The Nansemond River High School varsity football team (Suffolk, VA) will host a home playoff game against Bethel High School (Hampton, VA) today at 7:00 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Virginia High School Football
Who: Bethel vs Nansemond River
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

Bethel vs. Nansemond River: A Clash of Virginia High School Football Titans

As the Virginia high school football playoffs heat up, a highly anticipated matchup between Bethel and Nansemond River promises to deliver intense action. The teams, both based in the state’s competitive football scene, bring impressive records into this showdown. Nansemond River, coming off a dominant 46-14 victory earlier this season, appears to have the upper hand, but Bethel is not to be underestimated. Here’s a closer look at both teams’ performances as they prepare for another battle on the field.

Team Overview: Bethel vs. Nansemond River

Bethel (24-25)

• Overall Record: 7-4
• Region Record: 7-3
• Home Record: 5-2
• Away Record: 2-2
• Win %: .636
• Region %: .700
• Points For (PF): 385
• Points Against (PA): 233

Bethel, hailing from Hampton, VA, enters this game with a solid overall record of 7-4. Despite a strong regional performance, with a 7-3 record, the team has shown vulnerability on the road. Their defense has allowed 233 points this season, but their offense has been potent, averaging just under 33 points per game. With their home-field advantage and the ability to produce big scores in key moments, Bethel remains a dangerous team, especially in a playoff scenario.

Nansemond River (24-25)

• Overall Record: 8-2
• Region Record: 7-2
• Home Record: 4-1
• Away Record: 4-1
• Win %: .800
• Region %: .778
• Points For (PF): 346
• Points Against (PA): 176

Nansemond River, from Suffolk, VA, enters the game with an impressive 8-2 record, including a 7-2 mark in the region. The team has been consistently strong both at home and on the road, with a combined 8-2 record in these games. Nansemond River has been dominant on both sides of the ball, allowing only 176 points on the season—an average of just 17.6 points per game. Their offense has also been effective, averaging 34.6 points per game, with impressive scoring across all four quarters.

Previous Matchup: Nansemond River Dominates Bethel

The two teams met earlier this season on August 30, 2024, in a game where Nansemond River showcased their dominance. The final score, 46-14, in favor of Nansemond River, highlighted their superior offensive and defensive balance. Bethel struggled to keep up, and the 32-point margin of victory has left Bethel with much to prove in their upcoming playoff meeting.

Despite the large margin of victory in the earlier matchup, Bethel will likely have learned valuable lessons from the loss, and with their playoff hopes on the line, they’ll look to regroup and take another shot at Nansemond River.

Team Scoring Averages

When comparing the scoring trends from the regular season, it’s clear that Nansemond River has been more consistent across all quarters. Here’s a breakdown of scoring averages per quarter:

• Bethel Scoring (Q1-Q4):
  • Q1: 0
  • Q2: 0
  • Q3: 0
  • Q4: 5.0
  • Final Average: 32.8 points per game
• Nansemond River Scoring (Q1-Q4):
  • Q1: 9.9
  • Q2: 13.3
  • Q3: 7.0
  • Q4: 4.9
  • Final Average: 34.6 points per game

Bethel’s scoring is largely concentrated in the fourth quarter, which could be an indication that the team relies on strong finishes. Nansemond River, however, shows balanced scoring throughout the game, particularly in the first half, where they score an average of 23.2 points. This could give Nansemond River a critical edge in the early stages of the game.

Playoff Implications

Both teams have secured playoff spots, but the outcome of this game could have significant consequences on seeding and momentum. Nansemond River enters as the higher-ranked team, and their prior win over Bethel suggests they are the favorites to advance. However, Bethel will be looking to avenge their earlier defeat and make a statement on the big stage.

With their high-powered offense and a defense that has only allowed an average of 17.6 points per game, Nansemond River is poised for another strong performance. On the other hand, Bethel’s resilience and ability to score big in critical moments could make for an exciting and unpredictable matchup.

Conclusion

This Bethel vs. Nansemond River playoff game is shaping up to be a thrilling contest. Nansemond River has the edge in overall performance, but Bethel’s potential to turn things around after a tough loss earlier in the season makes this game a must-watch. Fans can expect hard-hitting football and plenty of drama as these two Virginia powerhouses clash under the lights.