The Hurricane High School varsity football team will host George Washington High School (Charleston, WV) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: West Virginia High School Football
Who: Hurricane vs George Washington
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
“2024 WVSSAC Football Playoffs – AAAA”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

Head-to-Head Showdown: George Washington vs. Hurricane

As the postseason approaches, George Washington and Hurricane, both boasting identical 7-3 overall records, are set to square off in a highly anticipated playoff matchup. The two teams have had impressive seasons in West Virginia’s high school football landscape, with both displaying strong performances throughout the year.

Season Overview

George Washington (Charleston, WV) has shown solid overall play, finishing with a 7-3 record, 6-2 in their region, and an impressive 5-0 mark at home. However, the team struggled in away games, posting a 2-3 record. The Patriots have averaged 27.4 points per game, led by standout player Sai’vyon Brown, who ranks among the top rushers in the region with 112.9 yards per game. Their offense, however, has shown inconsistency, particularly in the second half, with notable dips in scoring, averaging just 3.9 points per third quarter and 6.1 points in the fourth.

Hurricane, similarly, finished the season at 7-3 overall and 7-1 in their region, which helped them clinch the top spot in their conference. Their offensive attack is potent, averaging a staggering 48.3 points per game—almost double that of George Washington. A key factor in their explosive offense has been quarterback Noah Vellaithambi, who has posted a remarkable 251.5 passing yards per game. The Hurricanes’ offensive dominance is further highlighted by their powerful running game, led by Kylan Grace (107.6 rushing yards per game). They have also excelled on defense, holding their opponents to an average of just 27.0 points per game.

The First Encounter

The first matchup between these two teams earlier this season was a decisive victory for Hurricane, who cruised to a 37-21 win. George Washington struggled to keep up with the Hurricanes’ high-powered offense, especially in the second half. Despite a valiant effort, the Patriots couldn’t overcome the Hurricanes’ relentless attack, with Hurricane controlling both the ground and air game.

Key Matchups

• Offense vs. Defense: One of the critical storylines in this matchup will be George Washington’s ability to slow down Hurricane’s dynamic offense. With the Hurricanes averaging over 500 yards per game, the Patriots will need to improve their defensive efficiency, which has been solid but not elite, allowing 168 points over the course of the season.
• Quarterback Play: Both teams feature strong quarterbacks. For George Washington, Cy Persinger has been solid under center, averaging 83.4 passing yards per game. On the other side, Hurricane’s Vellaithambi has been a force in the passing game, putting up 251.5 yards per game, a key factor in the team’s ability to score in bunches.
• Running Back Duel: The rushing game will be another important aspect of the game. George Washington’s Sai’vyon Brown has been the engine for the Patriots’ offense, averaging 112.9 rushing yards per game, while Hurricane’s Kylan Grace will aim to continue his strong season, averaging 107.6 rushing yards per game.

Statistical Breakdown

• George Washington has a more balanced attack, averaging 227.7 rushing yards and 93.4 passing yards per game, compared to Hurricane’s dominance on both fronts with 251.5 rushing yards and 251.5 passing yards per game. This suggests that Hurricane’s offense is more versatile and explosive, with the ability to strike in multiple ways.
• Defense: On the defensive side, Hurricane has been the more effective team, recording 1.6 sacks per game compared to George Washington’s 0.2 sacks per game. Hurricane’s defense has also been stingier overall, holding opponents to an average of 270 yards per game, compared to the Patriots’ 321.1 yards allowed per game.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced several common opponents this season, with Hurricane holding a perfect 6-0 record against these teams, while George Washington went 5-1. Notably, both teams defeated Cabell Midland, Capital, and Riverside, but Hurricane’s wins have come with larger margins, demonstrating their superior overall performance this season.

Looking Ahead: Playoff Preview

The stakes could not be higher as these two teams face off in a playoff showdown. For George Washington, the key will be to limit the big plays from Hurricane’s high-powered offense and stay competitive on the scoreboard. If they can control the tempo and execute in key moments, they have a chance to pull off an upset.

For Hurricane, their game plan will likely revolve around continuing to exploit their dynamic offense while maintaining defensive pressure. With their potent rushing attack and efficient passing game, they will look to make quick work of George Washington and advance further into the playoffs.

As the game kicks off on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. in Hurricane, the excitement is palpable. Will George Washington rebound from their earlier loss and shock the state, or will Hurricane prove once again why they’re one of the most dangerous teams in West Virginia? All signs point to a thrilling, high-stakes matchup that will be one for the ages.