The Matoaca High School varsity football team (Chesterfield, VA) will host a playoff game against L.C. Bird (Chesterfield, VA) on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Virginia High School Football
Who: Matoaca vs L.C. Bird
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
“2024 VHSL Football State Brackets (Virginia) – Class 5 “
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

High School Football Showdown: L.C. Bird vs. Matoaca – A Look at the Teams’ Records, Stats, and Leaders

As the high school football season continues, the rivalry between L.C. Bird and Matoaca has become one of the most talked-about matchups in Virginia. Both teams are coming off strong seasons, and with a focus on their statistics, team leaders, and historical performance, here’s a closer look at what makes each team special in the 2024-2025 season.

Team Overview and Records

L.C. Bird enters the season with a strong 8-3 record overall, posting a 7-2 record in the region and 5-2 at home. They also had success on the road, going 3-1. This makes them a formidable opponent with a .727 overall win percentage and .778 win percentage in their region. The team’s offensive strength has been undeniable, scoring a total of 363 points across the season, while their defense allowed 164 points.

On the other hand, Matoaca has been the talk of the league with an impressive 10-1 record, losing only one game in the regular season. They boasted a dominant 6-1 region record and an undefeated 5-0 at home. Matoaca’s overall win percentage stands at .909, with a .857 region win percentage. Their offense scored 374 points, while their defense allowed just 114 points, highlighting their balance on both sides of the ball.

Scoring Averages

Both teams are capable of putting up big numbers, but their offensive strategies show some key differences.

• L.C. Bird averages 33 points per game with a strong start in the first half. Their scoring distribution is led by a 10.7-point average in the first quarter, followed by a solid 14.4 points in the second quarter. However, the team struggles in the second half, especially in the third and fourth quarters, scoring only 4.9 and 3 points, respectively.
• Matoaca also averages 34 points per game, showing a more consistent offensive performance throughout the game. They put up 8.4 points in the first quarter and gradually increase their scoring, with 10.9 points in the second, 10.4 in the third, and 7.5 points in the fourth.

This suggests that while L.C. Bird might come out strong early, Matoaca has a more sustained offensive output across all four quarters.

Team Stats Comparison

Both teams have formidable offenses and defenses, though there are some notable differences:

• Rushing yards: L.C. Bird is more reliant on the ground game, averaging 210.3 rushing yards per game, while Matoaca averages 139.0 rushing yards per game.
• Passing yards: Matoaca has the edge in passing with 192.1 yards per game compared to L.C. Bird’s 121.4 yards.
• Total yards: Both teams are very close in total yards per game, with L.C. Bird averaging 331.6 yards and Matoaca slightly behind at 331.1 yards.

Defensively, L.C. Bird averages 45.5 tackles per game, showing their ability to disrupt plays, while Matoaca records 42.6 tackles per game. L.C. Bird also averages more sacks (4.9 per game) compared to Matoaca’s 2.6.

Both teams score an average of over 33 points per game, making it clear that their offensive firepower is one of their defining strengths.

Key Players and Leaders

Each team has standout players who drive their success.

For L.C. Bird:

• Corey Holland leads the rushing attack with 101.4 yards per game, while Jason Wright is a dual threat, contributing 117.4 passing yards and 149.5 total yards per game.
• Sirpaul Cheeks is a key receiving weapon, racking up 41.1 yards per game, and also contributes 8.9 points per game.
• On defense, Daishawn Robinson leads with 5.7 tackles per game, and Jaqui Vaughan is a key pass rusher with 1.4 sacks per game.

For Matoaca:

• Trevion Mills leads the rushing attack with 84.1 yards per game, while Bryce Yates has been the star of the passing game with 203.1 yards per game.
• Dillon Newton-Short is another key player, contributing 105.0 total yards and 9.0 points per game.
• On defense, Ladanian Brown is the team leader with 7.1 tackles per game, and Victor Afolabi is the standout pass rusher with 1.0 sacks per game.

Common Opponents and Head-to-Head Records

In their matchups against common opponents, the two teams have had contrasting results:

• L.C. Bird faced Thomas Dale early in the season and suffered a 27-16 loss, showing that their competition within the region is tough.
• Matoaca, however, defeated Thomas Dale 13-0 in a dominant defensive performance.

Playoff and Postseason Outlook

Both teams have proven themselves in-state, with L.C. Bird posting an 8-3 record in Virginia, while Matoaca remains at a perfect 10-1. Their strong performances in regional matchups give them both momentum heading into the postseason.

Conclusion

The upcoming contest between L.C. Bird and Matoaca promises to be an exciting one, as both teams bring their strengths to the field. L.C. Bird’s high-scoring offense and tough defense will look to outlast Matoaca’s balanced approach. On the other hand, Matoaca’s impressive consistency and strong playmaking, particularly in the passing game, could give them the edge. With both teams showing excellent records and leadership, this rivalry matchup is one to watch as the season continues to unfold.