The Naselle High School varsity football team will face off against Wilbur-Creston-Keller High School (Creston, WA) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 1:00 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Washington High School Football
Who: Naselle vs Wilbur-Creston-Keller
When: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Time: 1:00. p.m. ET
“2024 Football Washington State Championships – 1B State Football”
Live stream: Watch here

Football Showdown: Wilbur-Creston-Keller vs. Naselle – A Season of Perfection

As the 2024-2025 high school football season draws to a close, two teams in Washington have captured the attention of fans, analysts, and coaches alike for their incredible undefeated runs: Wilbur-Creston-Keller and Naselle. Both teams have been dominant forces in their respective leagues, each boasting a perfect record and playing high-level football from start to finish. With powerful offenses, stingy defenses, and star players, these two teams have created a thrilling narrative that culminates in what promises to be a memorable postseason.

Wilbur-Creston-Keller: Dominating the Field

With an overall record of 12-0, Wilbur-Creston-Keller has showcased its dominance throughout the season. Ranked #222 nationally, #2 in Washington, and #2 in their class, the team has been nearly unstoppable. Their offensive production has been nothing short of remarkable, scoring an average of 66.2 points per game. The team’s ability to put up big numbers is driven by a high-powered offense that averages 542.8 total yards per game, which includes 416.8 rushing yards and 125.9 passing yards.

Leading the way for Wilbur-Creston-Keller is star player Preston Michel. The senior running back has been a force on the ground, rushing for an average of 185.7 yards per game and contributing significantly to the team’s total offensive yardage (302.6 yards per game). Michel has also shown versatility, adding 87.7 passing yards per game. On defense, linebacker Evyn Krause has been the team’s top tackler, averaging 7.7 tackles per game, while the squad’s defense is ranked highly with 57.3 tackles per game overall.

The team’s perfect season includes a flawless record in both their league (3-0) and non-league games (6-0), as well as a perfect mark at home (6-0) and on the road (4-0). With a potent offense and solid defense, Wilbur-Creston-Keller looks poised to make a deep run in the playoffs.

Naselle: A Perfect Track Record

Just behind Wilbur-Creston-Keller is Naselle, with an impressive 11-0 record. Ranked #354 nationally, #4 in Washington, and #4 in their class, Naselle has had an equally dominant season. Averaging 68.7 points per game, Naselle’s offense has been one of the most potent in the state. The team’s ability to score points is fueled by their rushing attack, which averages 300.9 yards per game. The passing game, while not as prominent, still averages a solid 94.4 yards per game.

Quarterback Jacob Lindstrom and running back Jack Strange have been central to Naselle’s success. Lindstrom leads the charge with 169.5 total yards per game, while Strange contributes a stellar 122.2 rushing yards per game. Strange also excels defensively, averaging 7.9 tackles per game and helping to anchor a defense that tallies 45.7 tackles per game. The team’s defensive unit has been effective at shutting down opponents, holding them to just 114 points over the course of the season.

Naselle’s perfect season includes an undefeated league record (8-0) and non-league performance (5-0), with the team maintaining dominance both at home (5-0) and on the road (5-0). The squad’s blend of offensive firepower and defensive tenacity positions them well for playoff success.

A Head-to-Head Matchup to Remember

Both Wilbur-Creston-Keller and Naselle have displayed remarkable consistency, and while the two teams haven’t faced off directly this season, fans and experts are eagerly awaiting any potential postseason matchup. Here’s a look at the two teams’ comparative statistics:

Both teams have explosive offenses, with Wilbur-Creston-Keller leading in total yards and rushing yards per game, while Naselle edges them out in points scored per game. However, the defensive side of the ball may play a critical role. Wilbur-Creston-Keller has been particularly effective at stopping opposing offenses, with a higher average of tackles and sacks per game.

Key Players to Watch

The stars of each team will be critical to the outcome of any potential postseason showdown. For Wilbur-Creston-Keller, Preston Michel’s multi-dimensional game (rushing, passing, and scoring) makes him a player to watch. On the other side, Naselle’s Jacob Lindstrom and Jack Strange offer a lethal combination of rushing and playmaking ability, with Strange’s ability to both run and defend making him an all-around threat.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, both Wilbur-Creston-Keller and Naselle have proven themselves to be among the best in the state. Whether they face off in the playoffs or continue their separate paths to state championships, one thing is certain: both teams have earned their place at the top.

For now, fans can only dream of what could be a thrilling postseason matchup between these two undefeated juggernauts. Will Wilbur-Creston-Keller’s potent rushing game and strong defense prevail, or will Naselle’s well-rounded attack and high-scoring offense carry them to victory? Time will tell, but for now, both teams will continue their perfect seasons, with the finish line drawing closer.