The Williams Valley (Tower City, PA) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against Riverside (Taylor, PA) today at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 PIAA Football Championship – 2A tournament.

Williams Valley vs Riverside Football Game Info:

What: Pennsylvania High School Football
Who: Williams Valley vs Riverside
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 PIAA Football Championship – 2A
Watch here: Watch here

Game preview: Williams Valley vs Riverside

As the 2024 football season draws to a thrilling close, two powerhouse teams—Riverside and Williams Valley—stand at the pinnacle of their divisions. Both teams have boasted exceptional records throughout the season, earning 12-1 marks and the admiration of fans and opponents alike. As they prepare to face off, the stats, strengths, and strategies suggest this matchup will be one to remember.

Riverside Overview
Riverside has shown formidable prowess this season, finishing with a 12-1 overall record. Their season highlights include an undefeated home record of 7-0, and they maintained a solid 4-1 mark on the road. Their lone defeat came in conference play, with a 1-1 record against league rivals. Riverside’s offense has averaged 34.9 points per game, a testament to their explosive attack. They have been dominant in both the run game (236.2 yards per game) and the passing game (171.9 yards per game), posting a total of 408.2 yards per game.

Brady Shomper has been a key figure in the team’s offensive success, leading the team in total yards with an impressive 253.2 per game. He is also responsible for 171.9 passing yards per game. On defense, Riverside has been equally effective, averaging 71.5 tackles per game.

Williams Valley Overview
Williams Valley, matching Riverside’s 12-1 record, has been a powerhouse in its own right. With an undefeated record of 7-0 at home and 4-1 on the road, Williams Valley has proven they can win anywhere. Their conference record stands strong at 8-1, and their offensive firepower has been evident with a remarkable 43.5 points per game.

Williams Valley’s rushing game leads the way, averaging 236.2 yards per game. Their high-flying offense has also been deadly through the air, with 171.9 receiving yards per game. Their defense is similarly potent, registering 71.5 tackles per game.

Head-to-Head Comparison
When comparing Riverside and Williams Valley, the teams are remarkably similar in many key statistical categories. Both teams have dominated their respective conferences and maintained stellar records both at home and on the road. However, Williams Valley’s offense slightly edges out Riverside in scoring, with an average of 43.5 points per game compared to Riverside’s 34.9. The efficiency of Williams Valley’s offense, particularly in the first half (12.0 points in the first quarter and 12.9 in the second), has been a defining feature of their dominance.

On the flip side, Riverside’s defense has been stout, allowing just 163 points throughout the season. While Williams Valley has been more prolific on offense, Riverside has managed to control the game through a balanced attack and superior defense.

Notable Players
For Riverside, Fletcher Thompson has been outstanding in the rushing department, averaging 105.7 yards per game. Kian Krzyzanowski has also been a key contributor, leading the team in receiving yards with 90.5 per game and contributing 10.6 points per game. On the defensive side, Skylor Green has racked up 10.2 tackles per game, anchoring the defense alongside Brayden Crisswell, who has added a key sack per game.

Williams Valley’s standout players include running back #27 Fletcher Thompson, who leads their ground game, and quarterback Brady Shomper, who is responsible for 171.9 passing yards per game. On the receiving side, Kian Krzyzanowski has been a major weapon with 90.5 yards per game. Defensive standout Tyler Koppenhaver has also been crucial for Williams Valley, providing 81 pancake blocks and contributing to their high-powered defense.

The Road Ahead
Both teams have shown an ability to dominate, and with nearly identical records and offensive/defensive capabilities, the game between Riverside and Williams Valley promises to be a thrilling one. Both teams will look to capitalize on their respective strengths—Riverside’s strong defensive play and balanced offensive attack versus Williams Valley’s high-scoring offense and powerful rushing game.

Fans can expect a highly competitive game where every play will count as these two teams vie for supremacy in their respective leagues. With both teams bringing intensity and heart to the field, the winner of this matchup will have earned every point.