The Williamsport (MD) varsity football team will play a home playoff game against Liberty (Sykesville, MD) on Friday, November 15, at 6 p.m.
What: Maryland High School Football
Who: Williamsport (MD) vs Liberty (MD)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
Liberty vs. Williamsport: A Comprehensive Comparison of Their 2024-2025 Football Seasons
As the 2024-2025 football season continues, two high school teams, Liberty and Williamsport, have shown impressive performances within their respective regions. The teams are closely matched, with both squads displaying remarkable strengths, especially in offensive and defensive categories. In this article, we take an in-depth look at their season records, scoring averages, key player statistics, and head-to-head results to provide a comprehensive comparison.
Overall Team Records and Performance
- Liberty: The Liberty Lions have posted an overall record of 6-4 this season, with a strong 4-2 record in their regional games. Their balanced approach, with 239 points scored and 171 points allowed, gives them a respectable win percentage of .600. In league games, Liberty’s performance stands at 4-2, with 2-2 records at home and away.
- Williamsport: Williamsport has had a slightly better season, standing at 7-3 overall, with a win percentage of .700. Their region record of 3-2 and strong home performance (4-2) has been key to their success, with 261 points scored and 204 points allowed. The Wildcats have been dominant in non-league games, posting a 3-1 record.
Both teams have shown they can score, with Liberty averaging 23.9 points per game and Williamsport slightly ahead at 26.1 points per game. Williamsport’s defensive efforts have been more impactful overall, with fewer points allowed per game than Liberty.
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring Breakdown
A closer look at the teams’ scoring averages in each quarter highlights the consistency and late-game performances of both squads:
- Liberty: Their highest scoring quarter is the first, averaging 13.5 points, with a sharp drop in the second quarter at just 3.0 points. Liberty’s second half sees improvements, with 7.5 points in the third quarter and 3.5 points in the fourth quarter. Their total of 23.9 points per game reflects a strong first-quarter offense but a need for better consistency across the remaining three quarters.
- Williamsport: The Wildcats tend to start slower, averaging just 8.3 points in the first quarter, but make significant strides throughout the game. They improve their performance in the second quarter (3.6 points) and have a notable surge in the second half, scoring 10.7 points in the third and 7.1 points in the fourth. This strong finish allows Williamsport to maintain an overall average of 26.1 points per game.
Key Team Statistics
In terms of individual statistics and team strengths, here’s how Liberty and Williamsport compare:
- Rushing Yards: Liberty struggles in the rushing game, averaging just 77.2 yards per game. Meanwhile, Williamsport leads with 120.3 yards per game on the ground, providing a more balanced offensive attack.
- Passing Game: Liberty excels in the air, averaging 231.8 passing yards per game, which is matched by Williamsport’s 231.8 yards per game. Both teams use the passing game effectively to stretch defenses.
- Receiving Yards: Liberty also dominates in receiving yards, averaging 231.8 yards per game, with standout wide receiver Ceonta Wilmore leading the charge with 85.3 yards per game. Williamsport also has a potent receiving game, with an average of 204.0 yards per game.
- Total Yards: Liberty’s total yards per game stand at 309.0, while Williamsport generates 318.6 yards per game, showcasing their greater offensive output.
- Tackles and Defense: Liberty’s defense, led by Tyson Cleary with 12.8 tackles per game, has proven formidable, averaging 77.6 tackles per game. On the other hand, Williamsport’s defense has produced a solid 74.2 tackles per game, with Xavier Bowie contributing 0.8 sacks per game.
Top Performers and Standouts
Both teams boast standout players who have contributed significantly to their success:
- Liberty:
- Blake Delauter: The star running back leads the team with 39.3 rushing yards per game.
- Gabriel Parker: A key quarterback, Parker averages 222.1 passing yards per game, making him one of the top quarterbacks in the region.
- Ceonta Wilmore: The standout receiver has made a major impact, averaging 85.3 yards per game.
- Williamsport:
- Blake Delauter: For Williamsport, leading rusher has been crucial, averaging 20.3 yards per game.
- Gabriel Parker: Similarly, Parker stands out as the team’s key quarterback, throwing for 222.1 yards per game.
- Ceonta Wilmore: As a receiver, Wilmore’s contributions make a notable difference with 85.3 yards per game.
Head-to-Head Comparison and Common Opponents
Both Liberty and Williamsport have faced common opponents, allowing for a direct comparison of their performance against similar competition:
- Liberty has a 2-1 record against common opponents, with a loss to Boonsboro, a win over Manchester Valley, and another win against Winters Mill.
- Williamsport, on the other hand, holds a 3-1 record, beating Boonsboro, Manchester Valley, and Winters Mill. Their loss to Boonsboro, 35-14, was a notable defeat.
Conclusion
The 2024-2025 seasons for Liberty and Williamsport show two well-coached teams with strong offensive weapons and solid defensive units. Liberty excels in the passing game, while Williamsport demonstrates a more balanced attack with stronger rushing stats and defensive efficiency. With both teams coming off impressive seasons, their matchups in the region and against common opponents continue to offer exciting prospects for future competition. Whether Liberty can improve its consistency in the second half of games, or Williamsport can continue to dominate on both sides of the ball, will likely define their path to postseason success.