The Blue Valley West varsity football team (Stilwell, KS) will play a neutral playoff game against Shawnee Mission Northwest (Shawnee Mission, KS) on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM.
What: Kansas High School Football
Who: Blue Valley West (KS) vs Shawnee Mission Northwest (KS)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
Shawnee Mission Northwest vs. Blue Valley West: A Football Showdown
The 2024-2025 high school football season has brought some exciting matchups to Kansas, and one of the most anticipated games features Shawnee Mission Northwest and Blue Valley West. Both teams have showcased incredible performances this season, but when they square off, it promises to be a battle of strength, strategy, and individual brilliance.
Team Overview
Shawnee Mission Northwest has compiled an impressive record of 8-2, finishing second in their district with a 6-1 district record. They’ve been particularly dominant at home, with a 5-1 record in front of their fans. On the other hand, Blue Valley West has posted an even stronger 9-1 record, finishing first in their district with a 6-1 district record. Their performance on the road has been excellent as well, with a 3-1 away record.
Both teams have been high-scoring offenses, but Blue Valley West has outpaced Shawnee Mission Northwest in points per game, averaging 36.6 points per game compared to Shawnee Mission Northwest’s 32.3. This is a reflection of their dynamic offensive play, with Blue Valley West’s scoring spread more evenly across the game. Shawnee Mission Northwest, while putting up solid points, relies more heavily on strong second and third quarters to generate momentum.
Scoring and Statistical Comparison
The offensive balance of both teams is evident when breaking down their scoring by quarter. Shawnee Mission Northwest tends to surge in the second and third quarters, averaging 17.5 and 14.0 points per quarter, respectively, while Blue Valley West scores most heavily in the first quarter (11.2 points). Despite this, Blue Valley West maintains a more consistent scoring output throughout the game, especially in the fourth quarter (8.6 points).
When it comes to total yardage, Blue Valley West dominates with an average of 431.0 total yards per game, compared to Shawnee Mission Northwest’s 116.0 yards per game. This difference is largely due to Blue Valley West’s explosive rushing attack, averaging 213.1 yards per game, which dwarfs Shawnee Mission Northwest’s 116.0 yards per game.
On defense, Shawnee Mission Northwest has shown more resilience with an average of 70.9 tackles per game, which is significantly higher than Blue Valley West’s 46.9. However, Blue Valley West excels in the passing game, with an average of 217.9 passing yards per game compared to Shawnee Mission Northwest’s unrecorded passing statistics. Blue Valley West’s ability to balance both the run and pass makes them an unpredictable force.
Key Players to Watch
Shawnee Mission Northwest‘s offensive strength comes from their star player, #3 John Whitener, who averages 145 rushing yards per game. His versatility as both a rusher and a scoring threat will be key for Shawnee Mission Northwest’s success. On defense, linebacker #10 Adam Hageman, averaging 12.3 tackles per game, will play a pivotal role in trying to stop Blue Valley West’s potent offense.
For Blue Valley West, running back #6 Wayne Carter leads the team with 123.2 rushing yards per game, and his ability to break tackles and accelerate through defenders will be vital for the team’s offensive push. Quarterback #11 Tate Nagy has been solid, averaging 207.5 passing yards per game, while #1 Quin Myers, their leading receiver, averages 82.8 receiving yards per game. Defensively, linebacker #30 Jack Sells, with 5.9 tackles per game, will need to be a disruptive force to keep Shawnee Mission Northwest’s offense in check.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced off against several common opponents, and their records reflect their contrasting strengths. Shawnee Mission Northwest holds a 1-1 record against common foes, with a significant win over Shawnee Mission West (56-6) and a loss to Blue Valley Northwest (38-7). In contrast, Blue Valley West has a perfect 2-0 record against the same teams, defeating both Blue Valley Northwest (42-35) and Shawnee Mission West (38-7).
Head-to-Head Record Breakdown
When it comes to head-to-head matchups, both teams have shown resilience in different ways. Shawnee Mission Northwest has performed well in district play, securing a 6-1 district record, while Blue Valley West has proven their dominance with a 6-0 record at home, making them a tough team to beat on their own turf.
Conclusion
With both teams entering this game with high expectations, fans can expect an exciting, high-stakes matchup. Shawnee Mission Northwest will rely on their strong defense and dynamic running game led by John Whitener, while Blue Valley West will aim to continue their offensive dominance through Wayne Carter and Tate Nagy. The game promises to be a thrilling contest between two teams with different styles, and whichever team can capitalize on their strengths will likely come out on top.
