The Wilbur-Creston-Keller (Creston, WA) varsity football team will face Waterville/Mansfield (Waterville, WA) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 7 p.m.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Washington High School Football
Who: Wilbur-Creston-Keller vs Waterville/Mansfield
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
“2024 Football Washington State Championships – 1B State Football”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
Game Analysis: Waterville/Mansfield vs. Wilbur-Creston-Keller in the 2024 Season
The 2024-2025 high school football season has been a challenging yet rewarding journey for teams across Washington State. Two teams, Waterville/Mansfield and Wilbur-Creston-Keller, are in the spotlight for their contrasting performances this season, showing the ups and downs of competitive high school football.
Overall Performance and Rankings
Waterville/Mansfield’s season has been one of ups and downs. With a .500 win rate, they’ve managed to win half of their games, securing a 5-5 overall record and a 4-2 record within their district, ranking them 29th in their class in Washington State and 32nd statewide. They’ve had an impressive home performance, going undefeated at home (4-0) but struggling on the road (1-5). Their scoring remains balanced, with 372 points for (PF) and 375 points against (PA), resulting in close games that test their defensive and offensive resilience.
In stark contrast, Wilbur-Creston-Keller has dominated their season, boasting a perfect 10-0 record. They are ranked 2nd in both their class and statewide, an incredible feat for any team. They’ve not only performed exceptionally within their district (3-0) but have remained undefeated in non-league games as well. With a whopping 644 points scored and only 212 points allowed, they’ve consistently outmatched opponents, proving their strength on both ends of the field.
Team Scoring Averages
Wilbur-Creston-Keller has demonstrated a powerful offensive drive, especially in the first half, averaging 29.3 points in the first quarter and 21 points in the second. This trend highlights their strategy of taking control of the game early and maintaining a lead. Waterville/Mansfield, however, takes a slower start, averaging 6 points in each of the first two quarters, but they show an uptick in the final quarter with 8 points on average. This approach indicates a strong defensive front that often tries to narrow the gap as the game progresses.
Statistical Comparison and Standout Players
The offensive and defensive metrics paint a clear picture of the contrast between these two teams. Wilbur-Creston-Keller’s offense has been particularly formidable, racking up an average of 533.5 total yards per game, including 409.1 rushing yards. This staggering output emphasizes their run-heavy strategy. Waterville/Mansfield, on the other hand, does not reach the same offensive totals but has relied heavily on the talents of #12 Preston Michel. Michel has been a key player, averaging 198.5 rushing yards and 80.3 passing yards per game, contributing a total of 315.3 yards and 32.3 points per game for Waterville/Mansfield.
On defense, Wilbur-Creston-Keller has once again shown superiority. They’ve maintained a higher tackle rate and a more aggressive approach, with more sacks per game compared to Waterville/Mansfield. Notable players like #23 Evyn Krause for Waterville/Mansfield, however, have stood out with 7.3 tackles per game, showing strong defensive skill.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Common Opponents
A deeper look at common opponents further illustrates the skill gap between the teams. Both teams faced Odessa, with Waterville/Mansfield losing 68-14 and Wilbur-Creston-Keller winning decisively 78-54. This direct comparison underscores Wilbur-Creston-Keller’s ability to control games against mutual opponents.
Record Breakdown
In terms of game settings, both teams have contrasting strengths. Waterville/Mansfield thrives on home turf with a 4-0 home record but struggles in away games with only one win out of six. Wilbur-Creston-Keller has shown consistency both at home (6-0) and away (4-0), highlighting their adaptability in different environments.
Conclusion: Teams on Different Paths
The 2024 season has underscored the disparity between Waterville/Mansfield and Wilbur-Creston-Keller. While Waterville/Mansfield has faced challenges, showing resilience and dedication through each game, Wilbur-Creston-Keller’s perfect record and high rankings signal a formidable team on a path to greatness this season. Each team has demonstrated unique strengths, with Waterville/Mansfield showing promise through key players and close games, and Wilbur-Creston-Keller establishing themselves as a powerhouse capable of dominating on both offense and defense.
As the season progresses, these two teams will continue to make their marks in Washington State high school football, one aiming for steady improvement and the other looking to maintain an unbeaten streak that could lead to a championship.
