The Southampton (Courtland, VA) varsity football team will host King William (VA) for a home playoff game today at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Virginia High School Football
Who: King William vs Southampton
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
“2024 VHSL Football State Brackets (Virginia) – Class 2”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

High School Football Showdown: King William vs. Southampton

As the high school football season heats up, the matchup between King William and Southampton has drawn attention due to their contrasting records and impressive individual performances. Both teams come from Virginia’s competitive football scene and have shown their strengths in different ways.

Season Overview: King William vs. Southampton

King William enters this season with a 4-6 overall record, marking a challenging year with mixed results. However, their performance in the region has been strong, with a perfect 2-0 record against regional opponents. The team has scored an average of 25.6 points per game, but they’ve also given up 240 points across the season, averaging just over 24 points allowed per game. Their scoring shows potential but also reflects the difficulty in closing out games.

On the other hand, Southampton has dominated this season with an impressive 9-1 record. Their regional play has been perfect, with a 6-0 record, showing the team’s prowess against in-state competition. Southampton has outscored their opponents dramatically, averaging a high 49.0 points per game while allowing only 16.6 points. Their balance and offensive firepower have made them a serious contender in Virginia’s football landscape.

Scoring Trends

A key factor in both teams’ performance has been their scoring averages across quarters. King William’s offense has shown flashes of brilliance but struggles to maintain consistency. They average 8.7 points in the first quarter and 9.2 points in the second, before a noticeable dip to 2.2 points in the third quarter. They finish strong with an average of 7 points in the fourth quarter, bringing their total to 25.6 points per game.

Southampton, however, has a more explosive offense, averaging 7 points in the first quarter, but then elevating their game significantly in the second and fourth quarters. They score 14 points in both the second and fourth quarters, showing their ability to adjust and dominate late in games. Their total of 49.0 points per game reflects their offensive depth and efficiency.

Key Stats Comparison

Looking at the statistical comparison, King William and Southampton have differing approaches to the game. King William relies on the ground game, averaging 179.7 rushing yards per game, while their passing game accounts for 92.4 yards per game. In comparison, Southampton relies more on their air attack, with 251.1 passing yards per game, complemented by 148.0 rushing yards. This balance has contributed to their higher total yardage per game, averaging 399.1 yards compared to King William’s 272.1 yards.

Defensively, Southampton has shown greater efficiency in tackling and pressuring the quarterback. They average 74 tackles per game and 3.8 sacks per game, while King William averages 63.7 tackles and just 0.4 sacks per game.

Team Leaders

Individual performances have been standout for both teams. For King William, running back James Stewart has been a key player, leading the team with 102 rushing yards per game. He’s also been active defensively, averaging 9.2 tackles per game. Trenton Stallings has contributed with 77.2 passing yards per game, and Javon Lewis has added 27.4 receiving yards per game.

For Southampton, Javonte Lynch has been a dominant force in the backfield, averaging 139.3 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Zayden Pope has excelled in the passing game, with an average of 251.1 yards per game. Miquel Bradshaw has been a reliable target in the receiving game with 86.3 yards per game. Lavon Lashley Jr., Southampton’s standout defensive player, leads the team with 14 tackles per game, while also contributing significantly to their pass rush.

Record Breakdown

When examining the teams’ records across different types of matchups, King William has struggled in non-league play, with a 2-6 record. However, their perfect regional record (2-0) and a solid 2-3 home record offer hope. Their away record mirrors their overall performance, with 2 wins and 3 losses.

Southampton, in contrast, has been nearly flawless, with a 3-1 record in non-league games and a perfect 5-0 record on the road. Their dominance extends to their in-state play, with a 9-1 record, including a perfect 6-0 mark in regional games.

The Road Ahead

Looking ahead, Southampton appears to have the upper hand with their strong offensive and defensive play, particularly with their explosive passing game and solid defensive front. King William will need to rely on its run game, led by James Stewart, and find ways to bolster their defense if they hope to compete with the top-tier teams in the region.

With their head-to-head record at 0-0 and no common opponents this season, this match promises to be an exciting battle for both squads. Whether King William can disrupt Southampton’s dominance or if Southampton continues its march to the playoffs will be one of the season’s most anticipated storylines.