The Wellsville (KS) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Hayden (Topeka, KS) on Friday, November 22 at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 Kansas High School Football Playoff Brackets (KSHSAA) for Class 3A.

What: Kansas High School Football
Who: Wellsville (KS) vs Hayden (KS)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Kansas High School Football Playoff Brackets: (KSHSAA) – Class 3A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

A Clash of Titans: Hayden vs. Wellsville Football Showdown

As the 2024-25 high school football season continues to heat up, two powerhouse teams—Hayden and Wellsville—are making waves with outstanding records and performances. Both teams are undefeated in their respective districts and have dominated their schedules with impressive win margins. However, as they prepare for an exciting clash, fans and analysts alike are eagerly comparing their strengths across various categories. Here’s a breakdown of what makes each team a contender.

Team Records and Standings

• Hayden enters the game with a strong 10-1 overall record, boasting an undefeated district record of 1-0. The team has excelled in home games, with a perfect 6-0 record, while performing well on the road with a 3-1 mark. Notably, Hayden has accumulated 501 points while allowing only 95 throughout the season, showcasing their dominant offense and suffocating defense.
• Wellsville, on the other hand, is still unbeaten, with a perfect 11-0 record. The team has proven itself to be formidable, both at home and on the road, with unblemished 6-0 and 4-0 records, respectively. Wellsville’s defense has been just as dominant as Hayden’s, allowing only 81 points while scoring 453.

Scoring Averages

Both teams have displayed explosive offensive capabilities, but Hayden has the edge in terms of total points per game.

• Hayden averages 45.5 points per game, with a strong showing in the second quarter (17.1 PPG) and a consistent performance throughout the first half.
• Wellsville, while slightly lower in scoring with 41.2 points per game, has demonstrated strong balance across all four quarters, particularly in the first and third quarters (11.7 PPG each).

Statistical Comparison

When comparing individual team statistics, Hayden leads in several key areas:

• Rushing Yards: Hayden averages 188.7 rushing yards per game, significantly outpacing Wellsville’s 112.5.
• Passing Game: Both teams feature strong passing attacks, but Hayden edges out Wellsville with 122.4 passing yards per game compared to Wellsville’s 122.0.
• Defensive Stats: Hayden also leads in tackles per game, with 60.1 compared to Wellsville’s 43.2. This suggests a more aggressive defense, which could be a pivotal factor in this matchup.

In addition, Hayden‘s star players have been key to their success:

• Armond Graves, with 112.5 rushing yards per game and 16.2 points per game, has been an offensive dynamo for Hayden.
• Pete Dorsey, throwing for 97.6 yards per game, has also excelled at the quarterback position, complementing the team’s balanced attack.

Meanwhile, Wellsville’s top performers include:

• Quarterback Pete Dorsey, who is responsible for over 141 yards per game of total offense, keeping the defense on its toes.
• Matt Newhouse, leading in receiving yards with 55.8 per game.

Common Opponents and Results

Both Hayden and Wellsville have faced several common opponents, and both teams have excelled in these matchups. Their most notable victories came against Bishop Ward and Holton:

• Hayden defeated Bishop Ward 62-8 and Holton 31-7, showcasing its superior offense and balanced play.
• Wellsville also defeated Bishop Ward (47-6) and Holton (49-0), showing that their defense and explosive playmaking are capable of overwhelming any opponent.

Looking Ahead: What’s at Stake?

The upcoming matchup between Hayden and Wellsville promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams carrying impressive undefeated records and boasting strong, balanced rosters. Hayden’s aggressive rushing attack and stout defense will face off against Wellsville’s balanced offensive game and high-powered scoring ability.

For fans, this game is shaping up to be a must-watch as the two titans of Kansas high school football battle for supremacy in what could be one of the most exciting matchups of the season. With both teams undefeated and in peak form, the stakes could not be higher.

Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable football showdown.