The Bridgeport (WV) varsity football team will host Nitro (WV) in a home playoff game today at 4 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: West Virginia High School Football
Who: Bridgeport vs Nitro
When: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Time: 4:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

West Virginia Football Showdown: Nitro vs. Bridgeport

As the 2024-2025 high school football season intensifies, two teams are standing out in West Virginia’s competitive landscape: Nitro and Bridgeport. With nearly perfect records and explosive offenses, both teams have captured attention in the state. This article takes a deeper look at their season stats, performances, and what makes these teams so dominant. Watch ON

Team Overview

Nitro (10-1 overall, 4-1 in-region) and Bridgeport (12-0 overall, 7-0 in-region) have proven to be formidable forces in West Virginia high school football. Each team has excelled within their region and is poised for further success as the season progresses.

• Nitro’s Record: A standout 10-1 overall, with a strong 6-1 record at home and 4-0 on the road, Nitro has demonstrated dominance with a .909 overall win percentage. The team’s ability to perform in tough regional matchups, finishing 4-1 in-region, showcases their consistency and competitiveness.
• Bridgeport’s Record: Unbeaten so far, Bridgeport has achieved a perfect 12-0 record, including a flawless 7-0 in-region performance. Their home and away records are identical at 7-0, reflecting their consistency no matter the venue.

Scoring Breakdown

Both teams have high-powered offenses, but Bridgeport has been the more prolific scorer this season.

• Nitro averages 45.0 points per game, spreading their scoring across all four quarters, with a strong showing in the first and second quarters (12.5 and 13.5 points, respectively). Their offensive strategy is balanced, with consistent production through the first half.
• Bridgeport, however, is on another level, scoring an average of 58.5 points per game. Their first-half dominance is clear, with an impressive 21.3 points in the first quarter and 19.9 points in the second. Bridgeport tends to slow down in the second half, but their early-game explosions often make the difference.

Offensive and Defensive Stats Comparison

When comparing the two teams’ stats, Nitro’s strength lies in their well-rounded offensive attack, while Bridgeport excels with a diverse and more explosive offense.

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Nitro leads with 142.4 rushing yards per game. The running game is a major part of their offensive strategy, with Eli Littlejohn leading the charge, averaging 114.6 rushing yards per game.
• Passing Yards Per Game: Bridgeport has a dominant air game, but Nitro’s passing attack, led by Josh Moody with 314.4 passing yards per game, stands out as one of the best in the state.
• Receiving Yards Per Game: Nitro also leads with 316.6 receiving yards per game. Malachi Thompson plays a major role here, accumulating 127.7 receiving yards per game, providing a steady threat through the air.

Defensive Strengths

Defensively, both teams have shown resilience, but Bridgeport’s balanced and well-executed defensive schemes make them a tough opponent.

• Tackles Per Game: Nitro is aggressive on defense, averaging 82.8 tackles per game. The standout player here is Wyatt Sowards, averaging 10.4 tackles per game, leading the charge on defense.
• Sacks Per Game: Xavier Patterson of Nitro also excels in creating pressure, with 1.2 sacks per game, adding an extra layer to their defense.

Key Players

Both teams boast key players who have propelled them to success this season.

• Nitro’s Leaders:
  • Eli Littlejohn: The team’s primary running back, Littlejohn averages over 114 yards per game, contributing significantly to both the rushing and scoring totals.
  • Josh Moody: As the team’s quarterback, Moody has amassed over 314 passing yards per game, showcasing his ability to lead a potent passing attack.
• Bridgeport’s Leaders:
  • Eli Littlejohn: Despite sharing a name with Nitro’s star player, Bridgeport’s Eli Littlejohn has proven to be a dual-threat player, making significant contributions to the offense.
  • Xavier Patterson: A standout on defense, Patterson has consistently been disruptive, leading Bridgeport in sacks per game.

Common Opponents

Both teams share common opponents in the season, with dominant victories over teams like Lincoln. Nitro secured a 52-21 win over Lincoln, while Bridgeport posted a more commanding 70-13 victory, showcasing their offensive might.

In-State Dominance

• Nitro has proven to be a force within the state, going 10-1 overall, with only one loss in a highly competitive regional matchup. Their in-state performance has earned them a reputation as one of the top teams in the state.
• Bridgeport, however, has been perfect in-state, remaining unbeaten at 12-0, and is currently the top contender in the state.

Looking Ahead

As we head into the postseason, both teams are in prime positions to make deep runs. Nitro’s balanced offense and tenacious defense will be tested against other top-tier teams, while Bridgeport’s explosive scoring and dominance on both sides of the ball make them a formidable contender. Fans should expect these two teams to continue their high-level play, with the possibility of a future showdown for the state title.

With their impressive records and performances, Nitro and Bridgeport are poised to be major forces in West Virginia high school football this season.