The Gainesville High School varsity football team will host Patriot High School (Nokesville, VA) for a playoff game today at 7:00 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Virginia High School Football
Who: Gainesville vs Patriot
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
“2024 VHSL Football State Brackets (Virginia) – Class 6”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

Preview: Patriot vs. Gainesville – High School Football Playoff Showdown

As the high school football season heads into its final stretch, the matchup between Patriot High School and Gainesville High School promises to be a thrilling encounter. These two teams, each with a solid record this season, will face off in a playoff game with high stakes on the line. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect from the game.

Season Records and Standings

• Patriot (Nokesville, VA)
  • Record: 7-4 (Overall), 5-1 (Region)
  • Home: 3-3, Away: 4-1
  • Points For (PF): 404, Points Against (PA): 194
  • Win %: .636, Region %: .833
• Gainesville (VA)
  • Record: 8-2 (Overall), 4-2 (Region)
  • Home: 5-0, Away: 3-2
  • Points For (PF): 395, Points Against (PA): 128
  • Win %: .800, Region %: .667

Patriot enters the game with a solid record of 7-4, including a 5-1 mark in the region. Their impressive offensive output has been complemented by a strong defense, as they average 35.6 points per game. Gainesville, meanwhile, boasts an 8-2 record, with an undefeated 5-0 home record showing their dominance on their home turf. Despite a slightly higher win percentage, Gainesville has conceded more points (128) than Patriot, who have allowed 194 on the season.

Head-to-Head History

The two teams faced off just a month ago on October 10, 2024, when Patriot defeated Gainesville 35-20 at home. In that game, Patriot capitalized on their balanced offense and stout defense to secure a dominant victory. Gainesville will look to avenge that defeat in this highly anticipated playoff matchup.

Team Scoring Averages

• Patriot’s Scoring Breakdown:
  • Q1: 19.1 points
  • Q2: 14.0 points
  • Q3: 7.0 points
  • Q4: 2.9 points
  • Total: 36.7 points per game
• Gainesville’s Scoring Breakdown:
  • Q1: 3.5 points
  • Q2: 10.0 points
  • Q3: 3.5 points
  • Q4: 6.5 points
  • Total: 39.5 points per game

Gainesville has a slightly higher overall scoring average, at 39.5 points per game compared to Patriot’s 36.7. However, Patriot tends to start strong, outscoring opponents significantly in the first half. Gainesville’s second half performance shows more promise, especially in the final quarter where they often find their rhythm. This difference in scoring patterns will be an interesting factor to watch.

Key Players to Watch

• Patriot:
  • Koven Smith (Rushing Yards Per Game): 100.1 yards per game, one of the standout rushers for Patriot.
  • Colton Kilmer (Passing Yards Per Game): 216.0 yards, leading the offense with his strong arm.
  • Grayson Eisenhower (Receiving Yards Per Game): 73.0 yards, a key target in the passing game.
  • Aidan Washington (Tackles Per Game): 5.0 tackles, anchoring the defense.
  • Jeramy Stith (Sacks Per Game): 1.2 sacks, providing pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
• Gainesville:
  • Colton Kilmer (Passing Yards Per Game): 216.0 yards, showcasing his leadership under center.
  • Grayson Eisenhower (Receiving Yards Per Game): 73.0 yards, a threat in the passing game.
  • Aidan Washington (Tackles Per Game): 5.0 tackles, contributing to the defense.

Patriot’s Koven Smith and Colton Kilmer will look to lead their offense, with Smith’s ability to grind out yards on the ground and Kilmer’s arm strength being crucial to their attack. Meanwhile, Gainesville’s Grayson Eisenhower and Colton Kilmer will try to exploit gaps in Patriot’s defense, hoping to create big plays in the passing game.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced some of the same opponents this season, and these results offer a glimpse into how they might perform against each other.

• Patriot vs. Freedom (W, 58-13)
• Gainesville vs. Freedom (W, 42-6)
• Patriot vs. Unity Reed (W, 56-7)
• Gainesville vs. Unity Reed (W, 61-0)
• Patriot vs. Gar-Field (L, 40-27)
• Gainesville vs. Gar-Field (W, 49-19)

While both teams have been dominant in many of their games, Patriot’s loss to Gar-Field and Gainesville’s win over the same opponent shows the potential for unexpected results in this rivalry.

Final Thoughts

This playoff matchup promises to be a thrilling contest. Patriot will rely on their strong start and balanced offensive attack, while Gainesville will need to use their strong second-half play and home-field advantage to turn the tide. With both teams coming off impressive performances this season, it’s clear that this will be one of the most exciting playoff games in the region.

Fans can expect a fierce, competitive atmosphere as these two teams battle for supremacy. With both teams carrying momentum into the postseason, this game could be decided by the smallest of margins. Will Patriot’s previous win give them the confidence to advance, or will Gainesville turn the tables on their rivals and continue their strong season? The only way to find out is to watch this highly anticipated showdown unfold.