The Royal City High School varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against Lynden Christian High School on Friday, November 22, 2024.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Washington High School Football
Who: Royal vs Lynden Christian
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: on Friday, November 22, 2024.
“2024 Football Washington State Championships – 1A State Football”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

High School Football Showdown: Lynden Christian vs. Royal

The 2024-2025 high school football season has seen strong performances from teams across Washington, but one matchup stands out: Lynden Christian versus Royal. Both teams have delivered impressive results, but they follow very different trajectories and scoring patterns. Let’s break down their performances and how they stack up heading into any potential playoff showdown.

Lynden Christian (7-4 Overall Record)

Lynden Christian, with a solid 7-4 record, has shown consistency throughout the season. While the team is not undefeated, it has managed to maintain a winning percentage of .636, which is reflective of its ability to compete across various levels. The team’s performance in league play stands at 3-1, which is strong, but it has faced some challenges in non-league matchups, with a 3-3 record.

In terms of scoring, Lynden Christian averages 26.9 points per game. The team’s scoring breakdown shows a strong start in the first quarter, where they average 16.8 points, but scoring drops off significantly in the second half, particularly in the 3rd and 4th quarters, with just 1.8 points in each. This late-game drop-off could be a concern if they face teams that can capitalize on such opportunities.

Lynden Christian has been particularly strong on its home turf, with a 4-3 record at home and a 3-1 mark on the road, indicating their ability to compete regardless of location.

Royal (10-0 Undefeated Season)

On the other side of the coin, Royal enters this season with an undefeated 10-0 record, dominating opponents both within their league and outside. Their perfect league record of 8-0 shows just how strong they have been in head-to-head matchups, and their 5-0 performance both at home and away speaks to their ability to win in various settings.

The standout statistic for Royal is their offense. Averaging a staggering 63.0 points per game, they are a high-powered team capable of overwhelming opponents early and often. Their first-quarter average of 28.0 points is particularly noteworthy, indicating they are a force to be reckoned with from the start of the game. However, their scoring doesn’t drop off in the second half like Lynden Christian’s does; instead, they maintain a steady pace, averaging 9.3 points in the 3rd quarter and 3.3 points in the 4th quarter.

Royal’s defense has also been remarkable, allowing just 62 points across their entire season, which speaks volumes about their ability to shut down opposing offenses.

Comparison: Team Scoring Averages

When comparing the two teams, there is a clear contrast in offensive firepower. Royal has been a juggernaut, scoring at a remarkable pace across all four quarters, while Lynden Christian has had more of a balanced but slower-paced approach. The breakdowns of scoring show that Royal’s offense will likely be more difficult to contain in a high-stakes game, especially given their ability to score quickly and consistently.

Record Breakdown

Looking at the record breakdowns for both teams, Royal’s perfect record across the board stands out. Their dominance is clear in both league play (8-0) and non-league play (2-0), and they’ve proven they can win both at home and on the road. Meanwhile, Lynden Christian has a more mixed performance, with notable success in the district (3-1) but struggles in non-league matchups.

In-state, Royal has been flawless with a 10-0 record, while Lynden Christian’s 7-3 in-state record shows some vulnerability against top-tier teams.

Playoff Implications

Both teams have playoff potential, with Lynden Christian’s strong performance in district games showing they could be a tough opponent in the postseason. Royal, however, enters any playoff matchup as the clear favorite with their undefeated record, strong offense, and stifling defense. If these two teams were to meet in the playoffs, it would be a classic battle of Royal’s high-powered offense against Lynden Christian’s balanced approach, with Royal’s ability to control the game from the start likely giving them the edge.

In conclusion, the clash between Lynden Christian and Royal would certainly be one to watch. While Lynden Christian’s resilience and home-field advantage could pose challenges, Royal’s impeccable record and offensive firepower make them the team to beat this season.