The Shelby Valley (Pikeville, KY) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Martin County (Inez, KY) on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m.

What: Kentucky High School Football
Who: Shelby Valley (KY) vs Martin County (KY)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Kentucky High School Football Playoff Brackets: KHSAA – Class 5A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Martin County vs. Shelby Valley: A Football Showdown

As the 2024-2025 football season heats up, Martin County and Shelby Valley are preparing for an exciting playoff match-up. With both teams bringing distinct strengths to the field, this neutral playoff game on November 15 at 7:30 p.m. promises to be an intense showdown.

Season Overview

Martin County (Inez, KY) enters the playoff game with a solid 8-3 record overall, demonstrating a strong season, especially on their home turf with an undefeated 6-0 record. Their performance in district play is equally impressive, sitting at 2-1. Their overall offensive efficiency has been evident, averaging 32.5 points per game, with a notable offensive balance—racking up 101.9 rushing yards, 71.2 passing yards, and 66.8 receiving yards per game.

In comparison, Shelby Valley (Pikeville, KY) has faced a more challenging season, ending with a 5-6 overall record. Despite a perfect 3-0 record in district play, they struggled on the road, posting a 2-4 away record. Nevertheless, they are a resilient team, averaging 29.8 points per game. Shelby Valley’s offense has been a bit more one-dimensional, with fewer passing yards and a more straightforward rushing attack, though they too have been competitive, especially in tight games.

Head-to-Head Comparison

The previous matchup between these two teams on September 6, 2024, saw Martin County come out on top with a 40-28 victory. Despite the win, the game was competitive, and Shelby Valley will be looking for revenge in this crucial playoff clash.

Team Scoring Averages:

• Martin County: 3.3 points in Q1, 6.8 in Q2, 13.5 in Q3, and 6.3 in Q4, averaging 32.5 points per game.
• Shelby Valley: 4.0 points in Q1, 6.0 in Q2, 11.0 in Q3, and 8.0 in Q4, averaging 29.8 points per game.

Key Players to Watch

Martin County’s standout player, Devon Maynard, has been a force on offense. Maynard averages 129 rushing yards per game and 118.7 passing yards per game, making him a dual threat. He is also the team’s leader in total yards per game (247.7) and points per game (16.3). On defense, Crayson “Bones” Lafferty leads the team with 14.7 tackles per game.

For Shelby Valley, their offense has relied more on running the ball, but they lack the same passing firepower that Martin County possesses. However, the team has been consistent in its efforts, especially in district play, where they have maintained an undefeated record. Shelby Valley’s key contributor, #23 Julian Stafford, averages 48.2 receiving yards per game and could be a valuable weapon in the passing game if they attempt to play catch-up.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced several of the same opponents throughout the season, with each team winning three of their four common matchups. In their most recent games, Martin County defeated Pike County Central 40-18, while Shelby Valley edged them out with a 14-12 victory earlier in the season. Both teams also faced Floyd Central, with Martin County winning 35-6 and Shelby Valley dominating with a 52-34 win in their most recent meeting.

What to Expect

Both teams are evenly matched, with Martin County’s solid overall record and offensive power giving them an edge. However, Shelby Valley’s 3-0 district performance and their ability to overcome challenges on the road should not be underestimated. This match-up is expected to be a competitive battle, with each team bringing their unique strengths to the table.

Martin County will look to continue their dominance at home and carry their momentum from the regular season into the playoffs. On the other hand, Shelby Valley will aim to show resilience after a tough regular season, with hopes of proving they can rise to the occasion in this high-stakes playoff game.

As the final whistle blows on Friday night, football fans can expect a thrilling, hard-fought contest, with both teams striving for victory in what promises to be an unforgettable playoff encounter.