The Bruton High School (Williamsburg, VA) varsity football team will host Nottoway (VA) in a home playoff game today at 7:00 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Virginia High School Football
Who: Nottoway vs Bruton
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
“2024 VHSL Football State Brackets (Virginia) – Class 2”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

Football Season Breakdown: Nottoway vs. Bruton

The high school football season has showcased two exciting teams, Nottoway and Bruton, both making their marks in Virginia high school football. Here’s a closer look at their rankings, statistics, and team dynamics as the season progresses.

Team Overview

Nottoway (5-4 Record)

Nottoway enters the season with a solid 5-4 overall record, with a regional performance of 3-2. Their home and away record stands at 3-2 and 2-2 respectively, contributing to a win percentage of .556. Despite a competitive season, the team has seen some ups and downs, particularly in the second half of games, as their average points per game (22.9) shows a decline in scoring after the first half.

Bruton (8-2 Record)

Bruton, on the other hand, has been dominant with an impressive 8-2 record, including a 3-2 regional performance. They’ve been especially strong at home, where they have yet to lose a game, boasting a perfect 5-0 record. Their overall win percentage of .800 and regional win percentage of .600 reflect their consistency across the board. Bruton’s offense has been potent, with an average of 30.8 points per game, far surpassing Nottoway’s scoring.

Team Scoring Averages

When comparing scoring, Bruton has a clear advantage. They score an average of 10.3 points in the first quarter and 12 points in the second quarter, leading to a more productive first half. In contrast, Nottoway averages 9.2 points in the first quarter and only 8.0 points in the second quarter, struggling to keep up in the latter half of games. Bruton’s ability to maintain offensive momentum throughout all four quarters (4.7 points in the fourth quarter) makes them a formidable opponent, while Nottoway’s performance drops significantly in the final quarter (2.2 points).

Team Stat Comparison

Looking at the team stats, Bruton is slightly more dominant in rushing yards per game with an average of 159.4, while Nottoway averages 149.2. However, Nottoway excels in passing yards, averaging 149.2 yards per game, compared to Bruton’s 143.7. Total yards per game are nearly identical, with Bruton gaining 308.6 yards and Nottoway just slightly behind at 306.6 yards per game. On the defensive side, Nottoway records 47.7 tackles per game, which is higher than Bruton’s 42.7, but Bruton leads in sacks, with 1.7 per game compared to Nottoway’s 1.0.

Key Players

Nottoway

• Peter Henderson (Rushing Yards Per Game): Henderson leads the team with 97.3 yards per game, a key offensive contributor for Nottoway.
• Ashton Bell (Passing & Total Yards): Bell is responsible for 138.4 passing yards per game and a total of 153.4 yards, making him a vital part of Nottoway’s offensive strategy.
• Anthony Henderson Jr. (Receiving & Points): With 90.3 receiving yards per game and 7.8 points per game, Henderson has been a standout performer, giving Nottoway a reliable target in the passing game.
• Darrin Banks-Harrold (Tackles Per Game): With 6.1 tackles per game, Banks-Harrold is the defensive leader for Nottoway, helping to anchor their defense.

Bruton

• Key Players: Bruton’s success can be attributed to a well-balanced offensive and defensive squad. While individual player statistics weren’t provided, the team’s overall performance suggests a cohesive unit with a strong passing game and an effective defense.

Record Breakdown

Both teams have impressive records in different contexts. Nottoway has a 5-4 overall record, with a regional breakdown of 3-2 and a respectable away record of 2-2. Bruton, with their 8-2 record, has been far more dominant, especially at home, where they remain undefeated with a 5-0 record. Their regional record stands at 3-2, and they’ve performed well across both home and away games.

Conclusion

While both Nottoway and Bruton have had strong seasons, Bruton’s impressive offensive and defensive balance has set them apart as the stronger team. Their undefeated home record and high-scoring offense give them an edge, but Nottoway’s consistency and standout individual performances show they remain a tough contender. Moving forward, Bruton’s ability to maintain their high-scoring offense will be key, while Nottoway will need to find ways to finish strong in the fourth quarter if they hope to upset their stronger opponents.

As the season progresses, fans of both teams are in for an exciting conclusion, with each team poised for a possible playoff run based on their current trajectory.