The Western Albemarle (Crozet, VA) varsity field hockey team will host Grafton (Yorktown, VA) in a home playoff game today at 5:30 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 VHSL Field Hockey State Tournament, Class 3 division.

Grafton vs Western Albemarle Field Hockey Game Info:

What: Virginia High School Field Hockey
Who: Grafton vs Western Albemarle
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 5:30 p.m.
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Game preview: Grafton vs Western Albemarle

As the 2024-25 season progresses, the rivalry between Grafton and Western Albemarle continues to captivate the attention of local fans and teams alike. With distinct records, varying strengths, and competitive histories, this matchup offers a fascinating look into the capabilities of two high-performing teams.

Team Rankings & Records

Grafton (24-25 Season)

• National Ranking: 235
• Virginia Ranking: 39
• Division Ranking: 6
• Overall Record: 10-9
• Region Record: 3-3
• Home Record: 5-4
• Away Record: 5-5
• Win Percentage: .526
• Region Win Percentage: .500
• Goals For (GF): 42
• Goals Against (GA): 43

Grafton has shown a balanced but slightly inconsistent season, with a win percentage just over 50%. Their performance on the road and at home is nearly identical, showing they have faced challenges regardless of venue. Their offensive capabilities, with 42 goals, have been close to matching their defensive efforts, as seen by the 43 goals allowed.

Western Albemarle (24-25 Season)

• National Ranking: 41
• Virginia Ranking: 10
• Overall Record: 19-0
• Region Record: 12-0
• Home Record: 11-0
• Away Record: 8-0
• Win Percentage: 1.000
• Region Win Percentage: 1.000
• Goals For (GF): 74
• Goals Against (GA): 2

Western Albemarle’s perfect season stands as a testament to their dominance in the region. With a flawless record across all categories, they have been virtually unstoppable. Their offensive firepower is evident, having scored 74 goals, while their defense has allowed only 2 goals throughout the season, showcasing their well-rounded performance and depth across all positions.

Team Scoring Averages

• Grafton: 2.2 goals per game (Overall)
• Western Albemarle: 3.9 goals per game (Overall)

Western Albemarle’s superior scoring average reflects their offensive strength, averaging 1.7 more goals per game than Grafton. Their ability to score consistently, both at home and away, gives them a distinct advantage in most matchups.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced the same opponent in New Kent, with identical results:

• Grafton vs. New Kent (9/19/24): Away game, Grafton won 3-1.
• Western Albemarle vs. New Kent (9/25/24): Home game, Western Albemarle won 1-0.

While both teams emerged victorious in their respective matches against New Kent, the scores highlight the contrasting styles of play. Grafton secured a more convincing win with a 3-1 scoreline, while Western Albemarle narrowly edged out New Kent with a 1-0 win.

Record Breakdown

Grafton’s Record Breakdown (24-25 Season)

• Overall Record: 10-9
• League Record: 3-3
• Non-League Record: 6-4
• Head to Head: 0-0
• Common Opponent: 1-0
• Home Record: 5-4
• Away Record: 5-5
• Playoff Record: 1-1
• In-State Record: 10-9

Western Albemarle’s Record Breakdown (24-25 Season)

• Overall Record: 19-0
• League Record: 12-0
• Non-League Record: 4-0
• Head to Head: 0-0
• Common Opponent: 1-0
• Home Record: 11-0
• Away Record: 8-0
• Playoff Record: 3-0
• In-State Record: 19-0

Western Albemarle’s undefeated record is especially notable, as they’ve dominated both league and non-league games. Their perfect home and away record highlights their consistency in all environments, while Grafton’s slightly less consistent results suggest a team still looking for their peak form.

Conclusion

The comparison between Grafton and Western Albemarle reveals two teams with very different seasons. Grafton, while competitive and close to breaking even, faces challenges in maintaining consistency. On the other hand, Western Albemarle’s remarkable undefeated season speaks to their overwhelming dominance on both offense and defense. As the season progresses, Grafton will need to step up their game if they hope to challenge the juggernaut that is Western Albemarle, whose perfection thus far is a true benchmark in their region.