The Maury High School (Norfolk, VA) varsity football team faces Briar Woods High School (Ashburn, VA) in a neutral playoff game today at 11:30 AM.
Maury vs Briar Woods Championship Game Info:
What: Virginia High School Football Playoffs
Who: Maury vs Briar Woods
When: Saturday, December 14, 2024
Time: 11:30 a.m. ET
Bracket: “2024 VHSL Football State Brackets (Virginia) – Class 5 “
Live stream: Watch here
Maury Dominates Virginia Football with Perfect Season; Briar Woods Shows Promise Despite Challenges
The 2024-25 football season showcased two strong Virginia teams: Briar Woods and Maury. While Maury achieved a flawless 15-0 record, Briar Woods displayed resilience with a solid 10-3 finish. Here’s a deep dive into their performance, strengths, and what defined their seasons.
Team Rankings and Overall Performance
Maury stood out as a powerhouse, dominating not just the Virginia scene but also gaining national recognition. Ranked 46th nationally and 1st in the state, Maury had an incredible season, finishing 15-0. Their stats were unparalleled, scoring 780 points and allowing only 95—a staggering +685-point differential.
Briar Woods, though not at the same national level, had a commendable season with a 10-3 record. They ranked 27th in Virginia’s Division 6, demonstrating consistency in regional games (4-1 record) and an undefeated 6-0 record on the road. However, their offense and defense couldn’t quite match Maury’s dominance, scoring 336 points and allowing 163.
Scoring Averages
Maury’s offensive firepower was evident, with an average of 52.0 points per game, showcasing their ability to start strong in the first quarter (16.4 points on average) and maintain momentum throughout the game.
In contrast, Briar Woods averaged 25.8 points per game, with their strongest quarter being the second (12.6 points). This discrepancy highlights Maury’s superior offensive and defensive strategies, consistently outpacing their opponents.
Statistical Comparisons
Briar Woods showcased balance in their offensive game plan:
- Rushing Yards Per Game: 150.6
- Passing Yards Per Game: 184.8
- Total Yards Per Game: 335.5
Maury, while not providing individual statistical breakdowns, clearly outperformed on all fronts, particularly in scoring and defensive efficiency. Their ability to restrict opponents to under 100 points all season speaks volumes about their defensive discipline.
Key Players and Contributions
For Briar Woods, quarterback Brady Carmical emerged as the undisputed leader, contributing significantly to the team’s success:
- 182.7 Passing Yards Per Game
- 246.8 Total Yards Per Game
- 6.2 Points Per Game
Receiver Colin Capistrant also played a critical role, averaging 75.2 receiving yards per game, while Lucas Roser and Paul Gifford led defensively with 9.4 tackles per game and 1.0 sacks per game, respectively.
Maury’s success was built on teamwork and depth, making it difficult for opponents to target specific players. Their balanced approach ensured consistency across all aspects of the game.
Playoff and In-State Success
Both teams excelled in the postseason. Maury achieved a flawless 4-0 playoff record, while Briar Woods finished 3-0, reflecting their ability to perform under pressure.
In-state dominance was another highlight:
- Maury: 14-0 in-state, showcasing unparalleled consistency.
- Briar Woods: 9-3 in-state, a testament to their competitive spirit in a tough division.
Takeaways
Maury’s 2024-25 campaign will go down as one of the most dominant in Virginia high school football history, defined by their unyielding offense, stifling defense, and perfect record. For Briar Woods, the season highlighted their resilience and potential, led by standout performances from key players like Brady Carmical.
As both teams reflect on their seasons, Maury’s challenge will be maintaining their level of excellence, while Briar Woods aims to close the gap and take the next step in competing with the state’s elite programs.
