The Essex High School varsity football team (Tappahannock, VA) will host a home playoff game against Middlesex High School (Saluda, VA) on Friday, November 22 at 7:00 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Virginia High School Football
Who: Essex vs Middlesex
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
“2024 VHSL Football State Brackets (Virginia) – Class 1 “
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

A Comparative Look at Middlesex and Essex Football Teams in 2024-25

The football programs at Middlesex and Essex high schools have been turning heads in Virginia with strong performances in the 2024-2025 season. Both teams have proven themselves as powerhouses in their respective divisions, showcasing exceptional talent on the field. Let’s take a closer look at their rankings, team statistics, and head-to-head comparisons, which highlight the strengths and achievements of these two teams.

Middlesex Football Overview

Middlesex enters the 2024-2025 season with a solid overall record of 7-3. The team is a dominant force in its region, with a perfect 4-0 record in regional matchups. At home, the squad boasts a 3-1 record, while on the road, they stand at 4-2. The Middlesex offense has been productive, averaging 32.1 points per game, and is led by standout player Jaquan Griffin, who leads the team with 200.2 rushing yards per game.

Defensively, Middlesex has been disciplined, averaging 58.3 tackles per game, though their sack rate is relatively low at 0.4 per game. Despite this, their balanced attack has kept them competitive in the region.

Essex Football Overview

In contrast, Essex has had a truly exceptional season, finishing with a remarkable 10-1 overall record. Their regional record stands at 4-1, with a dominant 7-1 mark at home. Notably, Essex has been nearly unstoppable in away games, posting a perfect 3-0 record. The offense has been explosive, averaging 45.1 points per game. Their offensive attack has been especially potent in the first quarter, where they score an average of 22 points.

Individually, Essex’s Jaquan Griffin, a different player from Middlesex’s standout, also shines, though in a different way. The team has outpaced opponents with an impressive offensive yardage output, and their defense has been suffocating, evidenced by their ability to limit opponents to just 55 points all season.

Team Scoring Comparison

One of the most striking differences between these teams lies in their scoring. Middlesex tends to have a more balanced scoring distribution, with consistent points across all four quarters. Their highest scoring quarter is the fourth, where they average 11.1 points per game, reflecting their ability to close games strong.

Essex, on the other hand, has been a first-quarter powerhouse, putting up an impressive 22 points in the opening period. However, their scoring tends to drop in the second half of games, with just 6.0 points in the second quarter and 3.0 in both the third and fourth quarters. Despite this, their explosive start often gives them a strong enough lead to control the game.

Team Stat Comparison

When looking at team stats, Middlesex stands out for their solid rushing game, averaging 216.0 yards per game, thanks to the exceptional performance of Jaquan Griffin, who leads the team in total yardage with 217.0 yards per game. Essex does not publish rushing statistics in the data provided, but their overall yards per game have been significantly higher, reflecting their balanced offensive attack.

Middlesex is also notable for their relatively high passing yardage (48.7 per game) and receiving yards (47.4 per game), whereas Essex, with their more dominant rushing style, has not been as reliant on the pass game. Despite these differences, both teams have managed to find success in their respective styles of play.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Both teams have shared common opponents throughout the season, offering insight into how they match up against similar competition. Middlesex posted a 4-2 record against these teams, with notable wins against Lancaster and Charles City. Essex, meanwhile, outperformed Middlesex against some of these same teams, finishing with a 5-1 record. Their standout performance came in a dominant win over West Point, where Essex triumphed 64-0, while Middlesex defeated West Point 38-19.

A significant common opponent for both teams was Northumberland, which Middlesex lost to 34-15, while Essex defeated them 40-8, showing a notable difference in performance against this opponent.

Conclusion

Both Middlesex and Essex have showcased impressive football programs in the 2024-2025 season. While Essex has proven to be the stronger team in terms of overall record and scoring power, Middlesex’s balanced offensive approach and solid regional dominance are undeniable. As the teams continue to build on their strengths, fans can expect thrilling matchups when these two Virginia powerhouses meet on the field.