The William Byrd (Vinton, VA) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Staunton River (Moneta, VA) today at 7:00 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Virginia High School Football
Who: Staunton River vs William Byrd
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
“2024 VHSL Football State Brackets (Virginia) – Class 3”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

Football Showdown: Staunton River vs. William Byrd

As the 2024 football season heats up, two Virginia high school teams—Staunton River and William Byrd—are drawing attention for their close rivalry and playoff hopes. With contrasting records and play styles, these teams are set to face off in an exciting matchup. Here’s a breakdown of their season performance, head-to-head history, and how they compare in key areas.

Team Overview

Staunton River (5-5 overall, 2-3 in-region)
The Staunton River Eagles have had a .500 season so far, with an equal number of wins and losses. Their record is marked by strong performances at home (2-2) but a struggle on the road (3-3). The team’s offensive and defensive efforts have been solid, as reflected in their scoring averages and points allowed, with a total of 184 points scored and 134 points conceded.

William Byrd (8-2 overall, 3-2 in-region)
The William Byrd Terriers have had a more impressive season, boasting an 8-2 overall record, including a strong 4-1 performance both at home and on the road. Their offense has been explosive, leading the team to 322 points scored and just 101 points allowed. With a .800 win percentage overall and .600 region percentage, William Byrd is coming into this playoff matchup as the favorite.

Scoring Averages

When comparing the scoring averages of these two teams, it’s clear that William Byrd has been dominant offensively throughout the season.

• Staunton River: Averages 18.4 points per game, with notable bursts in the fourth quarter (6.2 points per game) and overtime (7.0 points per game).
• William Byrd: Averages a much higher 32.2 points per game, with a strong first half, particularly in the second quarter (9.0 points). Their ability to score late, especially in overtime, has been a key factor in their success.

Head-to-Head History

The most recent matchup between these two teams came on November 1, where William Byrd narrowly defeated Staunton River in overtime, 21-20. The game saw William Byrd dominate early, leading 7-0 in the first quarter, while Staunton River rallied back in the second half, scoring 14 points in the fourth quarter to force overtime. William Byrd’s ability to score in OT gave them the win. This game was a thrilling example of their offensive strength and resilience in pressure situations.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced several of the same opponents this season, which provides a clearer view of how they stack up against similar competition.

• Liberty: Both teams defeated Liberty, with William Byrd securing a dominant 51-6 victory, while Staunton River earned a 35-0 win.
• Lord Botetourt: Both teams struggled against Lord Botetourt, with Staunton River losing 21-0 and William Byrd falling 21-13.
• Franklin County: William Byrd triumphed 17-10, while Staunton River lost 10-0.
• Northside: Staunton River won 10-7, while William Byrd was victorious 28-13.
• Fleming: Staunton River squeezed out a close 29-28 win, while William Byrd fell 28-14.

The two teams have similar records against their common opponents, both sitting at 3-2. However, William Byrd has shown more consistency in securing wins, particularly in tight contests.

The Road Ahead

As Staunton River and William Byrd gear up for their playoff clash, both teams will need to refine their strategies to increase their chances of victory. Staunton River’s ability to play well in the later stages of games, especially in the fourth quarter, could be a key advantage. Meanwhile, William Byrd’s explosive offense and ability to dominate early will be their main strength.

For Staunton River, it will be crucial to improve their performance in the first half, where they have averaged just 1.2 points per game in the second quarter. On the other hand, William Byrd will need to maintain their aggressive approach, particularly in the first half, where they’ve scored an impressive 7.0 points per quarter.

With both teams showing grit and determination, this playoff game is sure to be an exciting showdown between two of Virginia’s top football programs. As the season comes to a close, only one will continue their postseason journey, making this game all the more crucial for both squads.