The Northampton (Eastville, VA) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Middlesex (Saluda, VA) today at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Virginia High School Football
Who: Middlesex vs Northampton
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
“2024 VHSL Football State Brackets (Virginia) – Class 1”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

A Tale of Two Teams: Middlesex vs. Northampton Football Showdown

As the high school football season draws to a close, one of the most intriguing matchups is set between Middlesex and Northampton, both powerhouse teams in Virginia’s competitive region. The two teams have had impressive runs, but their paths have been quite different. Here’s a breakdown of their seasons, head-to-head stats, and what to expect from their upcoming playoff clash.

Middlesex Football: A Balanced Approach with Strong Rushing Game

Middlesex enters the postseason with a 6-3 overall record, dominating in the region with a perfect 4-0 record. Their strength lies in a balanced offense that has been effective both at home and on the road. The team has averaged 31.7 points per game, led by standout performances from players like Jaquan Griffin, who has accumulated an impressive 193 rushing yards per game and contributes 24 points per game.

The team’s scoring has been spread out, with 12.3 points per game in the first quarter, tapering off to 9.3 in the second quarter and 8.7 in the third. However, they manage to bounce back with 10.3 points per game in the fourth quarter. One notable statistic is their total yards per game, which averages 281 yards, with a heavy emphasis on the ground game (232.6 rushing yards per game). Defensively, they have struggled slightly with 46.8 receiving yards allowed per game but still manage to stay competitive.

Northampton Football: A High-Scoring Juggernaut

On the other side, Northampton comes into the game with an 8-2 overall record, having dominated their region with a 2-0 region mark. Their offense has been a force, averaging 31.8 points per game. They boast a solid defense that has allowed just 200 points total on the season, making them formidable opponents. In fact, Northampton’s ability to hold opponents to just 20.0 points per game is one of their standout features.

In their first meeting, Northampton decisively defeated Middlesex 42-18, showcasing their high-powered offense and stifling defense.

Their scoring has been more consistent, with an average of 3.5 points per quarter, except for the first, where they tend to score zero. This scoring efficiency has been vital in their wins, particularly in the second half.

Head-to-Head Breakdown: Northampton’s Domination

The teams met recently on October 4th in a non-conference game, where Northampton displayed their offensive prowess, trouncing Middlesex 42-18. The game was a statement win for Northampton, as they controlled both sides of the ball. Middlesex, however, is looking to rebound and will be motivated for the rematch in the playoff setting, knowing they can’t afford to make the same mistakes again.

Key to this upcoming matchup will be how well Middlesex can manage Jaquan Griffin‘s powerful running game and counteract the impressive Shane Glenn and Lucien Hampton from Northampton, who have excelled in both the air and on the ground.

Team Stat Comparison

When it comes to team statistics, Northampton is ahead in most major categories:

• Total Yards Per Game: Middlesex (281) vs. Northampton (318)
• Rushing Yards Per Game: Middlesex (232.6) vs. Northampton (N/A)
• Passing Yards Per Game: Middlesex (48.4) vs. Northampton (N/A)
• Receiving Yards Per Game: Middlesex (46.8) vs. Northampton (N/A)
• Tackles Per Game: Middlesex (64.8) vs. Northampton (N/A)
• Sacks Per Game: Middlesex (0.5) vs. Northampton (N/A)
• Points Per Game: Middlesex (31.7) vs. Northampton (31.8)

While both teams are high-scoring, Northampton has been slightly more efficient, particularly in their ability to limit opponent’s scoring opportunities.

Key Players to Watch

• Jaquan Griffin (Middlesex): With 193 rushing yards per game and a total of 206.8 yards per game, Griffin is a player to watch, capable of breaking big plays and keeping the Middlesex offense on track.
• Shane Glenn (Northampton): Glenn is a critical player for Northampton, leading both their passing and rushing attack. His leadership in crunch-time situations will be essential for Northampton in the postseason.
• Lucien Hampton (Northampton): Known for his ability to sack quarterbacks and disrupt opposing offenses, Hampton will be crucial in helping Northampton maintain their defensive dominance.

Looking Ahead: The Playoff Showdown

The game between Middlesex and Northampton promises to be an exciting playoff matchup. Northampton, coming off a dominant win earlier in the season, will be the favorites, but Middlesex will be eager to prove themselves and take a step forward in their postseason aspirations.

Both teams have shown they can score in bunches and have athletes capable of taking over the game. For Middlesex, the key will be balancing their offense, limiting turnovers, and containing Northampton’s powerful offensive attack. For Northampton, continuing their high level of play on both sides of the ball will likely see them advance further in the playoffs.

With the game set for tonight at 7 p.m., fans can expect a thrilling game filled with speed, power, and high stakes as these two talented teams collide for the chance to move on in the postseason.