The Langley High School (McLean, VA) varsity football team is set to host George C. Marshall High School (Falls Church, VA) for a playoff game today at 7:00 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Virginia High School Football
Who: Langley vs George C. Marshall
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
“2024 VHSL Football State Brackets (Virginia) – Class 6”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

George C. Marshall vs Langley: A Rivalry Renewed

The George C. Marshall and Langley football teams are set to face off again in what promises to be an exciting and crucial matchup. With both teams having had impressive seasons, this playoff game has been highly anticipated, particularly after George C. Marshall’s win over Langley in their earlier meeting this season.

Team Records and Performance Breakdown

George C. Marshall

The George C. Marshall football team has had a solid 2024-25 season with an overall record of 6-4, including a 3-3 record in the region. Marshall has shown its strengths, particularly in rushing, averaging 221.2 yards per game. The team is led by standout player Ethan Lebkisher, who has been a force on both offense and defense, contributing 108.5 rushing yards per game and 9.0 tackles per game. Their offensive production, totaling 335 points for the season, has been spread across multiple players, with Michael Spriggs leading the passing game (42.7 yards per game) and Oliver Smith contributing 15.5 receiving yards per game. However, the team has shown some vulnerabilities, especially in their losses to teams like Washington-Liberty and Yorktown.

Langley

Langley has had a strong season, finishing 8-2 overall with a 4-2 record in the region. They’ve been particularly impressive in their home games, with a perfect 5-0 record. Langley’s offense has been highly effective, with an average of 32.7 points per game. Their defense, averaging 53.3 tackles per game, has also been key to their success. Langley’s top performer is their dynamic offense, with no specific standout in rushing or receiving but a well-rounded attack that consistently finds the end zone. They will look to continue their momentum after a strong finish to the regular season, including a crucial 48-14 win over Yorktown.

The Head-to-Head Matchup

In their first meeting this season on October 4th, George C. Marshall came out on top, winning 28-21 in a thrilling away game. Marshall had a strong first half, leading 21-7 by halftime. Langley fought back in the second half but was unable to overcome Marshall’s defense and the leadership of Ethan Lebkisher, who had a key role in the game’s outcome.

Key Factors for Both Teams

• George C. Marshall’s Defense: With 53.3 tackles per game, Marshall’s defense has been a key factor in their success. Their ability to contain Langley’s well-rounded offense will be pivotal in this game.
• Langley’s Offensive Balance: Langley has found success through a balanced offensive attack. While they don’t rely on a single star player, their ability to distribute the ball and keep opposing defenses guessing will be crucial.
• Home Field Advantage: Langley’s perfect home record gives them a psychological edge, having won all five of their home games this season. However, George C. Marshall will be looking to carry their confidence from their earlier victory over Langley.

Common Opponents Comparison

Both teams have had similar opponents this season, with mixed results. For example, both teams defeated Justice in dominant fashion, but George C. Marshall suffered losses to teams like Herndon and Yorktown, while Langley found success in their matchups with Wakefield and Herndon. The comparison of their records against common opponents shows that Langley has been slightly more dominant overall, with a 5-1 record in such games compared to George C. Marshall’s 3-3.

The Road Ahead: Playoffs and Beyond

With both teams entering the playoffs, this matchup will be a defining moment in their seasons. A win for George C. Marshall would not only give them bragging rights over Langley but also propel them further into the postseason with confidence. For Langley, a win would mean redemption after their earlier defeat and keep their hopes alive for a deep playoff run.

The outcome of this game could set the tone for both teams’ futures in the playoffs. As both squads prepare for an intense showdown, the stage is set for an exciting and hard-fought game. Fans of both teams can expect nothing short of an electrifying contest, with playoff implications hanging in the balance.