The Armstrong (Richmond, VA) varsity football team is set to host a home playoff game against James Monroe (Fredericksburg, VA) today at 7:30 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Virginia High School Football
Who: James Monroe vs Armstrong
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
“2024 VHSL Football State Brackets (Virginia) – Class 3”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
James Monroe vs. Armstrong: A Season in Review
As the 2024-25 season draws to a close, a look at the performance of James Monroe and Armstrong reveals two very different paths. Both teams experienced highs and lows throughout the campaign, but their final records highlight contrasting performances, especially in the league and overall settings.
Team Records and Standings
James Monroe finished the season with an overall record of 3-7, with a particularly difficult showing in the league, where they went just 1-6. They struggled on the road, posting a 0-5 record away from home, although they managed to secure a 3-2 record on their home turf. Despite these challenges, James Monroe’s overall point total (205) and points allowed (307) show a team that fought hard but often came up short.
On the other hand, Armstrong had a flawless season, finishing undefeated with a perfect 3-0 record. They were dominant in all aspects of the game, with a scoring average of 59.0 points per game and no points allowed across their three games. This undefeated streak, including a 2-0 mark on the road and 1-0 at home, places them among the top performers in the region.
Scoring Averages: Contrasting Offensive Styles
James Monroe’s offense had a tough season, averaging only 20.5 points per game across all four quarters. This lack of offensive production was a key factor in their struggles, particularly as they were unable to score consistently across the different quarters of the game. Their scoring breakdown, which shows no points in the first three quarters, indicates a team that perhaps couldn’t find their rhythm early on and had trouble keeping up with the competition.
In contrast, Armstrong displayed explosive offensive power, particularly in the second quarter where they averaged 21.0 points per game. Armstrong’s ability to close out games strongly, averaging 7.0 points in the fourth quarter, was crucial in their dominant 3-0 record. Their final score of 59.0 points per game shows they were a high-scoring, efficient team that could put the game out of reach early.
League Play and Head-to-Head Performance
James Monroe’s struggles were especially evident within league play. With just one win in six attempts, their league performance was below expectations. In contrast, Armstrong’s perfect 3-0 record in their league games showcases their superiority in their competitive region. Both teams remained undefeated in non-league contests, with James Monroe posting a 2-1 record, while Armstrong remained untouchable.
When it comes to head-to-head matchups, both teams seem to have avoided direct competition in the regular season, which may have limited the chance for a deeper analysis of how they would fare against each other.
Home vs. Away Performance
James Monroe showed a clear split in their home and away performances. At home, they posted a 3-2 record, which is decent considering their overall struggles. However, their away form was dismal, with a 0-5 record. This discrepancy suggests that they struggled to adjust to road games or perhaps were outmatched when playing in hostile environments.
For Armstrong, there were no such concerns. The team was undefeated both at home (1-0) and on the road (2-0), showcasing their versatility and resilience in different settings. This undefeated road record points to their ability to perform under pressure, regardless of the location.
Conclusion: A Tale of Two Seasons
Looking at the full picture, it’s clear that James Monroe faced significant challenges throughout the 2024-25 season. Their inability to score consistently, combined with a weak league performance and struggles on the road, kept them from finding success. Armstrong, by contrast, had a near-perfect campaign, dominating their opponents both at home and away with a high-powered offense and an unblemished record. As both teams move forward, Armstrong’s flawless season stands as a testament to their skill and preparation, while James Monroe will need to make adjustments for future success.