The Washington-Liberty (Arlington, VA) varsity football team will face off against Yorktown (Arlington, VA) in a thrilling home playoff game today at 7:00 PM!
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Virginia High School Football
Who: Yorktown vs Washington-Liberty
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
“2024 VHSL Football State Brackets (Virginia) – Class 6”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
Washington-Liberty vs. Yorktown: A Tale of Contrasting Seasons and Playoff Drama
As the high school football playoffs heat up, the stage is set for an exciting rematch between Arlington rivals Washington-Liberty and Yorktown. Their first meeting this season resulted in a dominant 46-14 victory for Washington-Liberty, but with a playoff spot at stake, Yorktown will be looking to flip the script. Here’s an in-depth look at how these two teams stack up heading into their highly anticipated matchup.
Team Overviews
Washington-Liberty (10-0, 6-0 Region)
The Generals have been the class of the region this season, boasting a perfect record and an average margin of victory of nearly 30 points. Their offense, led by quarterback Matthew Abramson, has been explosive, putting up 41.4 points per game. Meanwhile, their defense has been just as impressive, allowing only 104 points over 10 games.
Key Players:
- Matthew Abramson (QB): Averaging 224.1 passing yards per game, Abramson has been the engine of the Generals’ potent offense.
- Anthony Louis (RB): Leading the team with 71.7 rushing yards per game and 12 points per game, Louis is a consistent playmaker.
- Jon Malatesta (WR): A key target with 88.4 receiving yards per game, Malatesta adds balance to the passing attack.
Yorktown (6-4, 3-3 Region)
The Patriots have had a solid season but have struggled against stronger opponents. They enter the playoffs on the heels of a challenging 42-14 loss to Herndon. Despite their ups and downs, Yorktown has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in games where quarterback Drew Morgan has excelled.
Key Players:
- Drew Morgan (QB): The heart of the Patriots’ offense, Morgan averages 180.7 passing yards and 186.6 total yards per game.
- Finn Luca (WR): The top receiver for Yorktown, Luca averages 89.6 receiving yards per game.
- Coby Casalengo (RB): With 61 rushing yards per game, Casalengo offers a steady presence in the ground game.
Head-to-Head
In their regular-season meeting on September 21, Washington-Liberty dominated, cruising to a 46-14 victory. The Generals’ defense stifled Yorktown’s attack, while their offense capitalized on every opportunity. Yorktown will need to address key issues from that game if they hope to keep up in the rematch.
Statistical Comparison
| Category | Yorktown | Washington-Liberty |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards/Game | 174.6 | 147.0 |
| Passing Yards/Game | 180.7 | 249.4 |
| Total Yards/Game | 355.3 | 396.4 |
| Points/Game | 27.8 | 38.3 |
| Common Opponent Record | 3-2 | 5-0 |
Despite Washington-Liberty’s edge in overall performance, Yorktown’s balanced offense has the potential to keep them competitive if they can execute consistently.
Keys to Victory
Yorktown:
- Start Fast: Washington-Liberty has a history of strong second halves, so Yorktown must establish momentum early.
- Control the Clock: A strong running game led by Casalengo could help Yorktown keep the Generals’ offense off the field.
- Limit Big Plays: Abramson and Malatesta have been dynamic all season. Keeping them contained will be critical.
Washington-Liberty:
- Maintain Offensive Efficiency: With Abramson at the helm, Washington-Liberty thrives on quick, decisive drives.
- Pressure Drew Morgan: Disrupting Yorktown’s quarterback could stifle their offensive rhythm.
- Stay Disciplined: A clean game with minimal penalties will ensure the Generals stay in control.
Prediction
While Yorktown has the talent to make this a closer contest than their regular-season meeting, Washington-Liberty’s dominance on both sides of the ball makes them the clear favorite. The Generals’ balanced attack and unrelenting defense should carry them to another convincing victory.
Final Score Prediction: Washington-Liberty 42, Yorktown 17
The playoff atmosphere will undoubtedly bring out the best in both teams, but Washington-Liberty looks poised to continue their perfect season.
