Almira-Coulee-Hartline vs. Neah Bay: A Season of High Expectations and Strong Performances

The 2024-2025 football season has been an exciting one for both Almira-Coulee-Hartline (ACH) and Neah Bay, with each team displaying strong performances and dominating their respective competitions. While both schools boast impressive records, they are on distinct paths in terms of style, offensive strategies, and defensive efforts. Let’s break down the standout statistics, comparisons, and records for these two teams.

Almira-Coulee-Hartline (ACH) Football: A Dominant Force

ACH has enjoyed a successful season with a 9-2 overall record, and their strong performance has earned them recognition as a top contender in their district and beyond. With a winning percentage of .818, the team has excelled in both home (6-1) and away (3-1) games. In total yards, ACH is averaging 381.4 per game, led by their balanced offense.

• Offense: The team has shown versatility, with 283.3 rushing yards per game and 98.1 passing yards per game. This well-rounded approach, combined with their potent rushing attack, has been key to their offensive success.
• Defense: Defensively, they average 59.7 tackles per game, showcasing a strong ability to stop their opponents. While they are not as prolific in sacks as Neah Bay, with 4.5 sacks per game, they remain a tough team to break down.

Key players like Carter Pitts, who averages 92.3 rushing yards per game, and Caden Correia, who leads the team with 97.1 passing yards per game, have been instrumental in driving the team forward. Together, they offer a well-balanced attack that can adjust to the needs of any game.

Neah Bay: Unstoppable Force with a Perfect District Record

Neah Bay, on the other hand, has had an exceptional run, posting a 10-1 record with an undefeated district mark of 8-0. Their overall win percentage stands at a remarkable .909, signaling their dominance in both regular and postseason play. Their offense has been formidable, averaging 53.3 points per game—one of the highest in the state.

• Offense: Neah Bay’s offense revolves around the sensational Jodell Wimberly, who leads the team with an impressive 138.2 rushing yards per game, as well as 160.8 total yards per game. This makes them one of the most potent offensive teams in their class. While their passing game (48.7 passing yards per game) is more limited, their strength lies in their ability to move the ball efficiently on the ground.
• Defense: Neah Bay’s defense has been just as impressive, with an average of 45.8 tackles per game and 2.3 sacks per game. Their defense is tough to break, especially given their strong finish to the season, highlighted by their flawless district record.

Key players such as Jodell Wimberly, who has accounted for 18 points per game, and Caleb Cummins, with 7.6 tackles per game, anchor both their offense and defense. Wimberly’s rushing prowess has been a major weapon for the team, making them difficult to stop when they gain momentum.

Team Comparisons: Offensive and Defensive Highlights

When comparing the teams across various statistical categories, both show areas of dominance:

• Rushing Yards: Neah Bay averages a slight edge over ACH, with 286.5 rushing yards per game compared to ACH’s 283.3. Both teams rely heavily on the ground game, but Neah Bay’s ability to generate big plays on the run has been especially notable.
• Passing Yards: ACH is more successful in the air, with 98.1 passing yards per game, compared to Neah Bay’s 48.7. This contrast in passing strategies reflects their differing styles of offense, with ACH employing a more balanced approach, while Neah Bay leans on their powerful rushing attack.
• Total Yards: ACH leads slightly in total yards per game, with 381.4 compared to Neah Bay’s 335.2. This is a reflection of ACH’s more versatile offensive approach.

Common Opponents: A Glimpse at Their Strengths and Challenges

Both teams faced Liberty Christian, and while neither came out victorious, the scorelines were telling. Almira-Coulee-Hartline faced a tough 50-36 loss, while Neah Bay lost 60-16. These results indicate that while both teams are competitive, Liberty Christian proved to be a challenging opponent for each.

Playoff Potential

With the 2024-2025 season coming to a close, both teams look poised for playoff runs. Neah Bay has already proven its dominance, with a near-perfect district record and an undefeated home record. ACH, with their solid 9-2 record and strong individual performers, is also expected to be a force in the postseason.

Conclusion

As both teams prepare for postseason play, the contrast in styles between Almira-Coulee-Hartline and Neah Bay is striking. ACH’s balanced offensive attack and strong defense make them a formidable opponent, while Neah Bay’s overwhelming rushing offense and stout defense give them the edge in nearly every game they play. As the postseason looms, it will be exciting to see how these two powerhouse teams perform under the bright lights of the playoffs. Whether it’s ACH’s strategic depth or Neah Bay’s raw power, one thing is clear: both teams are ready to contend for a championship.