The Liberty Christian varsity football team (Lynchburg, VA) will host Kettle Run (Nokesville, VA) in a playoff game today at 11:30 a.m.
Liberty Christian vs Kettle Run Championship Game Info:
What: Virginia High School Football Playoffs
Who: Liberty Christian vs Kettle Run
When: Saturday, December 14, 2024
Time: 11:30 a.m. ET
Bracket: “2024 VHSL Football State Brackets (Virginia) – Class 3 “
Live stream: Watch here
Kettle Run vs. Liberty Christian: Analyzing the Clash of Virginia High School Football Powerhouses
The Virginia high school football season has showcased two dominant teams in 2024–2025: Kettle Run and Liberty Christian. Both teams have established themselves as juggernauts in their respective divisions, with undefeated records and remarkable performances. As these powerhouses march through their seasons, the stats tell a compelling story of their dominance, strengths, and potential matchup dynamics. Watch On
Undefeated Records and Impressive Rankings
- Kettle Run (Division 2): With a perfect 15-0 record overall, including a flawless 10-0 in-region and 9-0 at home, Kettle Run has been unstoppable. They’ve scored an impressive 657 points while allowing just 227—a testament to their balanced offense and defense.
- Liberty Christian (Division 1): Similarly undefeated at 13-0, Liberty Christian’s dominance is evident in their 566 points scored against only 178 conceded. They boast a 7-0 regional record and have demonstrated adaptability with wins at home (7-0), away (5-0), and neutral fields (1-0).
Both teams have maintained a perfect 1.000 winning percentage and regional dominance.
Offensive Firepower
Scoring Averages
Kettle Run and Liberty Christian both excel at putting points on the board, averaging 43.8 and 43.5 points per game, respectively. Their scoring is consistent across all quarters, though Liberty Christian shows a slightly stronger second-half performance.
Yardage Production
- Kettle Run: A well-balanced offensive attack generates 357.7 yards per game, split between 162.7 rushing and 195.1 passing. This balance is led by quarterback Jacob Mulhern, who averages an impressive 216.4 passing yards per game.
- Liberty Christian: Relying heavily on their rushing game, Liberty Christian averages a staggering 271.7 rushing yards per game. Their star running back, Gideon Davidson, leads the way with 166.5 rushing yards per game, making him a key weapon.
Key Offensive Leaders
- Kettle Run:
- Rushing: Colton Quaker (84.0 yards/game)
- Passing: Jacob Mulhern (216.4 yards/game)
- Receiving: Colton Lubbe (59.3 yards/game)
- Liberty Christian:
- Rushing: Gideon Davidson (166.5 yards/game)
- Passing: Tyler Jackson (102.2 yards/game)
- Receiving: James Deyo (34.4 yards/game)
Davidson’s dual-threat ability, contributing both rushing yards and points scored (17.4/game), sets him apart as one of the most dynamic players in the state.
Defensive Dominance
Both teams have demonstrated strong defensive capabilities:
- Kettle Run allows just 39.1 points per game while recording 2.2 sacks and 43.7 tackles on average.
- Liberty Christian counters with a slightly higher tackle average (42.2) but fewer sacks (1.0 per game).
Notable defensive contributors include:
- Jayden Booth (Kettle Run): Averaging 0.9 sacks per game.
- Joshua Lee (Liberty Christian): Leading his team with 1.0 sack per game.
Playoff Experience
Both teams have proven they can handle high-pressure situations. Kettle Run has gone 5-0 in playoff games, while Liberty Christian has matched this with a 4-0 playoff record. Their ability to adapt and succeed against tough opponents will likely play a pivotal role in future matchups.
Head-to-Head Prospects
Although Kettle Run and Liberty Christian have not faced each other this season, a potential clash would be a must-watch event. Liberty Christian’s dominant rushing game, spearheaded by Davidson, could challenge Kettle Run’s defense. Meanwhile, Kettle Run’s balanced offensive attack might test Liberty Christian’s ability to handle a multifaceted threat.
Key factors in a hypothetical matchup:
- Can Kettle Run contain Davidson’s explosive rushing ability?
- Will Mulhern’s passing prowess exploit Liberty Christian’s secondary?
- How will each team adapt to the other’s strengths in a high-stakes environment?
Final Thoughts
Kettle Run and Liberty Christian have set the bar for excellence in Virginia high school football. Both teams have proven their ability to dominate opponents with strong offensive strategies and resilient defenses. If these two titans meet, fans can expect an epic showdown showcasing the best of high school football in the state.