Norcom vs. Lafayette: A Look at the 2024-2025 Football Seasons

The 2024-2025 high school football season in Virginia has showcased some standout teams, and at the forefront are the Norcom Greyhounds and the Lafayette Rams. Both teams have had impressive campaigns, but they differ significantly in terms of records, playing styles, and overall performance. Watch Here

Norcom Greyhounds: Season Overview

The Norcom Greyhounds, with a record of 8-4 overall and 5-2 in their region, have had a solid season. With a win percentage of .667 overall and .714 within the region, the Greyhounds showed they could compete at a high level, especially within their region. Their offense has averaged 30.3 points per game (PF), while their defense has allowed 248 points (PA), giving them a scoring margin of +115.

Scoring Breakdown:

• First Quarter (Q1): 6.8 points
• Second Quarter (Q2): 5.3 points
• Third Quarter (Q3): 2.7 points
• Fourth Quarter (Q4): 12.3 points

Norcom’s ability to finish strong, especially in the fourth quarter, has been a defining factor in several of their victories. The team has shown resilience, outscoring opponents in the final quarter, a trait that will be crucial as they move forward in the postseason.

Lafayette Rams: A Perfect Season

In stark contrast, the Lafayette Rams had an undefeated season, going 12-0 with a flawless 8-0 record in the region. Their dominance was clear, both at home (7-0) and away (5-0), with a perfect win percentage of 1.000 across all competitions. The Rams were not only strong offensively, averaging an impressive 46.8 points per game (PF), but they were also incredibly tough defensively, allowing just 66 points (PA), which gives them a commanding +496 point differential.

Scoring Breakdown:

• First Quarter (Q1): 21.5 points
• Second Quarter (Q2): 8.3 points
• Third Quarter (Q3): 13.8 points
• Fourth Quarter (Q4): 6.8 points

Lafayette’s first-quarter dominance, scoring an average of 21.5 points, has set the tone for their games early on. While their offensive production slowed in the latter quarters, their defense remained impenetrable, securing shutout wins and maintaining a stranglehold on opponents throughout the season.

Common Opponents: A Comparison of Performance

Both Norcom and Lafayette faced three common opponents during the season: Grafton, Booker T. Washington, and Tabb. The results were identical in terms of victories, with both teams winning all three matchups.

• Norcom vs. Grafton (8/29/24): Norcom won 46-14.
• Lafayette vs. Grafton (10/3/24): Lafayette won 58-20.
• Norcom vs. Booker T. Washington (11/8/24): Norcom won 41-6.
• Lafayette vs. Booker T. Washington (9/6/24): Lafayette won 68-0.
• Norcom vs. Tabb (11/22/24): Norcom won 35-21.
• Lafayette vs. Tabb (10/18/24): Lafayette won 48-9.

Despite the identical results in terms of wins, Lafayette’s margin of victory was significantly higher in all three games, suggesting that they were more dominant against common opponents. While Norcom showed resilience and strength, especially in close matchups, Lafayette’s ability to shut down their opponents and win decisively cannot be overlooked.

Head-to-Head Record

Though the two teams did not meet during the regular season, both teams will be looking forward to a potential clash in the postseason. If they face off, it will be a matchup of contrasting styles: Norcom’s ability to finish strong versus Lafayette’s early-game dominance and overall consistency.

Postseason Outlook

Looking ahead to the playoffs, both teams have shown the ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Norcom’s experience in close games may prove valuable in tight postseason matchups, while Lafayette’s perfect season and dominant performances will make them a tough opponent for any team they face.

• Norcom Playoff Record: 2-0
• Lafayette Playoff Record: 2-0

Both teams are undefeated in the postseason, and with their current form, both could potentially make deep runs in the playoffs. However, Lafayette’s ability to dominate from the start of the game could give them the upper hand in a potential meeting with Norcom.

Conclusion

As the postseason unfolds, the Norcom Greyhounds and Lafayette Rams stand as two of the top teams in Virginia. With Norcom’s resilience and Lafayette’s overwhelming strength, fans can expect an exciting finish to the season, especially if these two teams meet in the playoffs.