The Northwest (Germantown, MD) varsity football team is playing a home playoff game against Seneca Valley (Germantown, MD) today at 6:30 p.m.
What: Maryland High School Football
Who: Northwest (MD) vs Seneca Valley (MD)
When: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
Seneca Valley vs. Northwest: A Breakdown of Their Rivalry
As the 2024 season of high school football intensifies, one of the biggest matchups in the Germantown, MD area is the rivalry between Seneca Valley and Northwest High Schools. Both teams have had impressive runs this year, with notable victories and key players making a significant impact. Here’s an in-depth look at the two teams’ performances, statistics, and head-to-head matchup.
Team Overview: Seneca Valley (7-3)
Seneca Valley has had a solid season, finishing with a 7-3 overall record, including a 4-2 mark in the region. The team has shown resilience, especially in close games, and has averaged 15.1 points per game. However, the team has struggled at times to put up significant offensive numbers, with their average score per quarter being relatively low: 2.3 points in the first quarter, 6.2 in the second, 3.5 in the third, and 4.5 in the fourth.
Key players for Seneca Valley include:
- Jayden Vongprachanh-Nelson, a dynamic quarterback, leading the team with 121.7 passing yards per game.
- Rahmise Jones, the team’s top receiver, with 69.4 receiving yards per game.
- Xavier Benson, who contributes 47.0 rushing yards per game, and is key in the team’s ground attack.
Seneca Valley’s defense has also been solid, with Ephram Choy making an impact, averaging 7.7 tackles per game, and Eric Odina, who has 2.0 sacks per game, helping the team pressure opposing quarterbacks.
Team Overview: Northwest (8-2)
Northwest has been in excellent form this season, finishing with an 8-2 record overall, including a dominant 4-1 record in their region. The Jaguars boast an impressive 33.4 points per game average, reflecting their high-powered offense. They have been particularly strong in the first half, scoring 9.1 points in the first quarter and 12.6 in the second.
Notable players for Northwest include:
- Van Mahoney, who leads the team in scoring with an average of 6.0 points per game.
- Tackling machine, Ephram Choy, who averages 7.7 tackles per game.
- Quarterback Jayden Vongprachanh-Nelson, who leads the offense with 121.7 passing yards per game.
On the defensive side, Eric Odina and Xavier Benson are key players who help give Seneca Valley a competitive advantage.
Head-to-Head Matchup
When these two teams faced off on September 27, 2024, Northwest demonstrated their dominance, beating Seneca Valley by a score of 27-0. This victory was a testament to their balanced attack and strong defense, which left Seneca Valley struggling to get any momentum throughout the game.
Team Comparison:
- Offensive Strengths:
- Seneca Valley averages 266.2 total yards per game, with a balanced offensive attack. They are able to move the ball both through the air and on the ground.
- Northwest, however, has a more explosive offense, averaging 334 total yards per game, with a particularly strong passing game. Their versatility on offense has been a key factor in their successful season.
- Defensive Dominance:
- Seneca Valley is solid defensively, allowing 147 points throughout the season. While not the highest-scoring team, they manage to limit opponents with strategic defense and a capable pass rush.
- Northwest has been even more impressive defensively, allowing only 66 points in total. Their defensive line has been a force, with a focus on containing opponents’ passing games.
Common Opponents:
Both teams have faced common opponents this season, which gives insight into their relative strengths:
- Seneca Valley has a 3-1 record against common opponents, with notable wins against teams like Richard Montgomery and Churchill.
- Northwest has performed well against the same opponents, finishing with a 4-1 record, including a hard-fought victory over Churchill and a dominant win over Richard Montgomery.
Playoff Implications:
As the season heads into the playoffs, both teams are looking to make a deep run. Seneca Valley has the advantage of playing in a tougher region, but Northwest has been on a hot streak, entering the playoffs as one of the top teams in their region.
With both teams having playoff aspirations, the next matchup will be crucial for positioning, and could set the stage for a potential rematch in the postseason.
Final Thoughts:
The Seneca Valley vs. Northwest rivalry continues to grow, with both teams having impressive seasons thus far. While Northwest has the edge with their explosive offense and dominant defense, Seneca Valley will be looking to bounce back and prove their mettle in the postseason. This rivalry promises to deliver thrilling football as these two teams fight for supremacy in Germantown.
