The Wagoner (OK) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Poteau (OK) today at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 Oklahoma High School Football Playoff Brackets for Class 4A, as organized by the OSSAA.

Wagoner vs Poteau Football Game Info:

What: Oklahoma High School Football
Who: Wagoner vs Poteau
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 Oklahoma High School Football Playoff Brackets: OSSAA – Class 4A
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Game preview: Wagoner vs Poteau

As the high school football season continues to unfold, two teams from Oklahoma stand out with contrasting records and impressive performances. Poteau and Wagoner, both powerhouses in their own right, have had distinct seasons as they approach the final stretch of the year.

Poteau’s Solid Campaign: A Winning Record Despite Some Setbacks

Poteau enters the season with a respectable overall record of 6-4, finishing with a solid 4-3 mark in district play. The team has faced its fair share of challenges, with a losing record on the road (2-3), but they’ve shown resilience with a strong home performance, going 4-1. Their scoring average of 22.8 points per game reflects an offense that is capable of making plays, though the team’s defense, allowing 148 points on the season, may need to improve heading into the postseason.

In terms of individual performance, linebacker Ryder Waddell has been a standout for Poteau, averaging 8.6 tackles per game, a crucial part of their defensive efforts. Talyn Phillips, with 0.8 sacks per game, has been a consistent presence in the defensive line, looking to disrupt opposing offenses.

Wagoner: Perfect Season with Dominance Across the Board

On the other hand, Wagoner has been nothing short of spectacular this season. The Bulldogs are perfect with a 10-0 record, and they finished a flawless 7-0 in district play. Dominating both at home and on the road (5-0 in each), Wagoner has posted an average of 49.3 points per game, nearly doubling their opponents’ scoring output. With an astounding 493 points scored and only 95 points allowed, their performance has been nothing less than dominant.

Wagoner’s balance of offensive power and defensive strength has made them a true contender. Their scoring is distributed across all four quarters, especially in the first (18.3 points per game) and third (18.3 points per game) quarters, where they have outpaced many opponents. This efficiency, combined with a lockdown defense, makes them a tough team to beat.

Team Comparisons and Standout Performances

Looking at the stats, Wagoner has dominated in nearly every aspect. While Poteau averages 57.0 tackles per game, Wagoner’s defense has kept their opponents’ scoring to a minimum, allowing only 95 points all season. Poteau’s defensive leader, Waddell, has been a standout with 8.6 tackles per game, though Wagoner’s performance has been on a different level, limiting teams with impressive efficiency.

In terms of sacks, Poteau’s Talyn Phillips has contributed 0.8 sacks per game, but Wagoner has notched an impressive total of 2.6 sacks per game, which speaks to the pressure their defense applies on opposing quarterbacks.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Teams?

As the regular season winds down, Poteau will need to fine-tune its game, especially on the road and in terms of defensive consistency. Their upcoming matchups will test their ability to perform under pressure, particularly as they face tougher teams in the postseason.

Wagoner, with their perfect record and overwhelming strength, enters the postseason as the team to beat. With a blend of high-scoring offense and suffocating defense, they will look to continue their dominance and push deep into the playoffs.

For both teams, the future looks bright—Poteau with the potential to upset higher-ranked teams if they can tighten their defense, and Wagoner aiming for a state championship with an undefeated record.

Final Thoughts

While Poteau has had an impressive season, their 6-4 record pales in comparison to Wagoner’s perfect 10-0 run. However, both teams have shown their strengths and will continue to compete in exciting matchups as they push forward toward the postseason. Fans of Oklahoma high school football are in for a thrilling finish to the season as these teams make their case for playoff success.