The Lord Botetourt (Daleville, VA) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Northside (Roanoke, VA) today at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Virginia High School Football
Who: Northside vs Lord Botetourt
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
Northside vs. Lord Botetourt: A Playoff Showdown
As the high school football season intensifies, two teams from Virginia are set to face off in a thrilling playoff game: Northside and Lord Botetourt. Northside, from Roanoke, enters the matchup with a 5-5 record, while Lord Botetourt, hailing from Daleville, stands at 7-3. This highly anticipated game, scheduled for tonight at 7 p.m. at Lord Botetourt, has been brewing with excitement following Northside’s recent 17-0 victory over the Cavaliers earlier this month.
A Quick Overview of the Teams
Northside has had a rollercoaster season, posting a balanced 5-5 record, including a 2-3 mark in the region. The team has shown strong potential, with a solid home record of 4-1, though they’ve struggled on the road with a 1-4 record. Despite these challenges, Northside’s offense has managed to put up an average of 21.1 points per game, with standout performances in the second and third quarters. In particular, the Vikings showed their resilience against Franklin County, winning 42-7, and overcoming Pulaski County 28-21. However, they faced difficulties against tougher opponents like Fleming and William Byrd, suffering losses in those games.
Lord Botetourt, on the other hand, has had a strong season overall, finishing with a 7-3 record, including a solid 3-2 region record. The Cavaliers have been dominant at home, with a 5-1 record, and have shown offensive power, averaging 36.5 points per game. Their defense has also been stout, allowing just 117 points across 10 games. Lord Botetourt’s victories over common opponents like Pulaski County and Franklin County, where they triumphed with a commanding 54-21 and 42-7 scoreline, respectively, show they are well-prepared for the postseason. Their only losses came at the hands of Staunton River and Fleming, both competitive contests that highlight the Cavaliers’ ability to bounce back.
Key Matchup: Offense vs. Defense
When it comes to scoring, Lord Botetourt has the upper hand, averaging a high 36.5 points per game, largely fueled by a potent offense. Northside, while scoring a respectable 21.1 points per game, has shown a tendency to struggle in key moments, particularly in the first and fourth quarters, where they scored the least.
In their earlier meeting on November 1, Northside shut out Lord Botetourt 17-0, a dominant defensive performance that stifled the Cavaliers’ usually high-scoring offense. If the Vikings can repeat that defensive effort, they’ll have a good chance of pulling off another upset. However, Lord Botetourt will look to avenge that loss with their home-field advantage and potent offensive attack.
Common Opponents
Both teams faced several common opponents this season, with Lord Botetourt holding the upper hand in most of these matchups. The Cavaliers defeated Pulaski County 54-21, a team that Northside narrowly beat 28-21. Both teams also posted dominant wins over Franklin County, but the Cavaliers fared better in their matchups against teams like Staunton River, which they defeated 21-0, while Northside struggled with a 10-7 loss.
These games showcase Lord Botetourt’s ability to consistently outplay their opponents, particularly when they can exploit their offensive weapons. Northside, however, has proven they can rise to the occasion, as shown in their victories over Pulaski County and Franklin County.
What to Expect in the Playoff Showdown
Tonight’s game will come down to key factors: Northside’s defense will need to perform at an elite level once again, while the Cavaliers’ offense will look to rebound from their recent shutout. The key for Northside will be to keep the game close, avoid turnovers, and continue to put pressure on Lord Botetourt’s offense. On the other hand, the Cavaliers will need to execute their game plan effectively, controlling the tempo and using their depth and offensive firepower to break through the Vikings’ defense.
With a strong postseason pedigree and the home-field advantage, Lord Botetourt enters the game as the favorite. But in the playoffs, anything can happen, and Northside has shown they are capable of pulling off surprises.
As both teams battle for a spot in the next round, expect an intense and hard-fought contest where every play could determine the outcome. Northside may have the momentum from their earlier win, but Lord Botetourt is a formidable opponent looking to redeem themselves and make a deep playoff run. The stage is set for an unforgettable playoff clash.
