The Parkersburg South (Parkersburg, WV) varsity football team will face Martinsburg (WV) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 29, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 WVSSAC Football Playoffs – AAAA tournament.

Parkersburg South vs Martinsburg Football Game Info:

What: Ohio High School Football
Who: Parkersburg South vs Martinsburg
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 WVSSAC Football Playoffs – AAAA
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Game preview: Parkersburg South vs Martinsburg

In an exciting matchup for the 2024 West Virginia high school football season, the Martinsburg Bulldogs (11-0) head into the PIAA Football Championship with an undefeated record, having proven their dominance in both league and non-league play. Their opponents, the Parkersburg South Patriots (6-5), though a strong team, will need to overcome a significant challenge as they prepare for this thrilling final showdown.

Martinsburg’s Dominance on Both Sides of the Ball

Martinsburg enters the championship with a perfect record, including an impressive 5-0 league mark and a flawless 6-0 record at home. Their 559 total points scored for the season dwarfs their opponents’ 92 points allowed, showcasing a potent offense and a sturdy defense that has been nearly impenetrable.

Martinsburg’s offense is led by standout players like Eli Bartley, who has averaged 142.1 rushing yards per game, and quarterback Collin Hayes, who has been efficient both through the air and on the ground, with 161.9 passing yards per game. The receiving corps, led by Taj Joyce (64.7 yards per game), provides the additional firepower. Collectively, Martinsburg averages 353.5 yards per game, an outstanding statistic that has overwhelmed most opponents.

The defensive line has been just as impressive, with linebacker Cole Middleton leading the charge with 12.3 tackles per game, and the team racking up 1.5 sacks per game. These defensive leaders will be crucial in stifling Parkersburg South’s attack.

Parkersburg South Faces a Tough Test

Parkersburg South enters the championship with a respectable 6-5 record but has struggled at times, particularly in road games. Their 2-2 regional record and 3-3 away record show some inconsistency when playing outside of familiar territory. Despite their 306 points scored, Parkersburg South has conceded 317, a key indicator of their vulnerability on defense.

The Patriots are led by standout running back and defensive force Tyson Wagoner, who has averaged 0.6 sacks per game and provided leadership on both sides of the ball. However, Parkersburg South’s offense has been limited in scoring, averaging only 27.8 points per game. Quarterback Collin Hayes’ counterpart, Parkersburg South’s own quarterback, has struggled to match the pace set by Martinsburg’s offense. The Patriots will need a near-perfect performance to keep up with the relentless pace Martinsburg sets.

Team Comparisons: Analyzing the Stats

• Offense: Martinsburg has a clear edge in total yards per game, averaging 353.5 yards, compared to Parkersburg South’s 306.5. While both teams feature strong rushing and passing elements, Martinsburg’s ability to score at will—averaging over 50 points per game—puts them at a significant advantage.
• Defense: Martinsburg’s defense is formidable, allowing just 92 points over the course of the season. Meanwhile, Parkersburg South has allowed 317 points, a concerning discrepancy that will need to be addressed to compete with Martinsburg’s high-powered offense.
• Scoring: Martinsburg has outscored their opponents by an average of 50.8 points per game, while Parkersburg South has averaged just 27.8 points, which makes it clear that the Bulldogs’ offensive and defensive prowess will be a tough hurdle for the Patriots to overcome.

Common Opponents’ Results

Martinsburg has proven their strength against common opponents, with a perfect 4-0 record in matchups against teams both teams have faced. In comparison, Parkersburg South has only managed a 2-2 record against the same set of teams. Notably, Martinsburg’s 77-7 demolition of Parkersburg earlier in the season sent a clear message about their offensive firepower, while Parkersburg South has struggled with similar teams, including a 28-14 loss to Morgantown and a 37-0 loss to Spring Mills.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Martinsburg’s Offensive Line vs. Parkersburg South’s Defense: The Patriots’ defense will have their hands full with the Bulldogs’ offensive line, which has been dominant in both the run and pass game. Martinsburg’s pancake blocks will play a critical role in opening up lanes for Bartley and protecting Hayes.
• Quarterbacks in the Spotlight: Collin Hayes of Martinsburg is a dual-threat quarterback who has excelled with both his arm and legs. Parkersburg South will need their own quarterback to step up to match the offensive production of Hayes.

Conclusion

As the 2024 West Virginia high school football championship draws near, Martinsburg remains the team to beat, carrying an undefeated record and an offense that has been almost unstoppable. While Parkersburg South has the talent to make a strong push, they will need to overcome their defensive struggles and step up to challenge the Bulldogs’ relentless attack. With everything on the line, this championship game promises to be an exciting contest between two teams that have worked hard to get to this point—but Martinsburg’s dominance all season suggests they will be the favorites to claim the title.