Parkersburg vs. Martinsburg: A Clash of Opposites in High School Football

As the 2024 football season heads into the final stretch, two teams from West Virginia’s high school ranks stand in stark contrast in terms of performance and play style: the Parkersburg Big Reds and the Martinsburg Bulldogs. The two teams, both historically strong but with vastly different seasons in 2024, have created an interesting narrative as they head into their respective matchups and look forward to their future endeavors.

Team Overview

Parkersburg (4-6 overall, 3-4 in-region)

The Parkersburg Big Reds have faced a tough season, with a 4-6 record overall. The team has shown resilience in certain areas but struggled in others. Parkersburg’s offense has posted 224 points on the season, averaging 22.4 points per game. Despite their efforts, they have been outscored on average, allowing 251 points across 10 games. Their game performance reveals a slow start but a strong mid-game, with averages of 6.2 points in the first quarter and 9.2 points in the second. Unfortunately, their late-game struggles have been evident, scoring only 3.5 points in the fourth quarter.

Key offensive leaders include running back Jakel Shelton, who has averaged 92.5 rushing yards per game, and quarterback Cooper Cancade, who has contributed 147.7 passing yards per game. The Big Reds’ total offense averages 314.5 yards per game, largely through the air and on the ground.

Martinsburg (10-0 overall, 5-0 in-region)

In contrast, the Martinsburg Bulldogs have been a juggernaut this season, finishing the regular season undefeated at 10-0. They have been dominant in both their region (5-0) and overall play, with a scoring margin that dwarfs their opponents. Martinsburg has posted an impressive 482 points, averaging a massive 48.2 points per game. Their defense has been just as formidable, allowing only 85 points over the course of the season.

Martinsburg’s offense has been particularly explosive, led by quarterback Cooper Cancade (176.4 total yards per game) and running back Jakel Shelton (92.5 rushing yards per game). The Bulldogs’ offense excels in both the ground and air attack, with no weak links across their skill positions. The team’s offensive scoring breaks down into 13.0 points in the first quarter and a staggering 18.3 points in the second, reflecting their ability to jump out to quick leads. Their ability to maintain momentum through the third and fourth quarters shows their depth and physical conditioning, scoring 14.7 points in the third and 7.1 points in the fourth.

Key Statistics and Players

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Parkersburg averages 164.8 rushing yards per game. While they have a solid ground game, it pales in comparison to Martinsburg, whose rushing attack has been nearly unstoppable.
• Passing Yards Per Game: Both teams feature strong passing games. Parkersburg averages 149.7 yards per game, while Martinsburg’s balanced offensive attack keeps defenses guessing.
• Total Yards Per Game: Parkersburg averages 314.5 yards per game, while Martinsburg rakes in a staggering number, with each game adding up to over 400 yards.

In terms of defense, Parkersburg averages 62.1 tackles per game, while Martinsburg’s defense, while not as aggressive statistically, allows far fewer points, making them tough to score against.

Common Opponents

While both teams have faced similar opponents, the outcomes tell a much different story. Parkersburg struggled, recording a 1-3 record against common foes such as Morgantown, Hurricane, Huntington, and Musselman. In contrast, Martinsburg went a perfect 4-0, decisively winning every matchup, including a huge 51-14 victory over Morgantown and a 56-8 blowout against Musselman.

Breakdown by Home and Away

• Home Record: Parkersburg has posted a 2-3 record at home, while Martinsburg remains perfect at 5-0 at home.
• Away Record: Parkersburg’s struggles extend to away games, where they also have a 2-3 record. Martinsburg, however, shows the same perfect record away from home (5-0).

Looking Ahead

As the playoffs loom, Parkersburg faces an uphill battle to turn around their fortunes, particularly given their inconsistency across the board. With key leaders like Jakel Shelton and Cooper Cancade, the Big Reds will need to find a way to elevate their game late in the contest, where they’ve consistently faltered.

For Martinsburg, the challenge will be to maintain their dominant play and continue their flawless run into the postseason. Their strong defense and explosive offense put them as the heavy favorites in any matchup, and they will look to continue their push toward a state championship.

In the world of high school football, these two teams—one struggling with inconsistency and the other steamrolling through the competition—make for a fascinating comparison and will certainly be teams to watch in the coming weeks as the season reaches its peak.

Conclusion

Parkersburg’s season may have been filled with ups and downs, but their efforts have shown potential for growth, especially with standout players like Jakel Shelton and Cooper Cancade leading the charge. Meanwhile, Martinsburg has proven to be a near-unbeatable force, setting the bar for excellence in West Virginia high school football. As both teams prepare for their final games and potential playoff appearances, the stark contrast between their records and statistics illustrates the diverse paths these two teams have taken in 2024.