Football Team Comparison: South Harrison vs. Bluefield

As the football season progresses, teams across the state of West Virginia are striving for success, aiming for playoff berths and championship glory. Among the noteworthy matchups this year are the South Harrison Hawks and the Bluefield Beavers. Both teams have had distinct journeys through the season, and a closer look at their statistics, performance metrics, and individual leaders reveals a fascinating comparison.

Overall Performance:

• South Harrison boasts an impressive overall record of 8-2, with a strong regional performance of 6-2. This indicates a team that not only dominates at home but also performs well away, with a .800 win percentage. Their offensive unit has been explosive, scoring a total of 366 points this season, while their defense has limited opponents to just 218 points.
• In contrast, Bluefield has faced a more challenging season with a 4-5 overall record and a 2-2 regional record. They have managed a .444 win percentage, and their .500 regional win percentage showcases the difficulty they’ve had in maintaining consistency. With 183 points scored and 242 points allowed, Bluefield has struggled to match South Harrison’s offensive firepower and defensive resilience.

Scoring Breakdown:

• South Harrison has demonstrated a balanced offensive approach throughout the game, averaging 36.6 points per game. Their scoring distribution is impressive, with Q3 being their strongest quarter, where they average 8.4 points. Despite a drop in points during the first and fourth quarters (4.4 points each), their ability to surge in the middle of games has been a hallmark of their success.
• Bluefield, on the other hand, has struggled to maintain offensive consistency, scoring an average of just 20.3 points per game. Their strongest period is also the third quarter (8.2 points), but the team faces difficulties during the final quarter, averaging only 2.3 points. This sharp dip in scoring in critical moments has hindered their ability to secure victories in close games.

Team Stats Comparison:

• Rushing Yards: South Harrison dominates the rushing game, with 304.9 rushing yards per game. This ground game has been a significant part of their offensive strategy, led by standout performer Jaden Hatfield, who has put up 212.6 rushing yards per game. Bluefield, by contrast, has not posted any statistics for rushing yards, suggesting a reliance on other aspects of their offense.
• Passing Yards: Chris Pedraza leads South Harrison with 53.6 passing yards per game, showcasing the team’s ability to move the ball effectively through the air. Bluefield’s passing attack has also been competent, but they have only averaged 53.6 receiving yards per game without a standout passer.
• Total Yards: South Harrison has a notable advantage in total yardage, accumulating 358.5 total yards per game compared to Bluefield’s absence of clear metrics. This total offense has played a crucial role in their ability to dominate opponents.
• Tackles and Defense: South Harrison’s defense, led by Shepard Paugh with 7.9 tackles per game, has been solid, contributing to their impressive points allowed statistic. Bluefield’s defensive numbers are harder to track, but their overall points allowed total of 242 suggests a less effective defense.

Key Players:

• Jaden Hatfield has been the focal point of South Harrison’s offense, both in rushing and total yards. His contributions, particularly his 212.6 rushing yards per game, have been integral to the team’s success, as he also leads in total yards per game (212.8).
• Chris Pedraza, with 53.6 passing yards per game, has been a reliable quarterback, contributing to both the aerial and ground game of the Hawks.
• On the defensive side, Shepard Paugh has been a standout with 7.9 tackles per game, leading the charge in limiting the opponent’s offensive success.

Record Breakdown:

• South Harrison’s 8-2 record highlights their strong presence in-state (8-2) and their perfect record at home (4-1) and away (4-1). The team’s regional performance is also notable with a 6-2 record, solidifying their status as a contender in their region.
• Bluefield, with a 4-5 record, has faced more difficulties in both regional and non-league matchups. Their 2-2 regional record and 2-3 away record indicate challenges when playing away from home. While they have managed a 2-1 out-of-state record, they have struggled to keep pace with teams within their region.

Conclusion:

South Harrison’s high-powered offense and strong defense have made them a formidable opponent this season, as evidenced by their impressive statistics and overall record. Meanwhile, Bluefield’s struggles, particularly in maintaining offensive consistency, have led to a season that is still marked by flashes of potential but lacking in execution. While South Harrison looks poised to continue their successful season, Bluefield will need to regroup and refine their game plan to improve in the remaining matches.