The Paint Branch (Burtonsville, MD) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Walter Johnson (Bethesda, MD) on Friday, November 15, at 6:30 PM.

What: Maryland High School Football
Who: Paint Branch (MD) vs Walter Johnson (MD)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Walter Johnson vs. Paint Branch Football: A Comparative Analysis

As the football season draws to a close, one of the most anticipated matchups in Maryland is set to take place on November 15, 2024, between the Walter Johnson Wildcats and the Paint Branch Panthers. Both teams have had contrasting journeys throughout the season, but with Paint Branch dominating the field, all eyes are on this upcoming playoff game. Let’s take a look at how both teams stack up in terms of performance, statistics, and history.

Team Performance Overview

Walter Johnson (Bethesda, MD)

The Walter Johnson Wildcats have had a somewhat mixed season, finishing with an overall record of 5-5. In the region, they are 1-3, with a notable home record of 4-2. They have averaged 25.9 points per game and have allowed 205 points over the course of the season, showing a middle-of-the-road performance. Notably, they’ve been less consistent in regional matchups, which could be a factor as they face off against Paint Branch.

Paint Branch (Burtonsville, MD)

On the other hand, Paint Branch enters the playoff game with an undefeated record of 8-0. This impressive record includes a perfect 4-0 in regional games and a flawless 5-0 at home. Averaging 32.4 points per game while allowing only 72 points, the Panthers have been dominant throughout the season. Their robust defense and high-powered offense will certainly make them a tough opponent for Walter Johnson.

Head-to-Head History

The teams faced off earlier in the season on September 27, 2024, with Paint Branch emerging victorious in a commanding 42-7 win. The Panthers built an early lead, scoring 7 points in the first quarter and 14 in the second, before piling on 21 more points in the third. Walter Johnson’s offense was stifled, only managing to score 7 points in the second quarter. This result gives Paint Branch a mental edge heading into the playoff match.

Team Scoring Breakdown

Looking at the scoring averages, Paint Branch shows a clear offensive superiority. The Panthers have consistently scored well across all four quarters, particularly in the first half of the game, with an average of 7.3 points in the first quarter and 10.5 points in the second. Their ability to score quickly and maintain momentum has been a defining trait this season.

Walter Johnson, by contrast, has been much slower to start. Their first-quarter average is just 1.4 points, improving in the second quarter to 6.8, but they struggle to maintain a high-scoring pace. While their offense has been effective at times, it has often been inconsistent, which could be a concern in a high-stakes playoff game.

Key Players

For Walter Johnson, running back Alijah Bah has been a standout player. He leads the team with 140 rushing yards per game and has contributed significantly to the team’s 340.6 total yards per game. Bah also leads the team in points scored, with 14.9 points per game, making him the focal point of the Wildcats’ offense.

Paint Branch’s offensive engine is powered by their balanced attack, but a key contributor has been their rushing game, with the team averaging 236.4 yards per game. They also excel in passing, accumulating 104.3 yards per game. The team’s success can be attributed to both their ability to run the ball effectively and their strong defense.

Team Stat Comparison

Looking at key statistics for both teams:

• Rushing Yards per Game: Walter Johnson – 236.4, Paint Branch – 104.3
• Passing Yards per Game: Walter Johnson – 104.3, Paint Branch – 104.3
• Total Yards per Game: Walter Johnson – 340.6, Paint Branch – 259.0
• Tackles per Game: Walter Johnson – 55.8, Paint Branch – 55.8
• Points Per Game: Walter Johnson – 31.8, Paint Branch – 32.4

While both teams have a similar passing game, Walter Johnson’s rushing game is more robust, but Paint Branch has shown a more balanced and well-rounded approach on offense. Both teams are equal in their tackling ability, and both have capable defenses.

Common Opponents

When comparing records against common opponents, Paint Branch has a clear edge. Paint Branch has won 4 out of 4 games against mutual teams, including wins over Blair, Wheaton, and Sherwood. Walter Johnson, however, struggled with a 1-3 record against the same opponents, with losses to teams like Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Blair, and Sherwood.

Final Thoughts

As both teams prepare for their playoff showdown, Paint Branch enters the game with the momentum of an undefeated season and a resounding victory over Walter Johnson earlier in the year. While Walter Johnson has proven they can hold their own at times, their inconsistent play and struggles in regional matchups could hinder their chances in this tough contest.

Paint Branch will rely on their balanced offense and stifling defense, looking to extend their perfect season. Meanwhile, Walter Johnson will have to capitalize on their individual star power, particularly Bah, and find a way to break through the Panthers’ formidable defense.

The playoff game promises to be an exciting clash, with Paint Branch likely the favorite, but Walter Johnson still holding the potential to cause an upset if they can perform at their best.