The Huntington Highlanders (9-1) will host the University Hawks (4-6) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 WVSSAC Football Playoffs in the AAAA division.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Ohio High School Football
Who: Huntington vs University
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 WVSSAC Football Playoffs – AAAA
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Game preview: Huntington vs University

As the high school football season enters the final stretch, the University Hawks and Huntington Highlanders are gearing up for a pivotal matchup that highlights the contrast in their seasons. With University coming off a challenging 4-6 season and Huntington riding high with an impressive 9-1 record, this game promises to be an exciting clash of styles and skill.

Team Overview

University Hawks
The University Hawks (4-6 overall, 0-3 in region play) have had a rough season, struggling to find consistency on both sides of the ball. Their overall win percentage stands at just .400, with a stark contrast in their home and away performances. They have managed to post a 3-2 record on their home turf, but have only won 1 of 5 games on the road. Their offense has been able to put up 229 points, but they’ve allowed 311 points against them, illustrating a difficult year in terms of both offense and defense.

Huntington Highlanders
On the other hand, the Huntington Highlanders are on a roll with an outstanding 9-1 record, and their perfect 8-0 record in region play stands as a testament to their dominance. Their offense has been nearly unstoppable, scoring an average of 45 points per game while allowing only 169 points in total. Huntington’s balanced attack, paired with a solid defense, has made them the team to beat in the region, and they are heading into this matchup with a great deal of momentum. They’ve performed exceptionally well both at home (4-0) and on the road (5-1), making them a dangerous opponent no matter the venue.

Team Scoring Breakdown

Looking at their scoring averages, it’s clear that Huntington has the upper hand. The Highlanders’ offensive production is much higher across all quarters, especially in the first half. Huntington averages 12.5 points in the first quarter and 14.0 in the second, compared to University’s 4.3 and 5.7, respectively. This early dominance has often set the tone for their games, with their ability to score quickly being one of their biggest assets.

University, on the other hand, has shown some resilience, scoring an average of 6.3 points in the fourth quarter, suggesting they are capable of making late-game pushes. However, with only 2.8 points in the third quarter, they’ve struggled to maintain momentum in the middle of games. Their final average of 22.9 points per game has not been enough to overcome their defensive struggles, especially against high-caliber teams like Huntington.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced Spring Mills this season, but their results tell different stories. University faced off against Spring Mills on October 18, 2024, but was defeated 34-6. Huntington, on the other hand, will meet Spring Mills on November 29, 2024, at home, where they have remained undefeated all season. This common opponent gives some insight into how these two teams match up against similarly competitive teams, with Huntington clearly coming out on top.

Record Breakdown

The disparity in their overall records paints a clear picture of the two teams’ seasons. University has struggled both in league play (0-3) and against non-league opponents (4-3). Their lone bright spot has been a solid record at home, with a 3-2 mark that shows they can compete when they have the home-field advantage. However, their away record of 1-4 has been a serious hindrance.

In stark contrast, Huntington has been dominant across the board. Their 8-0 record in region play demonstrates their superiority within the league, and their non-league performance of 4-3 indicates they have held their own in all types of matchups. They are undefeated at home (4-0) and boast a 5-1 record on the road, proving they can handle tough environments.

The Road Ahead

For University, this game is a crucial opportunity to turn their season around and prove they can hang with one of the best teams in the state. Their road record is less than favorable, but the Hawks will need to dig deep and put together a complete performance if they hope to compete with Huntington’s high-powered offense.

Huntington, on the other hand, will be looking to continue their dominance as they approach the postseason. With an undefeated regional record, the Highlanders have firmly established themselves as one of the top teams in the state, and they’ll be hoping to close out the regular season strong heading into the playoffs.

Conclusion

As the University Hawks take on the Huntington Highlanders, it will be a tale of two contrasting seasons. While University has had its share of struggles, Huntington has shown what a high-caliber team looks like. This game could serve as a crucial benchmark for both programs, with Huntington looking to further cement their place as a dominant force and University hoping for a major upset that could shift the momentum of their season. The clash between these two teams on November 29 promises to be one for the books!