Meadow Bridge vs. Pendleton County: A Comparative Look at Two High School Football Teams’ Performance

As the 2024-2025 high school football season progresses, two teams stand out in the West Virginia region: Meadow Bridge and Pendleton County. Both teams share impressive records and are eager to leave their mark, but how do they compare in terms of overall performance, statistics, and team dynamics? Here’s a detailed breakdown of their performance, stats, and head-to-head comparison.

Record and Team Performance Overview

Meadow Bridge (7-3 overall, 5-0 in-region)
The Meadow Bridge football team has had a solid season so far, boasting a win percentage of .700 overall. Their undefeated record in region play (5-0) has been one of the highlights of the season. They have proven to be dominant in their home games, with a 4-1 record, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.

Pendleton County (7-3 overall, 3-2 in-region)
Pendleton County mirrors Meadow Bridge’s overall record with a 7-3 performance, but they have a slightly lower region win percentage of .600. Their home and away records are balanced, with a 4-1 mark at home and a 3-2 record away, indicating that while they perform well on their turf, their away games have been more competitive.

Team Scoring Averages

When comparing scoring efficiency, the numbers paint a competitive picture:

• Meadow Bridge:
  • First Quarter (Q1): 12.0 points
  • Second Quarter (Q2): 6.0 points
  • Third Quarter (Q3): 0 points
  • Fourth Quarter (Q4): 0 points
  • Final: 28.8 points per game
• Pendleton County:
  • First Quarter (Q1): 10.0 points
  • Second Quarter (Q2): 13.0 points
  • Third Quarter (Q3): 5.3 points
  • Fourth Quarter (Q4): 2.8 points
  • Final: 32.1 points per game

Pendleton County seems to have more consistent scoring throughout the game, particularly in the second quarter. However, Meadow Bridge starts strong, with a high first-quarter output but tends to taper off as the game progresses.

Team Stat Comparison

Looking deeper into key statistics reveals the following:

• Rushing Yards Per Game:
  • Meadow Bridge: 84.5
  • Pendleton County: 241.9

Pendleton County excels in rushing yards, showing a clear advantage over Meadow Bridge in this department.

• Passing Yards Per Game:
  • Meadow Bridge: 241.9
  • Pendleton County: 241.7

Both teams are tied when it comes to passing yards, averaging just over 240 yards per game.

• Total Yards Per Game:
  • Meadow Bridge: 326.4
  • Pendleton County: 326.4

Interestingly, both teams are equally matched in terms of total yards per game, indicating similar offensive capabilities despite their different play styles.

• Tackles Per Game:
  • Meadow Bridge: 58.9
  • Pendleton County: 58.9

This stat is also tied, suggesting both teams have a comparable defensive presence.

• Sacks Per Game:
  • Meadow Bridge: 1.3
  • Pendleton County: 0.8

Meadow Bridge has the upper hand in defensive pressure with more sacks per game.

Key Players to Watch

• Meadow Bridge:
  • Nick Rhodes: 33.9 rushing yards per game
  • James Vincell: 184.3 passing yards per game
  • Josiah Kimble: 92.4 receiving yards per game
  • Chase Owens: 9.1 tackles per game
• Pendleton County:
  • Nick Rhodes: 20.2 rushing yards per game
  • James Vincell: 51.2 passing yards per game
  • Josiah Kimble: 17.3 receiving yards per game
  • Chase Owens: 2.7 tackles per game

Meadow Bridge stands out with standout performers like Nick Rhodes, who averages a solid 33.9 rushing yards per game, and James Vincell, a key player in both passing and sacks. Pendleton County’s contributions are spread across their roster, with a more balanced, though less explosive, offensive output.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced common opponents, with each team claiming victories:

• Pocahontas County:
  • Meadow Bridge: Won 26-18
  • Pendleton County: Won 42-6
• Richwood:
  • Meadow Bridge: Won 40-0
  • Pendleton County: Won 50-26

The games against these common opponents show that while the two teams may have faced similar competition, Pendleton County has generally outperformed their opponents by a wider margin.

Conclusion: A Tight Race in the Region

Meadow Bridge and Pendleton County are two teams that offer a combination of strong offense and defensive resilience. Pendleton County has a slightly more powerful offensive game, especially in rushing, while Meadow Bridge’s balanced passing game and sack totals give them an edge in certain areas. Both teams are poised to make an impact in their region, with similar records but differing play styles making this an exciting matchup when they face off in the future.

Their performances against common opponents also indicate that both teams are ready for the challenges ahead, making them strong contenders for the region’s top spot. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see which team can continue their momentum and claim the region title.