The George Washington Patriots (7-3) will host the Parkersburg South Patriots (5-5) for a varsity football playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 WVSSAC Football Playoffs – AAAA tournament, held in Charleston, WV.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Ohio High School Football
Who: George Washington vs Parkersburg South
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 WVSSAC Football Playoffs – AAAA
Watch here: Watch here

Game preview: George Washington vs Parkersburg South

As we move deeper into the high school football season, let’s take a closer look at two teams from West Virginia’s Class AAA – Parkersburg South and George Washington. Both teams have had their fair share of ups and downs, but they’ve managed to stay competitive and provide some thrilling football for their fans.

Season Overview

Parkersburg South has had a relatively balanced season, with a 5-5 overall record. Their performance in-region has been split, finishing 2-2 in the conference. The team has been productive offensively, averaging 28.2 points per game, with a high point total of 282 in the season. However, their defense has allowed 300 points throughout the year, which has kept their win percentage at a modest .500.

George Washington, on the other hand, has had a more successful season with a 7-3 overall record. Their region record of 6-2 reflects strong competition within their conference, and their offensive output has been impressive, scoring an average of 28.6 points per game. With a point differential of 274 for and 168 against, their defense has also been a key factor in their success, with a solid 7-3 overall record.

Offensive & Defensive Stats Comparison

When comparing the teams’ statistics, Parkersburg South’s offense has had a more balanced attack. They average 181.2 rushing yards per game and 175.5 passing yards per game, contributing to a total of 356.7 yards per game. The team is led by senior running back Eli Bartley, who has rushed for an average of 141.4 yards per game, and quarterback Collin Hayes, who has thrown for 168.7 yards per game.

In contrast, George Washington’s offense leans more heavily on the ground game, rushing for an impressive 227.7 yards per game while only passing for 93.4 yards. Sai’vyon Brown leads the ground attack for George Washington, with an average of 112.9 yards per game. Quarterback Cy Persinger, however, has been less effective in the air, passing for only 83.4 yards per game. Despite a lower passing output, George Washington’s total yardage per game still stands at 321.1 yards.

Both teams have been strong in certain areas defensively, but George Washington has been more efficient in limiting yardage. Parkersburg South has averaged 85.3 tackles per game compared to George Washington’s 59.8, and their defense has allowed more points on average – 30 more total points on the season. However, the South’s defensive line has been more productive in terms of sacks, averaging 1.6 per game, while George Washington has only averaged 0.2 sacks.

Key Players to Watch

Several players have stood out for both teams this season:

• Parkersburg South:
  • Eli Bartley (#11): The senior running back has been a key player in South’s offense, contributing 141.4 rushing yards per game and 14.0 points per game.
  • Collin Hayes (#9): The quarterback has been critical to the team’s passing game with 168.7 yards per game, and he’s also contributed significantly to the total yards at 211.4 yards per game.
  • Cole Middleton (#45): A defensive leader with 12.8 tackles per game, Middleton is a major presence on the field.
• George Washington:
  • Sai’vyon Brown (#6): Brown has been the powerhouse of George Washington’s offense, leading the team with 112.9 rushing yards per game.
  • Cy Persinger (#16): Despite a less prominent passing game, Persinger has contributed with 83.4 yards per game through the air.
  • Hunter Giacomo (#1): A defensive standout with 11.2 tackles per game, Giacomo is instrumental in the team’s ability to shut down opposing offenses.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

The head-to-head comparison between these teams remains even, as they have not yet faced each other this season. However, both teams have shared some common opponents. Parkersburg South has faced Woodrow Wilson, Parkersburg, and John Marshall, winning all three matchups. Meanwhile, George Washington has played the same three teams, with a 2-1 record, losing to Woodrow Wilson but defeating Parkersburg and John Marshall. Both teams showed strong performances against common opponents, with Parkersburg South going undefeated and George Washington picking up two wins.

Conclusion

While Parkersburg South has struggled a bit with consistency this season, they’ve managed to stay competitive with a balanced offense and solid defensive play. George Washington, with their more explosive running game and tough defense, has had a slightly better season and appears to be in strong playoff contention. As both teams head into their respective future matchups, expect continued hard-fought games and intense rivalries as they work to improve their standing heading into the postseason.