Naselle and Pomeroy: A Clash of Titans in Washington Football

The 2024-2025 high school football season in Washington has featured two teams that have consistently dominated their respective districts: the Naselle Comets and the Pomeroy Pirates. Both teams have shown outstanding performance on the field, with their records, statistics, and team dynamics highlighting the quality of football played in the state. Here’s a detailed look at their season so far and what sets them apart from the competition.

Naselle Comets: A Perfect Season

Naselle has had an impeccable record this season, finishing with a perfect 10-0 overall and 8-0 in their district. Their dominance extends beyond just victories; the Comets have demonstrated an extraordinary consistency in their gameplay, scoring an average of 69.8 points per game. This offensive power has been a key driver in their undefeated run.

Naselle’s team leader, Jack Strange, has been a standout player, rushing for 104.4 yards per game. His hard-nosed running style has helped Naselle maintain one of the highest rushing yard averages in the state, at 292.1 yards per game. Quarterback Jacob Lindstrom has been efficient in the air, contributing 82 passing yards per game, while Scott Henington has emerged as a reliable receiver with 25.2 yards per game.

Defensively, Naselle has shown their strength as well, with Jack Strange leading the team in tackles at 7.3 per game. This defensive prowess is complemented by a scoring defense that has allowed only 64 points across 10 games, showcasing their ability to shut down opponents both offensively and defensively.

In terms of overall team stats, Naselle averages a total of 381.9 yards per game, a solid combination of rushing and passing plays that have proven effective in all facets of the game. Whether at home or on the road, Naselle has been an unstoppable force.

Pomeroy Pirates: The One Loss Wonder

On the other side of the coin, the Pomeroy Pirates have also enjoyed a successful season, albeit with a slightly blemished record of 10-1. The Pirates have been an offensive powerhouse as well, averaging 62.4 points per game. Despite their offensive consistency, they have seen a single loss that didn’t come in district play, as they finished a perfect 5-0 in their league.

The leader of the Pirates’ offense is Jett Slusser, who has been spectacular, rushing for 169.5 yards per game, a figure that stands out across the state. Jacob Reisinger has been Slusser’s go-to target in the passing game, tallying 45.6 receiving yards per game, helping balance the Pirates’ offensive attack. Pomeroy’s rushing game is the engine of their success, averaging 346.6 yards per game, which is the best in comparison to many teams in the state, including Naselle.

Pomeroy also has a solid defensive unit, with Boone Schmidt contributing 0.6 sacks per game, and the team allowing 196 total points over the course of their season. While they have been strong in nearly all aspects of the game, their defense has given up a bit more than Naselle’s, which could be a potential area of focus as the playoffs approach.

Team Comparison: Offense, Defense, and Overall Stats

When comparing these two teams, several factors stand out. Both teams have exceptional offensive lines, but Naselle’s ability to keep their points allowed (PA) low, at just 64 for the season, is particularly impressive. Pomeroy has allowed 196 points, which is still solid, but it shows that they might not be as impenetrable on defense as Naselle.

Both teams also show a marked ability to dominate in rushing, with Naselle averaging 292.1 yards per game and Pomeroy 346.6 yards. However, Naselle has a slight edge in the passing game with 89.8 yards per game compared to Pomeroy’s 97.5, suggesting a more balanced offense for Naselle overall.

In terms of total yards, Pomeroy holds the edge with 444.1 yards per game, while Naselle averages 381.9. This is indicative of the Pirates’ ability to stretch defenses and use both the run and the pass to their advantage.

Key Matchup Breakdown

• Offensive Playmakers: The showdown between Naselle’s Jack Strange and Pomeroy’s Jett Slusser could be a defining factor in this matchup. Both are critical to their team’s success, but each player’s ability to maintain high performance under pressure could dictate the outcome.
• Defensive Strength: While Naselle has been more efficient at limiting opponent scores, Pomeroy’s aggressive rushing game could challenge Naselle’s defense, especially in the later stages of the game.
• Quarterbacks and Passing Game: Both teams have strong quarterbacks in Jacob Lindstrom (Naselle) and Jett Slusser (Pomeroy). While Lindstrom’s passing yards are slightly lower, his efficiency in critical moments could be just what Naselle needs to secure their perfect season.

Playoff Outlook

Both teams are expected to go deep into the playoffs, with Naselle holding a perfect record and Pomeroy coming in with just one loss. The rivalry between these two could make for a thrilling postseason, especially if they meet in a state championship or semifinal game. Their contrasting styles—Naselle’s balanced and suffocating defense versus Pomeroy’s explosive offense—will surely provide a fascinating spectacle.

Conclusion

As the season heads toward the playoffs, both Naselle and Pomeroy have proven they belong among the top teams in Washington. Whether it’s Naselle’s flawless defense and offensive balance or Pomeroy’s explosive run game, both teams have the tools to make a deep playoff run. It’s only a matter of time before these two juggernauts square off, potentially for the state title. Until then, both teams will continue to chase perfection, with every game serving as a testament to their grit and determination.