The Martinsburg (WV) varsity football team will host Hedgesville (WV) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 7:30 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: West Virginia High School Football
Who: Hedgesville vs Martinsburg
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
“2024 WVSSAC Football Playoffs – AAA”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

Hedgesville vs. Martinsburg: A Tale of Two Football Seasons

As the 2024 football season nears its close, the upcoming matchup between the Hedgesville Eagles and the undefeated Martinsburg Bulldogs presents a stark contrast in team fortunes. The two teams will face off in a highly anticipated playoff game on Friday, November 15, at Martinsburg’s home stadium. Let’s break down the season performance of both teams and set the stage for this showdown.

Hedgesville Eagles: A Tough Season

The Hedgesville Eagles have faced a challenging season, finishing with a 2-8 record overall, and struggling to find success in their region with a 0-5 mark. This season has been a tough ride for the Eagles, especially in conference play, where they’ve failed to notch a win against any regional opponent. Their offensive struggles have been evident, with the team scoring an average of just 11 points per game over four quarters. In their most recent game against Martinsburg, the Eagles were shut out 66-0, with no points scored at any point during the game.

Key struggles for Hedgesville include difficulties on both sides of the ball. In games against common opponents, the Eagles failed to secure a victory, losing to teams such as Washington, Jefferson, Musselman, Morgantown, and Spring Mills. While they’ve certainly shown determination, they’ve been unable to break through against these challenging opponents, leaving them with a tough road ahead in their playoff battle.

Martinsburg Bulldogs: Dominance and Perfection

In stark contrast, the Martinsburg Bulldogs have been the epitome of dominance throughout the 2024 season. With an undefeated record of 10-0, the Bulldogs have not only been perfect in league play (5-0) but also in non-league games (5-0). Their performances have been impressive, averaging 48.2 points per game across four quarters. They’ve consistently outclassed their opponents, with a stellar 482 points scored for the season, compared to just 85 points allowed.

Martinsburg’s success is reflected in their ability to defeat common opponents in a resounding fashion. From Washington to Spring Mills, the Bulldogs have shown they are in a league of their own, with commanding victories in every matchup. Notably, Martinsburg’s defense has been suffocating, allowing only an average of 8.5 points per game in league play. Their most recent win, a dominant 66-0 victory over Hedgesville, is a testament to their defensive and offensive prowess, where they scored 7 points in the first quarter alone, followed by 35 in the second, 21 in the third, and 3 more in the final quarter.

Head-to-Head: The Ultimate Test

The upcoming playoff game between Hedgesville and Martinsburg is set to be a major test for the Eagles, who will need to regroup and bring their A-game if they hope to compete. The previous meeting on September 20, 2024, resulted in a humbling 66-0 loss for Hedgesville. They will need to capitalize on any weaknesses or lapses in Martinsburg’s play if they hope to pull off an upset.

The Bulldogs will be looking to maintain their undefeated streak and prove that their dominance in the regular season was no fluke. Their offensive balance, led by a high-scoring attack, and a defense that has been nearly impenetrable all season, give them the advantage heading into this playoff clash.

Common Opponents: A Clear Disparity

The comparison between Hedgesville and Martinsburg’s performances against common opponents paints a clear picture. Both teams faced off against Washington, Jefferson, Musselman, Morgantown, and Spring Mills. However, while Martinsburg was undefeated against these opponents, Hedgesville struggled and lost every single one of these games.

For instance, Martinsburg defeated Washington 51-7, Jefferson 42-12, and Musselman 56-8, while Hedgesville lost to the same teams by scores of 42-7, 42-13, and 26-12, respectively. This discrepancy highlights the gap in quality between the two teams, with Martinsburg showcasing their ability to dominate, while Hedgesville has found it tough to compete.

Looking Ahead

As the two teams prepare for their playoff showdown, the odds are certainly stacked against Hedgesville. The Bulldogs have been nearly perfect in every aspect of the game this season, while the Eagles have struggled to maintain consistency. Nevertheless, the playoff atmosphere often brings surprises, and the Eagles will be hoping to use the pressure of the occasion to motivate themselves to deliver their best performance of the season.

For Martinsburg, the goal is clear: continue their unbeaten streak and secure a dominant playoff victory. With their overwhelming advantage in both scoring and defense, the Bulldogs are poised to advance further into the postseason. Whether Hedgesville can find a way to challenge them remains to be seen, but this is a contest between a team on the rise and a juggernaut that has yet to be defeated.

Conclusion

The matchup between Hedgesville and Martinsburg is more than just a playoff game; it’s a clash of two teams on opposite ends of the spectrum. While Martinsburg looks to extend its perfect season, Hedgesville aims to salvage something from a year filled with adversity. No matter the outcome, the game will surely be a test of character, perseverance, and a reminder of how unpredictable sports can be.