In the world of high school football, it’s not uncommon to ponder the “what-ifs” and to wonder how the outcome of early-season matchups might differ if they were played later in the year. While it’s thrilling to have marquee matchups right out of the gate, teams often evolve and improve, making early-season assessments less reliable. Such is the case for Churchill and Walter Johnson, who squared off in Week 1 of the last two-year cycle. Last year, their opening encounter was marked by turnovers and a general sloppiness that clouded both teams’ true potential. Churchill, in particular, faced an uphill battle after that defeat, which led to a string of nine consecutive victories, with Running Back David Avit emerging as a star.
Had they met again later in the season or in the playoffs, the narrative might have been very different. This season, the eagerly awaited rematch is scheduled for the final week of the regular season. Both teams have had time to discover their identity, solidify their strengths, and understand what it takes to secure a victory. Barring any unforeseen twists, the better team should be evident on the field.
