The Paul VI (Chantilly, VA) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against St. Mary’s Ryken (Leonardtown, MD) today at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 Maryland High School Football Playoff Brackets for the WCAC – Metro tournament.
What: Maryland High School Football
Who: Paul VI (LA) vs St. Mary’s Ryken (LA)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Maryland High School Football Playoff Brackets: WCAC – Metro
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
Football Showdown: St. Mary’s Ryken vs. Paul VI
The 2024 football season has been one to remember for both St. Mary’s Ryken (MD) and Paul VI (VA), as both teams put together strong records. With remarkable individual and team statistics, these two powerhouses are ready to clash. Here’s a closer look at their season performance, key players, and what to expect when these teams face off.
St. Mary’s Ryken: Dominance and Consistency
St. Mary’s Ryken finished the regular season with a stellar 9-1 record, remaining unbeaten in league play at 5-0. Their overall performance has been driven by a high-scoring offense and a stout defense, putting up 350 points and allowing just 98 points. They outperformed expectations with impressive showings at home, away, and in neutral games. Their win percentage stands at .900, and they were flawless in regional matchups (1.000).
The team’s scoring is spread across all four quarters, averaging 35.0 points per game. A strong rushing attack led by #4 Joshua Johnson, who averages 108.5 yards per game, has been the cornerstone of their offense. Quarterback Brett Edmonds also adds stability, throwing for 76.6 yards per game. Meanwhile, Tanner Wiles provides reliable receiving yards, averaging 31.2 yards per game.
Defensively, Cole Stup has been a standout with an average of 12.9 tackles per game, while Alex Reyes provides support with 0.5 sacks per game.
Paul VI: Balanced and Resilient
Paul VI enters the matchup with a 9-2 record, including 3-1 in regional play. Their .818 win percentage and solid defense have contributed to their success. They’ve scored 307 points and allowed 130 points, though their average points per game sits lower than St. Mary’s Ryken at 27.9. Still, Paul VI is a formidable opponent, with Rushing Yards Per Game averaging 199.9 yards and Passing Yards Per Game sitting at 103.2 yards.
Key players for Paul VI include Joshua Johnson (not to be confused with St. Mary’s Ryken’s standout) on the rushing attack, averaging 108.5 yards per game. Brett Edmonds leads the passing game with 76.6 yards per game, while Tanner Wiles contributes 31.2 yards per game.
Defensively, Cole Stup and Alex Reyes hold the fort, maintaining pressure with 12.9 tackles per game and 0.5 sacks per game, respectively.
Common Opponents: A Shared Success
Both teams have faced off against several of the same opponents, with identical 5-0 records in those games. Notable victories include dominant performances against teams like Bishop O’Connell, Saint John Paul the Great Catholic, and Bishop Ireton. St. Mary’s Ryken’s impressive scores of 38-7, 49-0, and 51-12 over their common opponents contrast slightly with Paul VI’s victories, such as a 38-0 win over Bishop O’Connell and a 54-7 thrashing of Saint John Paul the Great Catholic.
Team Stat Comparison
| Statistic | St. Mary’s Ryken | Paul VI |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 199.9 | 199.9 |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 103.2 | 103.2 |
| Receiving Yards Per Game | 103.2 | 103.2 |
| Total Yards Per Game | 303.1 | 303.1 |
| Tackles Per Game | 59.5 | 59.5 |
| Sacks Per Game | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Points Per Game | 27.5 | 27.5 |
Head-to-Head Breakdown
While both teams have shared success against common opponents, the head-to-head matchup remains tight. St. Mary’s Ryken leads the series 1-0 in neutral or home games, but Paul VI has historically had strong showings in away games, with a 4-0 away win streak.
Playoff Picture
As these two teams head into the postseason, both have had playoff victories under their belts. St. Mary’s Ryken has remained undefeated at 1-0 in playoff matchups, while Paul VI comes into the playoffs with a 3-0 record. The success in neutral games also boosts confidence for both teams, with St. Mary’s Ryken entering at 1-0 and Paul VI also undefeated at 1-0.
Conclusion: A Clash of Titans
With both teams boasting impressive records and standout players, the upcoming showdown between St. Mary’s Ryken and Paul VI is set to be an exciting one. St. Mary’s Ryken will lean on their dominant offense and defensive strength, while Paul VI looks to use their well-rounded approach and strong away game performances to claim victory. Fans can expect a thrilling contest between two of the region’s best.
