The Phoebus High School varsity football team from Hampton, VA, will face off against the Churchland High School team from Portsmouth, VA, in a neutral-site playoff game tonight at 7 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Virginia High School Football
Who: Phoebus vs Churchland
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
“2024 VHSL Football State Brackets (Virginia) – Class 4 “
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
A Tale of Two Seasons: Comparing Churchland and Phoebus Football Teams in 2024-2025
The 2024-2025 football season has showcased two vastly different journeys for the Churchland Truckers and the Phoebus Phantoms. While Churchland fought to stay above .500, Phoebus has dominated, achieving perfection on the field. Let’s dive into the numbers and what they tell us about these two programs.
Season Records
- Churchland (6-5):
Churchland had a respectable season, finishing with a 6-5 overall record. Their performance in the region was solid at 4-3, but non-league play exposed some challenges, ending 1-2. At home, they were slightly more comfortable, going 3-2, while they broke even on the road at 3-3. Their ability to win close games contributed to their .545 overall win percentage. - Phoebus (10-0):
In stark contrast, Phoebus was unstoppable. With an unblemished 10-0 record, they were a powerhouse in the state and region, winning all nine regional matchups. Both home and away, they proved dominant, going 5-0 in each. This perfection underscores a team firing on all cylinders with both talent and execution.
Offensive & Defensive Power
- Churchland:
The Truckers managed to put up 293 points across the season while conceding 217. Their average scoring output of 26.6 points per game was respectable, though their defensive lapses left opportunities for opponents. Scoring was fairly balanced across quarters, with their strongest efforts in the second half (6.6 points in the third and fourth quarters). - Phoebus:
The Phantoms were in another league offensively and defensively. They scored a staggering 465 points while allowing just 58 all season. With an average of 46.5 points per game, Phoebus often buried opponents early, scoring an average of 17.2 points in the first quarter alone. Their defense was impenetrable, allowing just 5.8 points per game, making it nearly impossible for opponents to keep pace.
Key Metrics Comparison
| Metric | Churchland | Phoebus |
|---|---|---|
| Win Percentage | 54.5% | 100% |
| Region Record | 4-3 | 9-0 |
| Points For (PF) | 293 | 465 |
| Points Against (PA) | 217 | 58 |
| Home Record | 3-2 | 5-0 |
| Away Record | 3-3 | 5-0 |
Team Scoring Trends
Phoebus’ ability to seize control early is reflected in their 17.2 first-quarter points per game, putting opponents on the back foot right away. Meanwhile, Churchland often found themselves needing to rally in the latter quarters, though their consistent scoring output indicates resilience.
The Bigger Picture
Churchland’s season reflects the challenges of competing in a tough division, showcasing flashes of potential but also areas for growth. Their .545 win percentage and respectable playoff win are steps forward. However, Phoebus’ perfect season serves as a benchmark for excellence, with a balanced team that overwhelms opponents offensively while suffocating them defensively.
As Churchland looks to build on its foundation, Phoebus aims to maintain its dominance, continuing to set the gold standard for high school football in Virginia. Both teams have stories worth following as they gear up for the next chapter in their journeys.
