a rollercoaster ride, but they’ve shown resilience, especially in tight matchups. Their offense, led by quarterback Andre Johnson, has been primarily focused on the passing game, averaging 187.4 yards through the air, with Johnson contributing 186.1 passing yards per game.
McKinley Tech’s rushing game has been less effective than Bell’s, averaging just 106.2 yards per game. However, running back Ziyon Walters has been a bright spot with 61.1 rushing yards per game. Defensively, McKinley Tech has struggled, allowing an average of 64.4 tackles per game and 2.2 sacks per game. However, linebacker Michael McNeil has been a standout on defense, averaging 10.0 tackles per game.
Despite these struggles, McKinley Tech has proven they can compete, especially with notable victories over Cardozo and Phelps Architecture, Construction & Engineering. Their victory over Ron Brown (20-16) on November 8th showed that they could rise to the occasion when needed.
Key Matchup: Bell’s Dominant Defense vs. McKinley Tech’s Offense
The most significant difference between these two teams is the contrast in their styles of play. Bell has been a juggernaut on both sides of the ball, consistently producing high offensive numbers and shutting down opponents. With a balanced attack and stellar defensive play, Bell looks to continue their dominance.
McKinley Tech will need to find a way to exploit Bell’s defense, especially through the air. Johnson and his receiving corps, including Micah Charles and Andre Johnson, will need to have a standout performance to keep pace with Bell’s high-scoring offense. If McKinley Tech is to have any chance, they must establish a rhythm through the passing game and hope their defense can limit Bell’s explosive plays.
History Between the Teams
The history between these two teams has been one-sided recently. Bell has been dominant in their last matchup, a 37-0 rout of McKinley Tech in October. Bell’s ability to shut down McKinley Tech’s offense was a major factor in that win, and McKinley Tech will need to adjust if they want to avoid another shutout.
However, McKinley Tech has had success against some common opponents, including a 28-20 win over Phelps Architecture, Construction & Engineering, showing that they are capable of pulling off an upset when playing at their best.
Conclusion: A Battle for Playoff Glory
With both teams coming off strong seasons, the Bell vs. McKinley Tech playoff game promises to be a thrilling contest. Bell enters as the clear favorite with their stellar offensive and defensive performances throughout the season, while McKinley Tech will need to dig deep and find a way to neutralize Bell’s strengths.
Fans can expect a hard-fought game, but if Bell continues its trend of dominance, they will likely emerge victorious. However, McKinley Tech has shown flashes of brilliance, and with the stakes high, they could prove to be formidable opponents.
With everything on the line, this game could be a defining moment for both programs. Don’t miss what promises to be an exciting showdown under the Friday night lights!
