The Huntington (WV) varsity football team will face Wheeling Park (Wheeling, WV) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 29, 2024, at 4:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 WVSSAC Football Playoffs for the AAAA division.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: West Virginia High School Football
Who: Huntington vs Wheeling Park
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 4:00. p.m. ET
“2024 WVSSAC Football Playoffs – AAAA”
Live stream: Watch here
Comparing Wheeling Park and Huntington’s High School Football Seasons: A Detailed Breakdown
As the high school football season heads into the postseason, Wheeling Park and Huntington stand out as two of the top teams in West Virginia for the 2024-2025 season. Both teams have had impressive campaigns, boasting solid win records, talented players, and dominant performances across various metrics. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of their performances, statistics, and season breakdowns.
Overall Records and Rankings
Wheeling Park has compiled an 8-3 record overall, with a strong performance in its region (4-0). The team’s victory rate of 72.7% reflects a solid season across both home and away games. Their total points scored (PF) stands at 337, while they allowed 251 points (PA).
Huntington, on the other hand, has had an exceptional season with a 10-1 overall record. Notably, the team went undefeated in its region with an 8-0 mark, achieving an impressive 90.9% win rate. Their point differential is staggering, with 506 points scored and only 197 points allowed, signaling both a potent offense and a formidable defense.
Scoring Trends
When we look at the average scoring breakdown for each team, we see some key differences.
- Wheeling Park averages 30.6 points per game, with a particularly strong second quarter where they average 8.8 points. However, they see a drop-off in the second half, particularly in the third quarter where they average just 6.1 points.
- Huntington, by comparison, has a much higher scoring average of 46.0 points per game. They start strong with an average of 12.5 points in the first quarter and 14.0 in the second. However, Huntington’s offense also sees a slight dip in the third quarter, scoring only 3 points, but they rebound with 7 points in the final period.
Team Stat Comparison
Wheeling Park’s offense is highly balanced, as shown in their average yards per game:
- Rushing: 187.7 yards per game
- Passing: 152.6 yards per game
- Receiving: 155.4 yards per game
- Total yards: 340.4 yards per game
Their defense, while effective, allows an average of 64.8 tackles per game and 1.3 sacks per game.
Huntington, with its dominant season, doesn’t show detailed stat breakdowns for rushing, passing, or receiving. However, their offense and defense have been formidable overall. Their total yards per game and other specific stats may be inferred to be slightly superior due to their impressive overall record and point differential.
Key Players
For Wheeling Park, several players have stood out:
- Brennan Wack has been a powerhouse, leading the team in total yards (187.5 yards per game) and scoring 14.4 points per game.
- Jay Bordas has contributed significantly with 152.6 passing yards per game.
- Kolin Wiley is another standout, averaging 48.8 receiving yards per game.
Huntington has also had exceptional individual performances, but detailed player stats are not as readily available. However, based on their results, it’s clear their roster is stacked with talent across multiple positions.
Common Opponents
Both Wheeling Park and Huntington faced University during the regular season:
- Wheeling Park beat University 35-22 on September 20, 2024.
- Huntington defeated University 56-28 on November 23, 2024.
While both teams won decisively against this opponent, Huntington’s victory margin was slightly larger, reflecting the high-scoring nature of their games.
In-State and Out-of-State Performances
Wheeling Park has had a strong in-state performance with a 6-2 record and has managed to go 3-2 in non-league games. They have not played any out-of-state teams.
Huntington has been perfect in-state, with a 10-1 record, and they’ve dominated the competition both at home and away. Their out-of-state games have been minimal, with no wins or losses in this category.
Final Thoughts
Both Wheeling Park and Huntington have had impressive seasons, and they are prime examples of West Virginia high school football excellence. Wheeling Park has been competitive in all aspects of the game with a balanced attack and solid defense. Huntington, however, stands out as an even more dominant team, showcasing an explosive offense and strong defense, backed by a remarkable win rate.
As the postseason looms, both teams will likely play a pivotal role in the state championship picture. If they meet, it promises to be an exciting matchup of two high-powered offenses and well-rounded teams. Fans of both schools are sure to be in for an exciting end to the 2024-2025 season.