The Independence High School (Ashburn, VA) varsity football team will host a home playoff game today at 7 PM against Massaponax (Spotsylvania, VA).

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Virginia High School Football
Who: Massaponax vs Independence
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
“2024 VHSL Football State Brackets (Virginia) – Class 5”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

Massaponax vs. Independence: A Head-to-Head Breakdown

In the world of high school football, the Massaponax Panthers and Independence Eagles are two teams with vastly different records and styles of play heading into their upcoming clash. Here’s a closer look at both teams as they prepare for their playoff matchup.

Season Overview

Massaponax Panthers (1-9, 0-6 Region) Massaponax has faced a challenging season, finishing with a 1-9 record overall and an unfortunate 0-6 in region play. Despite their struggles, the Panthers have consistently put up points, averaging 23.9 points per game, thanks in part to their balanced offensive approach. However, their defense has allowed 383 points across the season, reflecting the tough competition they’ve faced.

Independence Eagles (6-4, 4-1 Region) On the other hand, Independence has enjoyed a much more successful season, with a 6-4 overall record and an impressive 4-1 in region play. The Eagles are a formidable force, especially on defense, where they’ve averaged 67.6 tackles per game. While their offense has scored an average of 21.1 points per game, their defensive consistency has been a cornerstone of their successful campaign.

Key Stats and Comparisons

While both teams boast solid individual performances, the statistics provide insight into their distinct strengths and weaknesses.

Offensive Breakdown:

• Massaponax:
  • Rushing Yards per Game: 250.2
  • Passing Yards per Game: 83.4
  • Total Yards per Game: 333.6
  • Points per Game: 23.9
  • Top Player: #17 Josiah Perry, with 82.7 rushing yards per game.
• Independence:
  • Rushing Yards per Game: 214.5
  • Passing Yards per Game: 150.4
  • Total Yards per Game: 364.9
  • Points per Game: 21.1
  • Top Player: #9 Nick Nassib, with 150.4 passing yards per game.

Massaponax relies heavily on its running game, with Josiah Perry leading the charge. In contrast, Independence has a more balanced attack, with Nick Nassib’s passing game helping to spread the field.

Defensive Breakdown:

• Massaponax:
  • Tackles per Game: 47.6
  • Sacks per Game: 0.9
  • Points Allowed: 383 (38.3 points per game)
• Independence:
  • Tackles per Game: 67.6
  • Sacks per Game: 2.0
  • Points Allowed: 238 (23.8 points per game)

Defensively, Independence has been far superior, with a significantly better tackles per game average and more consistent pressure on the quarterback. Massaponax, on the other hand, has struggled to contain opponents, allowing an average of 38.3 points per game.

Head-to-Head Matchup

The Panthers and the Eagles have faced each other once this season, with Massaponax coming out on top with a decisive 35-12 victory on August 30, 2024. In that game, Massaponax dominated the first half, taking a 21-6 lead into halftime, and then sealed the win with another strong second-half performance.

Massaponax’s offense was too much for Independence to handle, as the Panthers scored 14 points in the first quarter and maintained their lead throughout the game. The Eagles struggled to score, managing just 12 points across four quarters, including a scoreless fourth quarter.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced similar opponents this season, though with mixed results. Against Brooke Point, both Massaponax and Independence were defeated, with Massaponax losing 52-35 and Independence falling 54-7. Against Stafford, Massaponax lost 66-44, and Independence was narrowly defeated 45-36. These results reflect the competitive nature of their respective regions.

Key Players to Watch

• Massaponax:
  • Josiah Perry (#17): A key contributor both on the ground and in the Panthers’ offense. Perry has been the workhorse for the team, leading them in rushing yards and contributing to their point total.
  • Ian Shook Jr. (#3): As the team’s primary quarterback, Shook has shown flashes of potential and will need to step up in the passing game to complement the run game.
• Independence:
  • Nick Nassib (#9): A dynamic quarterback who has been effective in the passing game, Nassib will be crucial in leading the Eagles’ offense against the Panthers’ defense.
  • Justin Jordan (#1): A top receiver, Jordan is a key target for Nassib and could be the difference-maker in the air.

Looking Ahead:

With Massaponax coming off a strong win earlier in the season and Independence entering the playoffs with momentum from a solid overall record, this game promises to be an exciting clash of styles. Massaponax will look to continue its offensive prowess, while Independence will lean on its defense and passing game to secure the victory.

Both teams are heading into this playoff matchup with something to prove. Massaponax aims to build on its early victory over Independence, while the Eagles are determined to show they can bounce back and challenge their opponents on their home turf.

As the game approaches, both teams will need to tighten up their strategies, with Massaponax hoping to overcome its defensive struggles and Independence looking to improve its offensive consistency. Fans can expect an action-packed contest as these two teams battle for a chance to advance in the playoffs.