The Wheeling Park (Wheeling, WV) varsity football team will face Musselman (Inwood, WV) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 7:00 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: West Virginia High School Football
Who: Musselman vs Wheeling Park
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
“2024 WVSSAC Football Playoffs – AAAA”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

Musselman vs. Wheeling Park: A Playoff Preview

As the 2024 high school football season nears its conclusion, Musselman (Inwood, WV) and Wheeling Park (Wheeling, WV) face off in a pivotal playoff game. This neutral-site showdown, set for November 22 at 7 p.m., marks the second meeting between these teams this season. With contrasting records and strengths, the game presents an intriguing matchup.

Musselman’s Struggles

Musselman enters the game with a tough 1-9 overall record and has faced difficulties both at home and away. Their regional record of 1-4 reflects struggles within their league, and a 0-5 road record adds to the challenge. The team has averaged just 17.1 points per game, with their offensive production inconsistent across the four quarters. Musselman’s scoring breakdown shows only 3.5 points in the first quarter, 1.8 in the second, and an unfortunate 0 points in the third quarter before closing out with 5.5 in the final quarter.

Defensively, Musselman has allowed 416 points, averaging just 41.6 points per game against them. Rushing and passing are key components of their offense, with their leading player, Brennan Wack, putting up 175.3 rushing yards per game. However, despite these individual efforts, the team’s collective output hasn’t been enough to secure consistent victories.

Wheeling Park’s Strengths

In stark contrast, Wheeling Park boasts a strong 7-3 overall record and is undefeated in their region (4-0), making them a formidable opponent. They have excelled both at home and away, with a 3-2 record on the road. Their offensive production averages 29.4 points per game, a clear testament to their ability to generate consistent scoring. The team has had a well-rounded offense, scoring an average of 5.6 points in the first quarter, followed by a solid 8.8 in the second, and finishing with 6.1 in the third and 4.4 in the final quarter.

Key players like quarterback Jay Bordas and wide receiver Kolin Wiley have made significant contributions. Bordas has thrown for 146.3 passing yards per game, while Wiley leads the receiving corps with 45.6 yards per game. Additionally, Wheeling Park’s defense has been stout, allowing only 251 points over the course of the season.

Head-to-Head History

The teams met earlier this season on September 13, where Wheeling Park dominated Musselman with a commanding 48-13 victory. The game was a clear indication of the disparity in both teams’ performance levels. Musselman will look to bounce back and avenge that loss in the upcoming playoff meeting, though their form will need to improve significantly.

Key Matchups and Insights

• Offensive Strength vs. Defensive Pressure: Wheeling Park’s balanced offense will be a major test for Musselman’s defense. While Musselman has shown flashes of offensive brilliance, their defense has struggled to contain high-powered teams like Wheeling Park.
• Playmaker Potential: Musselman’s Wack and Wheeling Park’s Bordas and Wiley will likely be key factors. Wack’s ability to break through Wheeling Park’s defense will be crucial for Musselman’s chances, while Bordas’ passing game and Wiley’s receiving skills could dictate the pace for Wheeling Park.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced Spring Mills this season, but neither emerged victorious. Musselman fell 62-0 to Spring Mills, while Wheeling Park lost 27-0. These results highlight the challenges both teams have faced against top-tier opponents, but Wheeling Park’s overall record and their ability to compete in tight games give them the edge heading into this playoff matchup.

The Road Ahead

Musselman will need to make significant improvements, particularly in offensive consistency and defensive discipline, to pull off an upset against Wheeling Park. For Wheeling Park, this game is an opportunity to continue their strong postseason push, with the playoff victory in sight. A win for Musselman would mark a dramatic turnaround in their season, while Wheeling Park hopes to build on their solid performance throughout the year.

This game could be a thrilling contest with high stakes, as Musselman seeks redemption and Wheeling Park looks to advance further in the postseason.