Mead vs. Lake Stevens: A Football Clash of Powerhouses

As the 2024-2025 high school football season heads into the postseason, two teams from Washington are proving themselves to be dominant forces. Mead (24-25) and Lake Stevens (24-25) are both in excellent form, boasting impressive records and standout individual performances. Let’s break down their season stats, player performances, and overall strengths to see what makes these teams exceptional contenders.

Team Overview: Mead

Mead High School has had a phenomenal season, finishing with a record of 9-1 overall, including a 6-1 district performance and a perfect 5-0 record at home. Their win percentage of .900 demonstrates their consistency and competitiveness, and their district win percentage of .857 shows their dominance within their league.

Mead has scored a total of 366 points, while allowing only 141, giving them a strong point differential and demonstrating their offensive power and defensive resilience. Their offensive scoring averages paint a picture of a well-rounded team: they put up 9.8 points per game in the first quarter, 16.8 in the second, 6.8 in the third, and 8.2 in the fourth, ending with an average of 36.6 points per game.

Key Players:

• Jayshon Limar (Rushing Yards Per Game – 114.1) is a standout on the ground, adding critical yardage for the Panthers. Limar is a versatile back who can break through defenses and help Mead control the clock.
• Kolton Matson (Passing Yards Per Game – 211.5) has been a reliable and consistent quarterback, leading the charge through the air with precision and leadership.
• Keagan Howard (Receiving Yards Per Game – 62.1 and Tackles Per Game – 9.9) is a dual-threat, making plays on offense and stepping up to make tackles on defense.

Defensively, Brayden Dougherty (Sacks Per Game – 1.4) has been disruptive in the trenches, helping Mead maintain pressure on opposing quarterbacks and limiting scoring opportunities.

Team Overview: Lake Stevens

Lake Stevens, also hailing from Washington, has shown their mettle with a strong 7-3 overall record. Their district record stands at 5-1, and they were formidable at home with a 5-1 record. While their away record is a more modest 2-2, they have proven to be a tough opponent in any venue.

With a total of 439 points scored and 154 points allowed, Lake Stevens has an impressive point differential. Their offense averages 43.9 points per game, which is significantly higher than Mead’s, suggesting a potent and high-scoring attack. The team also averages 13.1 points in the first quarter, followed by 15.6 in the second, 11.3 in the third, and 5.1 in the fourth quarter.

Key Players:

• Jayshon Limar (Rushing Yards Per Game – 20.3) provides stability on the ground, but the standout feature for Lake Stevens is their explosive passing game.
• Kolton Matson (Total Yards Per Game – 230.0) leads the way, providing the balance and experience needed for big plays both in the air and on the ground.
• Keagan Howard (Tackles Per Game – 9.9) steps up to play an impactful defensive role as well.

Lake Stevens’ offense is dynamic, and their ability to produce points in high volumes, combined with their solid defensive foundation, makes them a formidable team.

Stat Comparison:

• Rushing: Mead leads the rushing yards per game with 189.6, compared to Lake Stevens’ 114.1. However, the passing game is where Lake Stevens truly excels, averaging 223.9 yards per game versus Mead’s 223.1 yards.
• Scoring: The contrast in scoring averages is notable: Mead scores 36.6 points per game, while Lake Stevens averages 43.9 points. This makes Lake Stevens one of the highest-scoring teams in the region.
• Defense: Both teams are stout defensively, with Mead averaging 73.3 tackles per game and Lake Stevens contributing with 73.3 as well.

The Head-to-Head Breakdown:

In terms of head-to-head play, both teams have dominated their respective opponents and are headed for potential playoff battles. While Mead holds an edge in their overall record and district dominance, Lake Stevens’ ability to score quickly and efficiently could provide a challenge.

Their matchup would undoubtedly be one to watch, with each team bringing a different strength to the table. Mead excels in defense and consistency, while Lake Stevens boasts high-powered offense and resilience.

Playoff Picture:

Mead enters the postseason with a 1-0 playoff record, showcasing their ability to rise to the occasion. Lake Stevens, however, is still looking for their first postseason victory this season, but their overall team dynamic and explosive offense suggest they could be dangerous in the playoffs.

Conclusion:

Both Mead and Lake Stevens have proven to be among the top teams in Washington this season. Mead’s strong defensive performance and balanced offensive attack make them a tough team to beat. On the other hand, Lake Stevens’ high-scoring offense and ability to produce points at will give them an edge in high-stakes situations. As the playoffs unfold, these two teams will certainly be teams to watch.