The high school football season in West Virginia has been marked by strong performances, with James Monroe and Independence both making notable impressions in their respective classes. This article takes a closer look at their rankings, records, scoring trends, and common opponents to highlight what sets these two teams apart.

Team Records and Rankings

James Monroe stands at an overall record of 7-3 with a perfect 2-0 in regional play, ranking 41st in the state and 9th in their class. Meanwhile, Independence boasts a 6-3 record overall and 4-1 in the region, placing them higher in state rankings at 22nd and 4th in their class.

While James Monroe has an edge in regional dominance with a 100% regional win percentage, Independence’s overall ranking reflects a strong season, especially in league play, where their 4-1 record surpasses James Monroe’s 2-0 due to more league games played.

Scoring Averages and Trends

When it comes to scoring, Independence has shown a more balanced and consistent offensive performance. Their average game score of 34.6 points edges out James Monroe’s 31.0. A deeper dive into quarter-by-quarter scoring reveals key differences:

• Independence: They dominate early, averaging 11.7 points in the first quarter and peaking with 16.0 in the second quarter. Their strong starts have often set the tone for their games.
• James Monroe: They maintain a steadier rhythm, particularly in the second and fourth quarters, averaging 11.0 and 9.4 points respectively. However, their scoring drops sharply in the third quarter to just 1.2 points, a potential vulnerability.

Performance Against Common Opponents

Both teams faced Summers County this season and achieved resounding victories:

• James Monroe: Defeated Summers County on October 4, 2024, with a commanding 54-8 win.
• Independence: Secured a 57-14 victory over Summers County on November 8, 2024.

These results highlight their ability to perform strongly against shared opponents, underscoring their similar competitive levels despite differing strengths and rankings.

Home vs. Away Performance

James Monroe and Independence have both demonstrated solid records at home and on the road, but key differences emerge:

• James Monroe: Undefeated on the road at 4-0, showing resilience in away games.
• Independence: Balanced with a 3-2 record both at home and away, indicating consistent performance regardless of venue.

Key Insights

• James Monroe’s Defensive Edge: Despite scoring slightly fewer points per game than Independence, James Monroe’s defense has been more effective, allowing only 144 points across 10 games (14.4 per game). Independence has allowed 199 points in 9 games (22.1 per game).
• Independence’s Offensive Power: Independence’s ability to score early and often gives them a critical edge in controlling the pace of their games.

Final Thoughts

As the season progresses, both teams have shown why they are among the top competitors in their classes. James Monroe’s disciplined defense and road strength provide a solid foundation, while Independence’s explosive offense and balanced play highlight their capability to dominate.

A potential matchup between these two teams would undoubtedly be a clash of contrasting strengths, making it one of the most anticipated showdowns of the season. For now, both teams can take pride in their impressive campaigns and continue to build on their successes.