The Philip Barbour High School (Philippi, WV) varsity football team is set to play a neutral-site playoff game against Independence High School (Coal City, WV) today at 4 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: West Virginia High School Football
Who: Philip Barbour vs Independence
When: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Time: 4:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

High School Football Showdown: Independence vs. Philip Barbour

As the 2024-2025 high school football season reaches its final stages, two teams from West Virginia, Independence and Philip Barbour, have established themselves as strong contenders in their respective regions. With impressive records and standout players, both teams have left their mark on the gridiron, making for an exciting matchup when they face off in the postseason or in future regular-season play. Watch ON

Team Overview: Independence

Independence High School has proven itself as one of the top teams in the state, finishing the season with a 7-3 overall record. The Patriots’ 4-1 performance in region play and a solid 3-1 mark on the road showcase their versatility and resilience. Their strong offense, led by key players, has been a driving force behind their success. The Patriots have averaged 30.7 points per game, outscoring opponents with a balanced offensive attack.

Key to their success has been their ground game, with Logan Beam leading the rushing offense with an average of 114.8 yards per game, ranking 15th in the state. Their passing game, though not as dominant, is led by Braylyn Edwards, who averages 86.3 yards per game, helping balance their offensive strategy. Cameron Bennett, a standout receiver, leads the team with 51.9 receiving yards per game. Defensively, Tyler Vance stands out with 12.5 tackles per game, ranking 20th in the state.

Independence’s high-scoring offense is evident in their first-half production, averaging 11.7 points in the opening quarter and 16.0 in the second quarter, before tapering off in the later stages of the game. Their ability to maintain a strong first half sets them up for competitive matchups, though they have room to improve in closing out games with consistent scoring.

Team Overview: Philip Barbour

Philip Barbour has also had a successful season, posting an 8-3 overall record. Their 6-3 region record and strong home performance (5-1) indicate a well-rounded team that thrives in front of their home crowd. The Colts’ offense averages 31.5 points per game, with their attack centered on both rushing and passing.

Philip Barbour’s rushing game has been dominant, averaging 235.1 yards per game, with a balance of passing and receiving yards that keeps their offense unpredictable. The Colts’ top rusher, who hasn’t been named in the data but is undoubtedly critical to their success, leads the way in yards per game. They have also had a more balanced approach to the game compared to Independence, with a solid passing game that has been key in stretching the field.

While their offensive production has been strong in the early game, with 16.6 points per game in the first quarter, their second-half production has dipped, especially in the fourth quarter, where they average just 0.8 points per game. This drop-off is a point of concern, especially against high-caliber teams like Independence.

Head-to-Head Comparison

When comparing the two teams, Independence edges out Philip Barbour in several key areas. Independence has a more consistent offensive output, averaging 343.7 total yards per game compared to Philip Barbour’s 346.7, but Independence benefits from a more balanced approach with a stronger defense. The Patriots also have a superior points-per-game average (30.7) compared to the Colts’ 31.5. However, Philip Barbour’s rushing game is more potent, thanks to their aggressive run-first strategy.

Defensively, both teams are strong, with Independence averaging 64.8 tackles per game compared to Philip Barbour’s slightly lower total of 60.4. Both teams have similarly strong sack totals, though neither has been exceptional in terms of pressuring the quarterback.

Record Breakdown

Both teams have had successful seasons, with Independence boasting a solid 7-3 overall record and Philip Barbour finishing at 8-3. Both teams are highly competitive within their respective regions, and both have done well at home, with Independence recording a 4-2 home record and Philip Barbour excelling with a 5-1 mark. On the road, Independence holds a slight edge with a 3-1 away record, while Philip Barbour’s away performance sits at 3-2.

In terms of head-to-head matchups, both teams have fared well in playoff scenarios, with both teams going 1-0 in their respective playoff games.

Conclusion

Both Independence and Philip Barbour have proven themselves as elite teams in West Virginia high school football, each with their unique strengths and weaknesses. Independence’s balanced approach, especially on offense, and Philip Barbour’s dominant rushing game make for an intriguing matchup should the two teams meet. With strong leadership from key players, both teams are primed for a deep postseason run. The stage is set for an exciting continuation of their seasons as they aim for regional and state titles.