The Neah Bay (WA) varsity football team will face Wahkiakum (Cathlamet, WA) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 15, 2024.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Washington High School Football
Who: Neah Bay vs Wahkiakum
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: on Friday, November 15, 2024.
“2024 Football Washington State Championships – 1B State Football”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
Wahkiakum vs. Neah Bay: A Playoff Showdown
As the football season progresses into the playoffs, two teams are gearing up for a highly anticipated matchup: Wahkiakum and Neah Bay. Both teams have impressive records and have faced off against strong opponents, making their upcoming game on November 15 a thrilling encounter.
Team Overview
Wahkiakum (8-3) enters the playoffs with a solid record, having dominated their district with a 7-1 record. Based in Cathlamet, WA, they have scored 452 points while allowing 280, showing strong offensive and defensive capabilities. Their offensive strategy has been led by Jayden Stoddard, who has posted impressive yardage in both rushing and passing, averaging 74.6 rushing yards and 203.9 passing yards per game. Despite a relatively weaker performance in their opening matchup against Neah Bay, Wahkiakum has shown resilience throughout the season.
Neah Bay (9-1) has been an unstoppable force this season, remaining undefeated in their district with an 8-0 record. With an overall score of 516 points and only 184 points allowed, they have dominated opponents both offensively and defensively. Their star player, Jodell Wimberly, leads the team in rushing with an astounding 132.6 yards per game, while the team as a whole boasts an impressive 291.5 rushing yards per game. Neah Bay’s balance of offense and defense positions them as one of the top contenders in the playoffs.
Head-to-Head: Neah Bay Dominates Early
The first meeting between these two teams occurred on September 7, 2024, and it was all Neah Bay. The game ended in a resounding 78-24 victory for Neah Bay, signaling their dominance early in the season. Wahkiakum struggled to keep up with the high-scoring offense of Neah Bay, and they will be looking for a redemption story in the upcoming neutral-site playoff game.
Key Stat Comparison
Looking at the statistical comparison, Wahkiakum has averaged 318.3 total yards per game, with 127.5 yards coming from rushing and 190.7 from passing. They have managed 41.1 points per game but have struggled to keep up with teams that can control the clock and the run game.
On the other hand, Neah Bay averages 336.3 total yards per game, with 291.5 of those yards coming from rushing. Their ability to dominate the ground game is a huge advantage, as they score an average of 48.4 points per game. Their defensive line, averaging 47 tackles per game and 2.1 sacks per game, ensures that their opponents face a tough battle on both ends of the field.
Team Leaders
For Wahkiakum, Jayden Stoddard has been the standout player, not only as a leading rusher but also as a dual-threat quarterback. His 279.8 total yards per game and ability to contribute both on the ground and through the air will be crucial in any comeback attempt against Neah Bay.
For Neah Bay, Jodell Wimberly is the undeniable star, rushing for an average of 132.6 yards per game. His performance in the ground game has helped Neah Bay stay in control of their matches. Defensively, Adan Ellis leads the team in tackles and pancake blocks, with his physicality key in their success.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced off against Darrington this season, with Wahkiakum securing a 56-16 victory at home, while Neah Bay dominated Darrington 60-6 on October 4. This suggests that both teams are capable of handling strong opposition, but Neah Bay’s margin of victory against common opponents has been consistently larger, further indicating their dominance.
Playoff Implications
The upcoming playoff matchup between Wahkiakum and Neah Bay is set to be an exciting game. While Neah Bay has been the stronger team this season, Wahkiakum’s resilience and potential for improvement in this playoff setting mean that anything could happen. This game could either see Neah Bay continue their march to the championship or witness Wahkiakum upset the heavily favored team in a thrilling conclusion to their season.
Both teams have had an incredible journey to get here, and the playoff atmosphere will only intensify the competition. With strong individual performances and team dynamics on display, this game promises to be one of the most exciting matchups in the region’s postseason.
