The Sherando (Stephens City, VA) varsity football team will host James Wood (Winchester, VA) in a home playoff game today at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Virginia High School Football
Who: Sherando vs James Wood
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
“2024 VHSL Football State Brackets (Virginia) – Class 4”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

James Wood vs. Sherando: A Look at the 2024-25 Football Season Showdown

As the high school football season heads into its critical stages, all eyes are on the upcoming playoff showdown between the James Wood Colonels (7-3) and the Sherando Warriors (9-1), a matchup that promises to be a clash of high-performing teams in Virginia. Here’s a detailed look at both teams’ performances, their journey through the season, and what fans can expect as they prepare for what could be a thrilling game.

James Wood Colonels: A Strong Season with Room for Improvement

The James Wood Colonels have had a solid season with a 7-3 overall record, finishing 7-3 in their league, and a balanced 4-1 at home, while also showing resilience on the road with a 3-2 away record. Despite their winning record, the Colonels have faced some tough challenges throughout the season. They have put up an average of 27.5 points per game across all quarters, but their scoring has been inconsistent. The offense has averaged just 4.8 points in the first quarter and 3.2 in the fourth, highlighting potential struggles in early-game execution and closing out games.

In their most recent matchup, James Wood fell to Sherando 35-0 in a tough loss. This performance has added pressure for them to bounce back strong in their playoff rematch. However, the Colonels have shown they are capable of pulling off big wins, with notable victories over teams like Fauquier (34-33) and Millbrook (43-27).

Sherando Warriors: Dominating the Field

On the other side, Sherando has been a powerhouse all season, finishing 9-1 overall with a near-perfect 7-1 league record. Their impressive performance has been powered by a high-scoring offense, averaging a staggering 38.8 points per game. The Warriors have been especially dominant in the first half, putting up an average of 23 points in the first two quarters alone.

Sherando’s lone loss came in a tough battle against Kettle Run (44-20), but aside from that, they have cruised through their schedule, including a resounding 35-0 victory over James Wood last month. Their defense has been nothing short of stellar, allowing just 99 points across all games, with a remarkable 51-0 win over Warren County and a 42-0 shutout of Millbrook. With the momentum of a solid regular season, Sherando enters the playoffs as the favorite.

Common Opponents: Sherando Holds the Edge

Both teams have faced similar opponents this season, but Sherando has had the upper hand in most of these matchups. While James Wood posted a 5-2 record against common opponents, Sherando went 6-1. Sherando’s victories over teams like Warren County, Brentsville District, and Fauquier were especially dominant, with one of the most notable wins being their 42-0 blowout against Millbrook. James Wood, meanwhile, had a tougher time against Kettle Run and Handley but did manage to secure close wins over teams like Fauquier (34-33) and Liberty (53-21).

These common games provide some insight into the styles of both teams. Sherando has demonstrated the ability to dominate from start to finish, while James Wood’s wins have often been close, showing their resilience but also areas where they need to improve.

Head-to-Head History: Sherando Takes the Last Win

In their most recent encounter on October 11, Sherando handed James Wood a decisive 35-0 loss. It was a complete performance by Sherando, who scored 21 points in the second quarter alone, sealing the game by halftime. James Wood struggled to find any rhythm, and their offense was unable to break through Sherando’s defense.

This defeat will surely fuel James Wood’s determination to turn the tables in their playoff rematch, but Sherando’s balanced offense and stingy defense will make for a tough challenge.

Looking Ahead: The Playoff Showdown

As both teams head into their playoff game with an intense rivalry and a history of competitive games, fans can expect a high-energy contest. Sherando has been dominant throughout the season, and their offense will look to continue its explosive production. Meanwhile, James Wood will need to address their slow starts and find ways to execute better, particularly in the opening quarters.

Sherando enters this game as the favorite with their 9-1 record, but James Wood’s resilience and capability to pull off an upset make them a formidable opponent. It will be interesting to see if the Colonels can rise to the occasion and challenge the Warriors in what promises to be a thrilling playoff clash.

Conclusion

The 2024-25 football season has set the stage for an exciting playoff matchup between James Wood and Sherando. With a strong overall record and recent playoff experiences, both teams have shown they can excel. However, Sherando’s dominance this season, coupled with their victory in the previous encounter, gives them the edge heading into this crucial playoff game. Still, with the right adjustments, James Wood could surprise the Warriors and advance further in the postseason. Fans of both teams should prepare for a hard-hitting, high-stakes game.