The Holston (Damascus, VA) varsity football team will host Patrick Henry (Glade Spring, VA) for a home playoff game today at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Virginia High School Football
Who: Holston vs Patrick Henry
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
“2024 VHSL Football State Brackets (Virginia) – Class 1”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

Holston vs. Patrick Henry: A Rivalry Renewed in the Playoffs

As the fall football season enters its critical playoff phase, one of the most eagerly anticipated matchups is set to take place between the Holston Cavaliers and the Patrick Henry Rebels. Both teams have had contrasting journeys throughout the season, yet this rivalry has already proven to be one for the books.

Season Recap: Contrasting Fortunes

The 2024-25 season has been a tale of two teams heading in different directions. Holston enters this game with an impressive 9-1 overall record, showcasing dominance on both sides of the ball. The Cavaliers have proven nearly unbeatable in the regular season, finishing with a stellar 4-1 region record and a perfect 5-0 record at home. Their only loss came early in the season, but they quickly bounced back to secure their place as one of the region’s top teams. Holston’s balanced attack, featuring an explosive offense and a stingy defense, has helped them outscore opponents 368-202 this season, averaging nearly 37 points per game.

On the other hand, Patrick Henry has faced a more turbulent season, finishing with a 5-6 overall record. While the Rebels have shown glimpses of greatness, their inconsistency has been their downfall. They finished with a 2-3 record in region play and a 3-2 record at home, but struggled on the road with a 2-4 mark. Despite the ups and downs, Patrick Henry’s offense has still put up a solid 350 points on the season, averaging just under 32 points per game. However, their defense has allowed 285 points, which has been a contributing factor in their losing record.

Previous Matchup: Holston’s Narrow Victory

The most recent meeting between these two teams was a tight affair, with Holston edging out Patrick Henry 26-21 in a hard-fought game on October 11th. The game saw both teams fighting for control, with Holston ultimately pulling away in the second half to secure the victory. Despite the loss, Patrick Henry’s performance was commendable, and they’ll no doubt be looking to avenge this defeat on Holston’s home turf in the playoff rematch.

Head-to-Head: Record Breakdown

Looking at the season’s records against common opponents, Holston holds the upper hand. Both teams have faced similar competition, but Holston’s superior 4-1 record against common opponents contrasts sharply with Patrick Henry’s 3-2 mark. This difference reflects Holston’s overall strength and consistency throughout the season, particularly their decisive wins against teams like John Battle, Rural Retreat, and Chilhowie.

Meanwhile, Patrick Henry has been more inconsistent, losing key matchups to teams like Rural Retreat and Honaker, while managing wins over teams like Northwood and Chilhowie.

Key Players and Key Stats

When examining the offensive and defensive performances, it’s clear that both teams have their strengths. For Holston, their balanced scoring attack has been led by a potent offensive line and explosive running game, with their scoring averaging 36.8 points per game. The Cavaliers are particularly effective in the first and fourth quarters, where they average 7 points in both periods. Patrick Henry, on the other hand, has struggled to produce consistent offense in the third quarter, where they score only 4.3 points per game. However, their offense is capable of putting up points quickly, especially in the second quarter, where they average 7 points.

Defensively, Holston has been dominant, allowing just 202 points over the season. Their defense has been particularly tough at home, and they’ve proven themselves to be a formidable force at keeping opposing offenses in check. Patrick Henry, meanwhile, has been more vulnerable, giving up 285 points in the regular season.

The Playoff Push

With the playoff implications on the line, this matchup will be a battle for the ages. Holston’s remarkable 9-1 record has earned them a solid position in the postseason, but Patrick Henry will be hungry for revenge and ready to prove they are capable of pulling off an upset. The Rebels will need to tighten their defense and execute a more balanced offensive strategy if they are to overcome the Cavaliers on their home field.

For Holston, continuing their dominance on both sides of the ball will be key. If they can maintain their high-scoring offense and rely on their stingy defense, they will likely emerge victorious. However, the Rebels are dangerous, and their ability to step up in critical moments could make all the difference in this intense rivalry game.

Looking Ahead

This playoff showdown between Holston and Patrick Henry is one that fans in Southwest Virginia won’t soon forget. With contrasting records, playing styles, and histories, both teams will leave it all on the field. The winner will not only earn bragging rights but also take a crucial step toward advancing further in the postseason. As the game approaches, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to their 2024-25 season.