he Salem High School varsity football team (Virginia Beach, VA) will host Bayside High School (Virginia Beach, VA) for a home playoff game today at 7:00 PM.

You can watch the game live on the NFHS Network!

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Virginia High School Football
Who: Bayside vs Salem
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
“2024 VHSL Football State Brackets (Virginia) – Class 5”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

Bayside vs. Salem: A Head-to-Head Football Rivalry Breakdown (2024-25 Season)

As the high school football season enters its final stretch, the Bayside and Salem football teams in Virginia Beach are gearing up for a highly anticipated playoff showdown. Both teams have had impressive campaigns so far in the 2024-2025 season, but their paths have diverged in significant ways. Here’s a breakdown of their season performances, key statistics, and what fans can expect in the upcoming game.

Season Records & Performance

• Bayside (6-4, .600 Win %) Bayside enters the playoff game with a solid overall record of 6-4. With a balanced performance of 3-2 both at home and away, they have shown resilience throughout the season. Despite some struggles in high-profile matchups, the team has demonstrated the ability to bounce back, especially in victories against common opponents such as Princess Anne and First Colonial.
• Salem (8-2, .800 Win %) In contrast, Salem has had a stellar season, finishing with an 8-2 record. Their performance in the region has been especially dominant, with an 8-2 record mirroring their overall success. Salem’s only losses came against strong teams, but their victories have been commanding, including impressive wins over Cox, Princess Anne, and First Colonial. Salem’s offensive and defensive units have consistently outperformed expectations.

Team Scoring Averages

• Bayside
  Bayside has struggled to generate offense, averaging just 20.5 points per game across four quarters. Their scoring is often spread out, with their highest quarter average being in the third (6.8 points). However, their inability to consistently score, especially in the fourth quarter, has been a hurdle in some of their losses.
• Salem
  On the other hand, Salem has been an offensive juggernaut, averaging a remarkable 43.3 points per game. They have strong first and second-quarter performances, averaging 14.0 and 11.5 points, respectively, with the ability to close out games strong. Their third and fourth-quarter production has also been solid, demonstrating depth and consistency.

Head-to-Head: September 20, 2024

In their first meeting of the season, Salem triumphed over Bayside with a dominant 35-0 victory. The game saw Bayside struggle offensively, failing to score a single point while Salem put up 14 points in both the first and second quarters. Salem’s defense stifled Bayside’s offense, and their offensive execution was near perfect, making it a one-sided contest from start to finish.

• Final Score: Bayside 0, Salem 35
  • Bayside Scoring: 0-0-0-0
  • Salem Scoring: 14-14-0-7

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced several of the same opponents this season, and the results have offered a glimpse into the strengths and weaknesses of each squad:

• Princess Anne: Bayside defeated Princess Anne 50-0, while Salem crushed them 77-12.
• Kempsville: Bayside lost 28-18 to Kempsville, but Salem won 28-14.
• Landstown: Bayside triumphed 21-6, and Salem dominated with a 48-7 victory.
• First Colonial: Bayside won 37-9, while Salem was even more dominant with a 62-7 victory.
• Ocean Lakes: Bayside won 20-7, while Salem narrowly defeated Ocean Lakes 40-33.
• Tallwood: Bayside won 28-7, and Salem was even more dominant with a 55-20 victory.

While both teams share some common wins, Salem has generally been more dominant in its games, with lopsided victories over several of the same opponents.

Key Factors for the Playoff Game

• Offensive Firepower: Salem’s ability to put up points quickly and efficiently will be a key factor in this matchup. With their high-scoring offense, they will look to establish an early lead and force Bayside to play from behind.
• Defensive Strength: Bayside will need to tighten its defense and avoid giving up easy scores, especially in the early quarters. If they can limit Salem’s explosive plays, they could keep the game competitive.
• Consistency: Bayside has struggled with consistency, particularly in high-pressure moments like the fourth quarter. For Bayside to have a chance at an upset, they’ll need to maintain their composure and execute under pressure.

Conclusion

As the two teams prepare for their playoff encounter, Salem enters as the clear favorite, armed with a stronger overall record, superior scoring average, and a commanding victory in their first meeting. However, Bayside has the potential for an upset if they can adjust their game plan, shore up their offense, and avoid the mistakes that have plagued them in their losses. With high stakes on the line, this promises to be a thrilling contest for Virginia Beach high school football fans.