Ripley vs. North Marion: A High-Stakes Playoff Showdown

As the WV high school football season nears its climax, the Ripley (WV) Vikings and North Marion (Farmington, WV) Huskies are set to face off in a highly anticipated playoff matchup. With both teams entering the postseason with impressive 7-3 records, this game promises to deliver intense action as the two teams battle for supremacy.

Season Overview: A Solid Foundation

Ripley (24-25)
Ripley enters the playoffs with a solid 7-3 overall record. Their performance in the region has been commendable, with a 4-1 record. They’ve shown resilience both at home (4-1) and away (3-2), boasting a win percentage of .700. Ripley’s offense has averaged 29.4 points per game, with a strong rushing attack led by Noah Casto (105 rushing yards per game). Their defense has been solid as well, allowing 267 points over the course of the season.

North Marion (24-25)
North Marion, with an identical overall record of 7-3, enters the matchup with a 7-2 regional record. The Huskies have performed well both at home (4-2) and on the road (3-1), reflecting a win percentage of .700. North Marion’s offense has been slightly more potent than Ripley’s, averaging 30.7 points per game. Their defense has been exceptional, allowing just 212 points on the season, an impressive feat compared to Ripley’s 267.

Team Scoring Breakdown

In terms of scoring, Ripley has a balanced attack, putting up 6.8 points in the first quarter, followed by 10.1 points in the second. Their third-quarter performance (3.9 points per game) could be a point of concern, but they rebound with an average of 8.8 points in the fourth quarter. Ripley’s total points per game stand at 29.4.

North Marion, on the other hand, starts strong, averaging 17.7 points in the first quarter alone. However, they show a dip in scoring through the middle of the game, with zero points in the second and third quarters. Fortunately, the Huskies manage to regain momentum in the fourth quarter, adding 9.3 points to bring their total to 30.7 points per game.

Head-to-Head Preview

This playoff showdown between Ripley and North Marion will be the first time the two teams meet in the postseason, but they do share a common opponent this season: Roane County. Both teams suffered losses to Roane County, with Ripley falling 43-7 and North Marion dropping their game 14-6.

Despite this common loss, both teams are entering the game with the confidence of a strong season and a potent offense. Ripley’s offense is led by quarterback Tyson Pritt (120.4 passing yards per game) and receiver Cody Lawerance (45.8 receiving yards per game). North Marion, meanwhile, will rely on a well-rounded offense with quarterback play that has produced a balanced attack, though specific leader statistics are not available.

Key Matchups to Watch

Ripley’s Rushing Attack vs. North Marion’s Defense
Ripley’s rushing game, led by Noah Casto, will be a crucial element of the game. With an average of 159.5 rushing yards per game, the Vikings will test North Marion’s defensive front. The Huskies have shown solid defensive performances all season, but stopping Ripley’s ground game could be a challenge.

North Marion’s Quick Start vs. Ripley’s Resilience
North Marion has proven capable of jumping out to an early lead, averaging nearly 18 points in the first quarter. Ripley, however, has demonstrated resilience, particularly in the second half of games. How Ripley handles the early pressure from North Marion will be key to their success.

Final Thoughts

This matchup between Ripley and North Marion promises to be a thrilling playoff game. Both teams come in with strong records, potent offenses, and solid defenses. The outcome will likely hinge on how well Ripley can contain North Marion’s early surge and how effectively they can move the ball on the ground. With both teams scoring at an impressive clip, this will undoubtedly be a must-watch contest as they compete for a chance to move forward in the playoffs.

Fans should be prepared for an exciting game as the Vikings and Huskies face off on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m.