The Ward Melville (East Setauket, NY) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against William Floyd (Mastic Beach, NY) today at 7 PM. This game is part of the 2024 Fall Boys Football New York: Long Island – Division I tournament.

Ward Melville vs William Floyd Football Game Info:

What: New York High School Football
Who: Ward Melville vs William Floyd
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 Fall Boys Football New York: Long Island – Division I
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Game preview: Ward Melville vs William Floyd

In one of the most anticipated matchups of the season, the William Floyd and Ward Melville high school football teams are set to face off for the chance to secure their playoff destiny. Both teams have had impressive seasons, boasting identical 9-1 records heading into this neutral-site playoff clash. While the two squads share similar statistics and performances, their last encounter just a month ago left fans eagerly anticipating this rematch.

Team Records & Rankings

• William Floyd (Mastic Beach, NY) comes into the game with an overall record of 9-1, having finished 7-1 in their league. Their high-powered offense has averaged 38.9 points per game, with a strong balance between their rushing and passing game. The team has been dominant at home, posting a perfect 5-0 record on their turf, while they are 3-1 in away games.
• Ward Melville (East Setauket, NY) has mirrored William Floyd’s success, also standing at 9-1. Their record includes a 7-1 mark in the league and a perfect 5-0 at home. Ward Melville’s offense has averaged 23.4 points per game, focusing on a strong running game, and their defense has been solid with an average of 57.2 tackles per game.

Last Matchup: Ward Melville Edges Out William Floyd

The two teams previously met on October 11th in a thrilling regular season conference game. In a tightly contested battle, Ward Melville narrowly defeated William Floyd with a 22-21 victory. The game was a nail-biter, but it was Ward Melville’s resilience in the closing moments that allowed them to come out on top. This result has heightened the intensity and anticipation surrounding the rematch.

Key Stats Comparison

• Rushing Offense: William Floyd has been a powerhouse on the ground, averaging 291.8 rushing yards per game, led by star running back Ja’quan Thomas, who is also the team’s total yardage leader with 221.0 yards per game. Ward Melville, while slightly behind at 197.1 rushing yards per game, has found success with Joey Benedetto and Hudson Philbrick, who have been key contributors.
• Passing Game: William Floyd’s A.J. Cannet has been efficient in the air, averaging 148.1 passing yards per game, while Ward Melville’s Hudson Philbrick leads the passing attack with 117.9 yards per game. Both teams rely on their balanced offensive schemes to keep defenses guessing.
• Defense: Defensively, William Floyd averages 43.5 tackles per game, with Aaron Fisher leading the charge. Ward Melville, however, has a more aggressive defensive line, averaging 57.2 tackles per game, with Liam Cronin contributing heavily in that department. Both teams have also displayed solid sack totals, with William Floyd’s Melvin Cullum and Ward Melville’s Devon Larsen each contributing to their team’s defensive success.

Common Opponents

Both teams have dominated their common opponents this season, with William Floyd posting an 8-0 record and Ward Melville going 6-1 against the same teams. Notable victories include both teams defeating Sachem East, Lindenhurst, and Sachem North, showcasing their overall strength and preparedness for the postseason.

Players to Watch

• William Floyd: Ja’quan Thomas, who has been an explosive force, not only in the run game but also as a contributor to the team’s overall yardage, will be crucial in this game. A.J. Cannet will need to capitalize on his passing efficiency to keep the Ward Melville defense on its toes.
• Ward Melville: Joey Benedetto and Hudson Philbrick are key to Ward Melville’s offensive attack, with Benedetto leading the charge on the ground and Philbrick as a reliable passer. On defense, Liam Cronin will need to continue his strong play to keep William Floyd’s offense in check.

What’s at Stake

Both teams are coming off remarkable seasons and are hungry for a deep playoff run. The winner of this game will have a significant advantage moving forward, especially as they look to make a push for a potential state championship. With both teams performing at a high level, this rematch promises to be an exciting and intense battle between two of the area’s finest programs.

As kickoff approaches, fans can expect a game full of explosive plays, hard hits, and strategies that could define the rest of the season. Whether it’s William Floyd’s dynamic offense or Ward Melville’s resilient defense, both teams have the tools to make a statement in this crucial postseason showdown.