Parkersburg vs. Martinsburg: A Statistical Breakdown of Two Contrasting Teams

As the 2024-2025 season heads into the final stretch, a look at the Parkersburg and Martinsburg football teams reveals two squads heading in dramatically different directions. From win percentages to scoring averages, the statistics paint a clear picture of the disparity between the two programs, with Parkersburg battling inconsistency while Martinsburg has been nearly perfect.

Team Overview:

• Parkersburg (24-25):
  • Overall Record: 4-6
  • Region Record: 3-4
  • Home Record: 2-3
  • Away Record: 2-3
  • Win Percentage: .400
  • Region Win Percentage: .429
  • Points For (PF): 224
  • Points Against (PA): 251
• Martinsburg (24-25):
  • Overall Record: 10-0
  • Region Record: 5-0
  • Home Record: 5-0
  • Away Record: 5-0
  • Win Percentage: 1.000
  • Region Win Percentage: 1.000
  • Points For (PF): 482
  • Points Against (PA): 85

Scoring Breakdown:

Parkersburg’s offensive production has been inconsistent across the four quarters. Averaging just 22.4 points per game, they have had a particularly tough time in the later stages of games, with their third and fourth quarters yielding the fewest points:

• Q1: 6.2 points
• Q2: 9.2 points
• Q3: 5.8 points
• Q4: 3.5 points
• Final: 22.4 points

Martinsburg, on the other hand, has been dominant from start to finish. With an impressive 48.2 points per game, the Bulldogs showcase an overwhelming balance across all four quarters, with their first half especially explosive:

• Q1: 13.0 points
• Q2: 18.3 points
• Q3: 14.7 points
• Q4: 7.1 points
• Final: 48.2 points

Team Stat Comparison:

In comparison, Parkersburg has put up decent numbers but lacks the explosiveness of their rivals. The team averages:

• Rushing Yards per Game: 164.8
• Passing Yards per Game: 149.7
• Receiving Yards per Game: 148.6
• Total Yards per Game: 314.5
• Tackles per Game: 62.1
• Sacks per Game: 0.9

Martinsburg’s statistics are more impressive across the board, with a potent offensive and defensive unit:

• Rushing Yards per Game: Not specified
• Passing Yards per Game: Not specified
• Receiving Yards per Game: Not specified
• Total Yards per Game: Not specified
• Tackles per Game: Not specified
• Sacks per Game: Not specified
• Points per Game: 48.2

Key Players:

• Parkersburg:
  • Jakel Shelton: Leading the team with 92.5 rushing yards per game, 5.4 points per game, and contributing defensively with solid tackling.
  • Cooper Cancade: A force in the passing game with 147.7 passing yards per game and 176.4 total yards per game.
  • Brady Thorn: Contributing 34.6 receiving yards per game and being a key offensive threat.
• Martinsburg:
  • Ethan Jones: With 0.3 sacks per game, he stands out as a defensive anchor.
  • Cooper Cancade: On both sides of the ball, he has been the team’s total yardage leader with 176.4 yards per game.

Common Opponents:

Both teams faced some of the same opponents, but Martinsburg has handled them with ease, going a perfect 4-0 in these matchups, while Parkersburg struggled with a 1-3 record. These shared games give a glimpse into how the two teams perform against similar competition:

• Morgantown:
  • Parkersburg: Lost 24-13 at home
  • Martinsburg: Won 51-14 at home
• Hurricane:
  • Parkersburg: Lost 49-14 at home
  • Martinsburg: Won 44-17 at home
• Huntington:
  • Parkersburg: Lost 37-12 at home
  • Martinsburg: Won 47-15 at home
• Musselman:
  • Parkersburg: Won 29-6 at home
  • Martinsburg: Won 56-8 at home

Record Breakdown:

Parkersburg’s 4-6 record has been marred by inconsistency in both home and away games, with only a slightly better performance at home (2-3). Meanwhile, Martinsburg’s perfect 10-0 record, including a flawless 5-0 regional performance, stands as a testament to their dominance throughout the season. In comparison:

• Parkersburg:
  • Overall: 4-6
  • Home: 2-3
  • Away: 2-3
  • Common Opponents: 1-3
  • In-State: 4-6
• Martinsburg:
  • Overall: 10-0
  • Home: 5-0
  • Away: 5-0
  • Common Opponents: 4-0
  • In-State: 8-0

Conclusion:

As the season progresses, Parkersburg will need to regroup and find a way to improve both their offensive consistency and their defense if they are to compete in future seasons. With a strong squad but a lack of finishing power, they have the pieces but need to refine their game plan.

Martinsburg, on the other hand, remains a powerhouse, demonstrating dominance not only in the regular season but also against common opponents. Their balanced offensive attack and solid defense make them one of the top teams to watch as they push forward in their pursuit of an undefeated season.

The contrast between these two teams highlights the challenges and opportunities facing Parkersburg, while Martinsburg continues to be the team to beat in the region.