The Thomas Jefferson High School (Richmond, VA) varsity football team is set to play a home playoff game against Culpeper County High School (Culpeper, VA) today at 7:00 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Virginia High School Football
Who: Culpeper County vs. Thomas Jefferson
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
“2024 VHSL Football State Brackets (Virginia) – Class 3”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

A Tale of Two Teams: Culpeper County vs. Thomas Jefferson

The 2024-2025 football season has brought excitement to Virginia’s football scene, particularly with two standout teams: Culpeper County and Thomas Jefferson. These teams, though vastly different in performance this season, each bring their own set of strengths and challenges to the field. Let’s take a deep dive into the numbers and see how they compare across various key metrics.

Team Overview

Culpeper County (3-7, Region 39)
The Culpeper County football team has faced a challenging season, ending with a 3-7 overall record. The Blue Devils have struggled both in and out of league play, posting a disappointing 0-7 record within their region. They’ve been outscored significantly, averaging just 16.3 points per game while giving up 28.8 points per contest. Their defense has been a key area of concern, with only modest success in limiting their opponents’ scoring. While their offense shows some flashes, they will need to improve consistency to compete with top teams.

Thomas Jefferson (10-0, Region 41)
On the other end of the spectrum, Thomas Jefferson has had an undefeated season. Their 10-0 record speaks for itself, and their dominance has been clear in every game. The team has been nearly unstoppable in both league and non-league play, finishing with a perfect 5-0 in region play. Their defense has been exceptional, allowing just 46 points across 10 games, which speaks volumes about their ability to shut down opponents. Offensively, they’ve averaged a massive 46.2 points per game, thanks in part to their diverse and potent attack.

Offensive and Defensive Performance

When comparing the teams’ scoring averages, there is a stark contrast. Culpeper County has struggled in terms of offensive production, particularly in the first two quarters of their games. Their average points per quarter are quite low: 2.4 in Q1, 1.4 in Q2, and a slight uptick in the second half with 4.8 in Q3 and 2.8 in Q4, resulting in an overall average of just 16.3 points per game. This points to a lack of early-game execution and a failure to sustain offensive momentum.

Conversely, Thomas Jefferson has been a scoring machine, posting impressive averages of 10.5 in the first quarter, 13.3 in the second, 9.7 in the third, and 10.0 in the fourth. This totals 46.2 points per game, showcasing their ability to consistently move the ball and find the end zone. Their balanced attack, both in the air and on the ground, has allowed them to blow out opponents regularly, evidenced by their remarkable 462 points scored over the course of the season.

Key Player Breakdown

Both teams have standout players who have been key contributors this season. For Culpeper County, Rashaud Cherry has been a one-man show. The multi-dimensional player leads the team in rushing, passing, and total yards, averaging 104.6 rushing yards and 176.1 passing yards per game. He’s also responsible for a significant portion of the Blue Devils’ scoring, averaging 10.4 points per game.

On the defensive side, Kai Thompson has led the way with an impressive 11 tackles per game, showcasing his ability to disrupt plays and lead the team in defensive efforts.

For Thomas Jefferson, Rashaud Cherry’s counterpart, Amare’ Gough, has emerged as a top receiver with 67.2 yards per game, and Zavier Artis has been a standout blocker, contributing 92 pancake blocks. On defense, the team is spearheaded by a stout front, with Kendrick Rodgers contributing a solid 1.2 sacks per game.

Team Stats Comparison

When comparing team stats, it is clear that Thomas Jefferson holds the edge across nearly every category. The Patriots dominate in offensive production, with 440.3 total yards per game (including 252 rushing yards and 188 passing yards). In contrast, Culpeper County struggles to match that level of offensive output, registering only 188.3 passing yards per game and 188.4 receiving yards per game, leading to a significantly lower total yardage of 440.3 compared to Jefferson’s comprehensive offensive strength.

On defense, Culpeper County averages 64.1 tackles per game, but Thomas Jefferson holds a clear advantage in defensive efficiency, giving up only 46 points in 10 games and consistently putting pressure on opposing offenses. Jefferson also boasts more pancake blocks and sacks, contributing to their dominance at the line of scrimmage.

The Road Ahead

Culpeper County’s road ahead will require significant improvement in both their offensive execution and defensive play. With several key players like Cherry leading the charge, the Blue Devils can certainly build on individual performances, but their overall team balance and consistency need to improve for future success.

Thomas Jefferson, however, looks poised for continued dominance, with a perfect record and a well-rounded team capable of competing with the best. With their flawless performance in region play and an offense that can put up nearly 50 points per game, they are certainly a team to watch as the postseason unfolds.

In conclusion, the comparison between these two teams paints a clear picture of contrasting fortunes this season. While Culpeper County has struggled to find success, Thomas Jefferson’s all-around strength has propelled them to an undefeated record. As both teams continue their journey, Culpeper County will look to rebuild, while Thomas Jefferson will aim to finish the season strong and make a deep postseason run.