The Needham (MA) varsity football team will play a home non-conference game against Wellesley (MA) today at 10 a.m.

What: Massachusetts High School Football
Who: Needham (MA) vs Wellesley (MA)
When: Thursday, November 28, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. ET
Where: Needham – Memorial Field
Live stream: Watch here

Wellesley and Needham Football: A Look at the 2024 Season’s Rankings and Records

The 2024 Massachusetts high school football season has showcased two powerhouse teams in Wellesley and Needham, each with distinct and impressive records that highlight their dominant play. The season’s progress and results have set the stage for an anticipated showdown and sparked discussions on their relative strengths.

Wellesley’s Season Recap Wellesley’s team, part of Division 4, concluded the regular season with a strong overall record of 8-3. Their league record was 3-1, indicating a solid performance within their competitive group. Wellesley’s home advantage was significant, as they posted an undefeated 6-0 record at home. However, on the road, they faced more challenges, finishing with a 2-3 record away. The team scored an impressive total of 293 points throughout the season while allowing 145 points, reflecting their potent offense and effective defense.

The team’s scoring averages were notable, with their points per quarter breaking down as follows: 6.8 in the first quarter, 8.2 in the second, 6.5 in the third, and 5.7 in the fourth. These figures added up to an average of 26.6 points per game.

Needham’s Unblemished Season In stark contrast, Needham’s 2024 season was marked by perfection. Their record was an impressive 11-0, a feat that showcased their exceptional ability and consistency. They dominated their league with a perfect 5-0 record and similarly excelled in non-league play with a 3-0 record. Needham’s defense was particularly formidable, allowing only 77 points across all games. Their offense scored a staggering 333 points, averaging 30.3 points per game. Their scoring per quarter was balanced, with 7.0 points in the first, 6.7 in the second, 10.0 in the third, and 4.7 in the fourth.

Common Opponents Analysis Both teams faced off against common opponents, providing an interesting lens for comparison. Wellesley posted a 4-1 record against these shared teams, while Needham was flawless with a 5-0 record.

• Framingham: Wellesley won 41-0 at home, while Needham triumphed 37-0 in their matchup.
• Walpole: Wellesley secured a close 35-28 victory, whereas Needham managed a 21-10 win.
• Newton North: Wellesley won decisively 41-8, with Needham outperforming them in a 43-6 victory.
• Natick: Wellesley fell 27-19 at home, while Needham won 20-7 in their encounter.
• Weymouth: Wellesley finished strong with a 35-13 win, and Needham won 21-3.

Head-to-Head and Playoff Outlook While the two teams did not face each other in the regular season, their records signal different trajectories. Wellesley’s 3-1 league record and 4-1 mark against common opponents suggest they are a formidable team, though slightly edged by Needham’s perfect season.

The postseason looms large for both, with Wellesley holding an 8-3 in-state record, while Needham has an unblemished 11-0 record. Their playoff potential is promising, with Wellesley having a 2-1 record in playoff games and Needham maintaining an impressive 3-0.

Conclusion The 2024 season for Wellesley and Needham has been a tale of strong performances and a stark contrast in outcomes. While Wellesley demonstrated resilience and notable victories, Needham’s flawless season highlighted their prowess and championship aspirations. The upcoming postseason will be pivotal in determining which team can turn their success into a title.