The St. Clairsville Red Devils (12-0) will face the West Holmes Knights (7-5) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 15 at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets for Region 15 in Ohio.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Ohio High School Football
Who: St. Clairsville vs West Holmes
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Bracket: 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 15
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Game preview: St. Clairsville vs West Holmes
As the 2024-25 Ohio high school football season reaches its peak, two teams from the state’s ranks have garnered attention for their impressive performances: West Holmes and St. Clairsville. These two schools, though operating in the same division, have seen vastly different outcomes in their seasons, with St. Clairsville maintaining an undefeated record while West Holmes faces a more balanced mix of wins and losses.
West Holmes: A Solid Yet Inconsistent Season
West Holmes enters the season with an overall record of 7-5, finishing third in their conference with a 3-2 league record. Despite having a slightly more modest season compared to St. Clairsville, they’ve managed to stay competitive, particularly in conference play. At home, West Holmes held a .500 win percentage, with a 3-3 record, and they fared similarly in away games with a 3-2 record.
The Knights have shown an ability to score, averaging 26.3 points per game. However, the scoring has been uneven across quarters, with the team averaging just 2.3 points in the first quarter, ramping up to 5.7 in the second, 4.7 in the third, and 7.0 in the final quarter. This late-game surge may indicate a team that improves as the game progresses, but also one that could benefit from a faster start to games. Their defense allowed 279 points on the season, and their playoff performance, with a 2-0 record, indicates they can step up when it matters most.
West Holmes also shares a common opponent with St. Clairsville: East Liverpool. Both teams defeated East Liverpool, with West Holmes securing a 24-13 win at home on November 8, 2024, and St. Clairsville taking a 35-14 victory on September 20, 2024. This commonality suggests that both teams have had similar outcomes when facing non-conference competition.
St. Clairsville: Dominating the Season with Unbeaten Record
On the other side of the spectrum, St. Clairsville has been a powerhouse throughout the season, finishing with a perfect 12-0 record. The Red Devils not only dominated their conference with a 6-0 mark, but they also achieved a flawless 7-0 record at home and a perfect 5-0 mark on the road. With a staggering 443 points scored and only 140 points allowed, St. Clairsville has been nearly untouchable in every facet of the game.
Their offense, averaging 36.9 points per game, has been relentless, and their scoring consistency is evident. They’ve averaged 14.0 points in the first quarter, 10.4 in the second, 6.2 in the third, and 7.9 in the fourth. This suggests a team that can take control early and sustain its momentum throughout the game. Their defense has been equally strong, as they’ve allowed less than half the points that West Holmes has given up (140 compared to 279).
St. Clairsville’s playoff pedigree is also impressive. They are currently 2-0 in playoff matchups, maintaining their high level of play in postseason action. With an undefeated in-state record of 12-0 and no out-of-state games on their schedule, they’ve shown that they are built to succeed in their division.
Head-to-Head and Common Opponents
When it comes to head-to-head matchups, West Holmes and St. Clairsville have not yet faced each other this season, but both have performed strongly against the same opponent, East Liverpool. Both teams secured victories against East Liverpool with similar results, hinting at their ability to handle common competition. However, the major distinction lies in St. Clairsville’s dominance throughout the season, while West Holmes’ record has been more balanced.
Conclusion
While both West Holmes and St. Clairsville have had impressive seasons, their trajectories differ significantly. St. Clairsville’s perfect record and powerhouse performance have set them apart, while West Holmes has shown potential but lacks the same consistency. With both teams showing prowess in their respective games and a shared opponent in East Liverpool, fans can expect an exciting future matchup if these teams cross paths in the playoffs. However, for now, St. Clairsville stands as the clear favorite with their unbeaten run and a track record of domination across all levels.
