The Tug Valley (Williamson, WV) varsity football team is set to play a neutral-site playoff game against Madonna (Weirton, WV) today.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: West Virginia High School Football
Who: Madonna vs Tug Valley
When: Today, November 16, 2024
Time: Today.
“2024 WVSSAC Football Playoffs – A”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

Football Showdown: Madonna vs. Tug Valley

As the high school football season continues, two teams are making waves in their respective classes in West Virginia. The Madonna Blue Dons (24-25) and the Tug Valley Panthers (24-25) are preparing for a face-off that could determine much about their postseason aspirations and solidify their places in regional rankings.

Team Overview: Madonna (24-25)

The Madonna Blue Dons finished the season with a solid 7-3 record, despite facing stiff competition both within their region and in non-league games. Their performance in region play was a challenge, with a 0-2 record, but they excelled in home games with a 4-2 mark, showing resilience on their turf. Their overall scoring average is 22.5 points per game, with an offensive strategy that focuses on both the ground and air game. However, their defense allowed an equal number of points, 225, across the season.

Key Players:

• Maddox Bowen: A dual-threat quarterback, Bowen was a major factor in the team’s success, contributing 162.8 passing yards per game and totaling 172.6 yards per game overall.
• K.J. Ward: A reliable receiver, Ward contributed 56.6 receiving yards per game and 5.4 points per game.
• Wesley Molish: The leading rusher with 45.9 yards per game.

Team Overview: Tug Valley (24-25)

On the other hand, the Tug Valley Panthers have been nothing short of dominant, finishing the regular season undefeated with a perfect 10-0 record. Their 5-0 regional record and impeccable performance both at home (4-0) and away (6-0) make them one of the toughest teams to beat in the state. Averaging an impressive 35.9 points per game, Tug Valley has a balanced offensive attack, putting up impressive rushing and passing statistics. They are particularly potent in the first two quarters, with 17.5 points in the second quarter alone.

Key Players:

• Bryson Elia: Elia is the driving force behind the Panthers’ running game, averaging 155.7 yards per game.
• Preston May: With 100.7 passing yards per game, May is a critical component of Tug Valley’s ability to move the ball through the air.
• Cameron Slone: The Panthers’ top receiver, Slone averages 52.3 yards per game.

Team Statistics and Comparison

When comparing the two teams’ statistics, Tug Valley clearly has the advantage in terms of overall offensive output. They have an explosive offense, particularly in the running game, where they average 47.7 rushing yards per game, far surpassing Madonna’s 80.6 yards per game. Tug Valley’s passing and receiving yards are also notably superior, with 30.2 passing yards per game compared to Madonna’s 153.3.

Defensively, Madonna holds a slight edge in tackles per game, averaging 49.6 compared to Tug Valley’s 7.6. However, Tug Valley’s defense has been exceptionally stingy, allowing only 103 points across the season.

Scoring Breakdown by Quarter

• Madonna: 4.4 points in Q1, 6.8 in Q2, 7.9 in Q3, and 5.4 in Q4, showing a balanced but more conservative offense.
• Tug Valley: 7.0 points in Q1, 17.5 in Q2, 10.0 in Q3, and 3.0 in Q4, with a notable surge in the second quarter.

Record Breakdown

• Madonna’s Record: 7-3 overall, with a 0-2 record in region play. While their home and away games show a solid but imperfect performance, they have the opportunity to sharpen their game as they approach the postseason.
• Tug Valley’s Record: 10-0 overall, with an unblemished 5-0 in region play. Their perfect record is a testament to their all-around dominance and team cohesion.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Looking at the head-to-head comparison, Tug Valley has a clear edge in every category. Their offensive firepower, led by Elia and May, combined with a defense that has allowed fewer than 104 points this season, makes them a formidable force. Madonna will need to tighten its defense and find ways to capitalize on their balanced offensive attack to keep the game close.

Conclusion

The match-up between Madonna and Tug Valley promises to be a thrilling contest. Tug Valley’s perfect season is a testament to their strength across all phases of the game, while Madonna’s resilience will be tested in what will likely be a high-intensity battle. While Madonna has shown strong individual performances, it will need to rally together as a team to have a chance against the dominant Panthers. The game will certainly be one to watch as both teams look to solidify their place in the postseason.