The Doddridge County Bulldogs (8-2) from West Union, WV, will host the Valley Lumberjacks (7-2) from Pine Grove, WV, in a varsity football playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 WVSSAC Class A Football Playoffs.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Ohio High School Football
Who: Doddridge County vs Valley
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 WVSSAC Football Playoffs – A
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Game preview: Doddridge County vs Valley

The upcoming matchup between Valley and Doddridge County high schools promises to be a compelling showdown, with both teams showcasing impressive records, stats, and standout players this season. Here’s an in-depth comparison based on their performance so far.

Team Rankings & Records

Valley sits at a solid 85th place in the state with a 7-2 record, excelling at home with a flawless 4-0 streak. Although their regional record is split at 1-1, their overall win percentage of .778 highlights a strong season. Valley has scored 303 points across all games, averaging a solid 33.7 points per game while allowing 193 points.

Doddridge County, ranked 32nd in the state, brings an 8-2 record and an impressive 6-2 record within their region. They have been dominant in away games, winning all five they’ve played. With a win percentage of .800 and a regional win rate of .750, Doddridge has a slight edge in scoring efficiency, tallying 301 points while allowing only 152—a testament to their strong defense.

Scoring Trends by Quarter

Valley has a powerful start, averaging 14.3 points in the first quarter and 13.2 in the second. Their offensive momentum, however, slows slightly in the latter half, with averages dropping to 7.5 in the third quarter and 4.3 in the fourth, for a final average score of 33.7 points per game.

Doddridge County, meanwhile, tends to build momentum after the first quarter. While they start with 7.9 points in the first, they increase significantly to 16.1 in the second quarter. Like Valley, they experience a slight drop in the third quarter, with 7.4 points on average, but they go scoreless in the fourth, leading to a final average score of 30.1 points per game.

Team Stat Comparison

Statistically, the two teams present contrasting styles. Valley excels in rushing, averaging 244.9 rushing yards per game compared to Doddridge County’s 189.4. However, Doddridge County takes the lead in passing yards, with an impressive 164.9 yards per game, almost triple Valley’s 66.0 passing yards. This offensive difference translates into a higher total yardage per game for Doddridge (354.3) compared to Valley (310.9).

Defensively, Doddridge County shows more activity with tackles and sacks, averaging 79.3 tackles and 1.6 sacks per game versus Valley’s 23.4 tackles and 0.1 sacks. Doddridge County’s ability to apply pressure might make it tough for Valley’s offense, particularly in the passing game.

Key Players to Watch

For Valley, all eyes will be on #3 Gavin Derby, their do-it-all athlete who leads in rushing with 207.2 yards per game and passing with 99.0 yards per game, adding up to an impressive total of 306.2 yards per game. Derby also leads in points per game, averaging 17.7. His multifaceted game makes him an invaluable asset to Valley’s offense.

Doddridge County will lean on #3 Brysen Dixon, their leading passer, who averages 159.7 passing yards and contributes 162.9 total yards per game. Dixon’s reliable arm will be complemented by #5 Brycen Eidel on defense, who leads with 10 tackles per game, and #6 Landon Thomas, who contributes 6.6 points per game.

Record Breakdown

Valley’s success at home (4-0) shows they perform well on familiar turf, but Doddridge County’s unbroken away record (5-0) demonstrates their resilience on the road. Additionally, Doddridge has more experience in regional competition, boasting a 6-2 regional record compared to Valley’s 1-1.

Final Thoughts

This game presents an intriguing matchup between Valley’s rushing prowess and Doddridge County’s balanced passing attack and disciplined defense. Valley will look to capitalize on their rushing ability and explosive starts, while Doddridge aims to control the pace through passing and a stingy defense. With both teams performing well above average and star players on both sides, this game could very well come down to who can seize momentum and sustain it across all four quarters.