The Independence (Coal City, WV) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against James Monroe (Lindside, WV) on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 7:00 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: West Virginia High School Football
Who: Independence vs James Monroe
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
“2024 WVSSAC Football Playoffs – AA”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

A Comparative Look at James Monroe and Independence Football Teams: 2024-2025 Season

The 2024-2025 high school football season has seen solid performances from both James Monroe and Independence, two teams that have shown strength on the field and shared some common opponents. As they prepare for the latter part of the season, a comparison of their records, statistics, and team dynamics offers insights into how each team has fared so far.

Team Overview and Record Breakdown

James Monroe (7-3 overall, 2-0 in-region) enters the season with a winning record and a strong foothold in its region. The team has demonstrated balance, with impressive home (3-2) and away (4-0) records, though a lone neutral site loss (0-1) mars their otherwise strong performance. On the offensive side, they have scored an average of 31 points per game, while holding opponents to an average of 14.4 points per game.

In comparison, Independence has a slightly lower overall win percentage at 6-3 but excels within its region, boasting a 4-1 region record. Independence has shown a stronger scoring ability than James Monroe, averaging 34.6 points per game. While the team has a similar 3-2 record at home, their away record (3-1) and region performance (4-1) have been noteworthy, giving them a solid track record so far this season.

Offensive Scoring Breakdown

James Monroe has shown a diverse scoring pattern throughout the game. The team has had its most productive quarter in the second, averaging 11.0 points per game. Their fourth quarter efforts have also been strong, with an average of 9.4 points. However, the team has struggled to generate offense in the third quarter, only averaging 1.2 points.

In contrast, Independence has been more consistent throughout the game, particularly in the first half. The team averages 11.7 points in the first quarter and 16.0 points in the second quarter. They have maintained a steady performance into the third quarter with an average of 11.0 points, though their fourth quarter scoring dips slightly to 9.3 points per game.

Head-to-Head with Common Opponents

Both teams have faced off against Summers County this season, securing victories in their respective games. James Monroe defeated Summers County 54-8 on October 4, while Independence bested them 57-14 on November 8. These victories against a common opponent offer a glimpse into how both teams approach similar challenges.

Record Breakdown by Key Categories

The overall records for both teams highlight their strengths in different areas:

• James Monroe: 7-3 overall with a 2-0 region record. The team has shown resilience, particularly away from home, with a perfect 4-0 record in away games. Their overall points scored (310) and points allowed (144) suggest a strong defensive unit alongside an efficient offense.
• Independence: 6-3 overall with a 4-1 region record. Independence’s consistency in-region (80% win rate) has been key to their success, and their scoring prowess (311 points scored) has also been notable. The team’s balanced attack and reliable performances on the road (3-1) give them a slight edge in certain categories.

Conclusion: A Battle of Strengths

Both James Monroe and Independence have shown they are strong contenders this season, with each team excelling in different areas. James Monroe has demonstrated a solid defense and a balanced offense, while Independence has displayed more consistent offensive output across all four quarters. As the season progresses, both teams will look to continue their winning ways, with James Monroe aiming to stay dominant in the region and Independence hoping to improve its overall consistency. The teams’ performances against common opponents suggest that both are capable of taking on tough challenges, setting up an exciting finish to the season.