The Philip Barbour varsity football team from Philippi, WV, will face off against Nicholas County from Summersville, WV, in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: West Virginia High School Football
Who: Nicholas County vs Philip Barbour
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
“2024 WVSSAC Football Playoffs – AA”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

Nicholas County vs. Philip Barbour Football Season Comparison: A Tale of Two Teams

As the 2024–2025 high school football season draws to a close, Nicholas County and Philip Barbour stand out as two well-matched teams in West Virginia’s competitive scene. Despite their contrasting styles and strengths, both teams have displayed resilience and dedication, carving out respectable records. Here’s a detailed look at their performance metrics, player stats, and season highlights, revealing how each team has made its mark this year.

Season Overview and Records

Both Nicholas County and Philip Barbour have ended their seasons with strong overall records, though with varying success in league play. Nicholas County finished with a 6-4 record, with a .600 win percentage, placing them 15th in their class. Philip Barbour, meanwhile, slightly outperformed Nicholas County with a 7-3 record and a .700 win percentage, placing them 6th in their class. Regionally, Philip Barbour also had the edge with a 6-3 record compared to Nicholas County’s 2-4, highlighting their consistency in a tough regional landscape.

• Nicholas County: 6-4 (Overall), 2-4 (Region), 252 Points For, 165 Points Against
• Philip Barbour: 7-3 (Overall), 6-3 (Region), 320 Points For, 163 Points Against

Scoring and Performance by Quarter

Philip Barbour has demonstrated dominance early in games, averaging 14.7 points in the first quarter and maintaining a steady scoring pace through the second and third quarters. By contrast, Nicholas County’s scoring tends to pick up in the second quarter, but they have a stronger performance overall in the final quarter, with a 6.9-point average.

Nicholas County Scoring Averages (by Quarter):

• Q1: 3.9
• Q2: 9.4
• Q3: 3.2
• Q4: 6.9
• Final Average: 25.2

Philip Barbour Scoring Averages (by Quarter):

• Q1: 14.7
• Q2: 11.2
• Q3: 6.5
• Q4: 1.2
• Final Average: 32.0

Team Statistics and Key Players

Nicholas County’s strength lies in their rushing game, averaging 192.6 rushing yards per game compared to Philip Barbour’s 92.4. Nicholas County also leads in passing and receiving yards, with an impressive 300.1 total yards per game, compared to Philip Barbour’s 144.9. Defensively, Nicholas County averages 69.9 tackles per game, emphasizing their high-intensity style, while Philip Barbour records fewer tackles on average but maintains strong defensive discipline with lower points allowed overall.

Key Player Highlights

Nicholas County

• Devin Nash (#11) has been a standout, leading with 112.2 rushing yards per game and 137.0 total yards per game, along with a remarkable 16.9 tackles per game, showcasing his versatility.
• Coleton Hellems (#6) contributes significantly to Nicholas County’s passing game, averaging 95.6 passing yards per game.

Philip Barbour

• Logan Beam (#15) has been a powerhouse with 130.5 rushing yards per game and leads with 12.0 points per game.
• Braylyn Edwards (#5) stands out in the passing game, averaging 131.3 yards, and Cameron Bennett (#1) averages 61.5 receiving yards per game.

Common Opponents

The two teams share a common opponent, Lincoln, with Nicholas County securing a decisive 41-14 victory, while Philip Barbour fell short in a close 21-18 loss. This comparison highlights Nicholas County’s ability to take command against certain opponents, although Philip Barbour’s overall record remains stronger.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Although the teams have not faced each other directly this season, their comparative stats offer insight into how such a matchup might play out. Nicholas County’s advantage in rushing and defensive tackles could provide an edge, while Philip Barbour’s scoring efficiency and regional performance give them a solid chance of maintaining an early lead.

Final Takeaways

This season’s data shows two capable teams with distinct styles. Nicholas County excels with a powerful ground game and defensive strength, while Philip Barbour’s offensive consistency and efficient scoring have given them a competitive edge within the region. As the season wraps up, both teams have much to be proud of, with Nicholas County showing remarkable resilience and Philip Barbour proving their mettle in regional play. Fans and players alike can look forward to more exciting seasons from both teams.