The Hurricane High School varsity football team will play a home playoff game against Musselman High School (Inwood, WV) today.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: West Virginia High School Football
Who: Hurricane vs Musselman
When: Today, November 16, 2024
Time: Today.
“2024 WVSSAC Football Playoffs – AAAA”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

Musselman vs. Hurricane: A Tale of Two Teams in the 2024-2025 Season

As the 2024-2025 football season progresses, two West Virginia high school teams, Musselman and Hurricane, offer stark contrasts in their performance and statistical profiles. Here’s a breakdown of how these two teams stack up against each other in various categories, including team records, scoring averages, and individual performances.

Team Records: A Clear Divide

Musselman enters the season with a record of 2-8, struggling both in league play and non-league matchups. In their region, they hold a 2-3 record, but their performance outside the region is even more challenging, with a 1-4 away record and 1-4 on the road. Their season stats show a clear gap in terms of scoring and defensive play, with a total of 181 points scored and 354 points allowed.

On the other hand, Hurricane has had a much more successful season so far, boasting a 7-3 overall record and an impressive 7-1 in region play. Their strong performance is reflected in their 3-2 home record and 4-1 away record. In terms of scoring, Hurricane has posted 483 points, allowing only 270 points. This record puts them in a much stronger position as the season progresses.

Team Scoring Averages: Hurricane Dominates

One of the key areas where the teams differ is in their scoring averages. Musselman has struggled to find consistency on offense, scoring an average of just 18.1 points per game. Their breakdown by quarter reflects this, with the team scoring only 6.0 points in the first quarter and 1.8 points in the second, before rallying with 5.5 points in the final quarter. Musselman’s inability to maintain offensive pressure has hurt their chances in most of their games.

In contrast, Hurricane has been a more balanced and high-scoring team, averaging 48.3 points per game. Their offense is potent from start to finish, with 18.0 points in the first quarter, 13.3 points in the second, and 5.3 points and 8.5 points in the third and fourth quarters, respectively. This consistent scoring pace has been one of the cornerstones of Hurricane’s successful season.

Statistical Comparison: Offensive and Defensive Play

When it comes to overall offensive and defensive statistics, Hurricane outshines Musselman in virtually every category. Both teams have an equal rushing and passing yards per game, each totaling 251.5 yards. However, Hurricane leads in total offensive yards per game (503.0 yards) compared to Musselman’s 337.9 yards. Defensively, Hurricane has been more effective, allowing fewer points and demonstrating solid tackling with 46 tackles per game and 1.6 sacks per game, compared to Musselman’s 11.0 tackles and 0.6 sacks per game.

Team Leaders: Individual Performances

Musselman’s standout players include Kylan Grace, the top rusher with 107.6 yards per game, and Noah Vellaithambi, who leads in passing and total yards. On the receiving end, Ja’lei Burnette leads the team with 77.2 receiving yards per game.

For Hurricane, their leader in rushing, passing, and receiving yards is Sha’lik Hampton, who has an impressive 9.0 points per game, along with strong showings from Noah Vellaithambi (again, total yards leader) and Joey Quijano in tackles with 11.0 per game.

Common Opponents: The Comparison Game

Both teams have faced some common opponents, with Musselman struggling against the likes of Martinsburg, Cabell Midland, and Parkersburg, accumulating a 0-3 record. Hurricane, however, has had more success, securing a 2-1 record against the same teams. While both teams fell to Martinsburg, Hurricane had notable victories against Cabell Midland and Parkersburg, with commanding wins like 48-7 over Cabell Midland.

Home and Away Performance: The Strength of Hurricane

Musselman’s 1-4 home and away records have highlighted their difficulties in various matchups. They haven’t been able to capitalize on the home field advantage, and their road struggles have been even more pronounced. Hurricane, however, has proven their resilience on the road with a 4-1 record, and their home games have been equally strong, with a 3-2 record. This consistent performance has been vital in helping them build a strong overall record.

Conclusion: A Tale of Contrasts

The 2024-2025 season for Musselman and Hurricane has revealed two teams on opposite ends of the performance spectrum. While Musselman continues to battle for consistency and find its footing, Hurricane stands as a regional powerhouse with a potent offense and strong defense. Their impressive 7-3 record showcases the fruits of their hard work, and they remain a formidable opponent for anyone in their path. For Musselman, it’s a season of rebuilding and learning from tough losses, hoping to find the formula for future success.