The Point Pleasant (WV) varsity football team will host St. Albans (WV) in a home playoff game today at 1:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: West Virginia High School Football
Who: Point Pleasant vs St. Albans
When: Today, November 16, 2024
Time: 1:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
St. Albans vs. Point Pleasant: A Statistical Showdown in West Virginia High School Football
The 2024-2025 West Virginia high school football season has seen a series of exciting matchups, with teams pushing themselves to improve each week. Among these teams, St. Albans and Point Pleasant have provided their own thrilling moments. As the season progresses, it’s clear that both teams have had their share of ups and downs. Let’s take a closer look at how each team has performed, focusing on their season records, team statistics, and key players, to provide a comprehensive overview of this ongoing football rivalry.
Team Records & Performance Overview
St. Albans has had a tough season with an overall record of 3-7. Their regional performance has been even more challenging, with a 2-6 record against conference opponents. Their offensive production has struggled, scoring an average of 10.5 points per game. With a defensive unit that has allowed 327 points across the season, St. Albans finds itself underperforming in many key areas, especially in high-pressure situations.
Point Pleasant, on the other hand, has had a somewhat more balanced season, sporting a 4-5 overall record and a 1-2 regional mark. Their offensive efficiency has been notably better than St. Albans’, scoring 27.2 points per game. While their defense has given up 261 points (a bit more than they would like), they have been more competitive in both regional and non-regional games. Point Pleasant seems to have had better performances both at home and on the road, with a solid 2-3 away record.
Team Scoring Breakdown: Who’s Scoring When?
Breaking down the scoring across four quarters highlights a key difference in the playing styles of both teams.
- St. Albans tends to struggle in the early stages of the game, scoring just 1.5 points in the first quarter and 0.9 points in the second quarter. They start to find a rhythm later, especially in the third and fourth quarters, where they average 2.3 and 4.3 points respectively. However, their overall scoring output is much lower compared to Point Pleasant, averaging just 10.5 points per game.
- Point Pleasant, conversely, has more consistent offensive production throughout the game. They score 1.8 points in the first quarter and jump to 5.0 in the second. Their most potent scoring period comes in the third quarter, where they average 8.5 points, maintaining a decent scoring rate in the final quarter with 4.3 points. This consistency allows them to put up 27.2 points per game, an indicator of a more efficient offense.
Team Statistics Comparison
When comparing key team statistics, it’s clear that St. Albans relies more heavily on its rushing game. They average 107.1 rushing yards per game, with Deshaun Stotts leading the charge, averaging 44.5 rushing yards per game. This strong rushing attack is paired with an aerial game that has only generated 77.2 passing yards per game. St. Albans has struggled to move the ball efficiently overall, generating just 184.3 total yards per game.
Point Pleasant’s offensive production is much more balanced, though they don’t excel in any one category in particular. They don’t have a specific standout offensive weapon like Stotts, but their ability to generate yards is evident. They’re able to amass a solid 245 total yards per game, with a slightly higher passing game at 75.9 yards per game, which is a bit more effective than St. Albans’ passing attack.
Defensively, both teams face challenges. St. Albans has been vulnerable, allowing 327 points over the course of the season, and despite their strong efforts in the rushing game, they’ve struggled to get to the quarterback, with just 2.0 sacks per game. Point Pleasant, while allowing fewer total points (261), has been a bit more effective at controlling the line of scrimmage, registering 2.0 sacks per game.
Key Players to Watch
Both teams feature key players who could influence the outcome of their matchups:
- Deshaun Stotts of St. Albans leads the team with 44.5 rushing yards per game, and is the primary threat on offense, averaging 3.6 points per game. He’s also been a key defensive player, contributing 9.0 tackles per game.
- Reece Lilly is another standout for St. Albans, contributing 75.9 passing yards per game and 67.2 total yards per game, making him a dual-threat when it comes to both passing and overall yardage.
- For Point Pleasant, Tyrell Ellis leads the defense with 1.1 sacks per game, while Deuce McClain has been an all-around standout, with 33.9 receiving yards per game and 9.0 tackles per game.
Head-to-Head Breakdown
In head-to-head competition, the records show a tightly contested series. With both teams having similar strengths and weaknesses, the outcome of their games often hinges on small errors and critical moments. St. Albans’ struggles at home (1-4) contrasted with Point Pleasant’s more balanced away record (2-3) might be a sign that playing on the road hasn’t been a big disadvantage for Point Pleasant.
Conclusion
Both St. Albans and Point Pleasant have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the 2024-2025 football season, with Point Pleasant slightly outperforming St. Albans. Point Pleasant has been more consistent offensively and defensively, while St. Albans has struggled to find rhythm, especially early in games. As the season progresses, both teams will need to make adjustments if they hope to make a push in the playoffs. While Point Pleasant’s more balanced offense and improved defensive stats give them an edge, St. Albans will need a strong finish to climb out of its current rut. The remainder of the season promises to deliver intense football action as both teams battle it out for better positioning in the region.