The Colonial Heights (VA) varsity football team will host New Kent (VA) in a home playoff game today at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Virginia High School Football
Who: New Kent vs Colonial Heights
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
“2024 VHSL Football State Brackets (Virginia) – Class 3”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
New Kent vs. Colonial Heights: A Rivalry of Close Contests and Hard-Fought Seasons
The football teams from New Kent and Colonial Heights have faced off in a series of tight battles this season, with both teams finishing with identical records of 4-6. While the numbers show a relatively even matchup, a deeper look into their statistics, key players, and head-to-head results reveals some interesting trends.
Season Overview
Both teams have had their ups and downs this season. New Kent has posted a 4-6 overall record, with a 4-5 performance in the region, while Colonial Heights has matched that 4-6 record but struggled more in region play, going just 1-4. Their overall performance shows a similar win rate of .400, and while both teams have battled hard, their differences in scoring and individual player statistics set them apart.
Head-to-Head Matchup
The most recent meeting between the two teams took place on September 6, 2024, at New Kent’s home field. Colonial Heights came out victorious with a 14-13 win in a game that saw both teams struggle offensively. Colonial Heights managed to pull off the win despite being held scoreless in the first and fourth quarters, while New Kent could not capitalize on their strong first-quarter performance, scoring just six points in the final quarter to fall short.
Scoring Averages
Looking at the teams’ scoring averages, New Kent leads with 18.9 points per game, while Colonial Heights is close behind with 17.7 points per game. New Kent has displayed balanced offensive production across the game, averaging 4.2 points in the first and third quarters, though their scoring tends to taper off in the fourth quarter. Colonial Heights, on the other hand, tends to heat up in the middle of the game, scoring an average of 4.4 points in the second quarter and 5.0 in the third quarter before cooling off in the fourth.
Key Players
Both teams have standout players who have made significant contributions to their respective offenses this season.
For New Kent, Najarn Bostic has been the offensive workhorse. Bostic leads the team in multiple categories, including rushing yards (93.0 per game), passing yards (24.0 per game), total yards (117.0 per game), and points scored (24.0 per game). His versatility and ability to move the ball on the ground and through the air make him a constant threat.
Colonial Heights’ key player has been Thomas Lipscomb, who has contributed significantly to the passing game, averaging 17.4 receiving yards per game. Although the team has struggled in terms of overall offensive output, Lipscomb’s ability to make plays in the passing game remains a crucial aspect of their attack.
Defensive Standouts
On defense, Aiden Ackerman of New Kent has been a standout, averaging 6.0 tackles per game, showing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses and make plays in critical situations. Colonial Heights has not posted quite as impressive defensive numbers, but their team tackles per game average is still respectable.
Team Stat Comparison
When comparing team stats, New Kent holds a clear advantage in offensive production, particularly in rushing yards per game (14.1) and passing yards per game (2.6). In contrast, Colonial Heights has shown more balanced offensive stats, but their overall yardage per game (16.7) is significantly lower than New Kent’s.
Despite these differences, both teams have struggled with consistency, and their records reflect that. New Kent’s slight edge in offensive production and individual performances has helped them to a slightly better region record, but both teams will look to build on this season’s experience heading into next year.
Looking Ahead
As the two teams prepare for the playoff matchup today at Colonial Heights, all eyes will be on how they adjust their strategies. New Kent’s offense, led by Bostic, will look to take control early, while Colonial Heights will rely on their defense to keep the score low and exploit any mistakes made by their opponents.
Both teams have shown flashes of potential, but the inconsistency that has marked their seasons will need to be addressed if either is to make a deep run in the postseason. It promises to be another close contest as both squads battle for playoff glory.
