The Strasburg (VA) varsity football team will host Graham (Bluefield, VA) for a home playoff game today at 5:00 PM.
Strasburg vs Graham Championship Game Info:
What: Virginia High School Football Playoffs
Who: Strasburg (VA) vs Graham (VA)
When: Saturday, December 14, 2024
Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: “2024 VHSL Football State Brackets (Virginia) – Class 2 “
Live stream: Watch here
A Look at the Unbeaten Teams: Graham and Strasburg’s Exceptional Seasons
In the 2024-2025 Virginia Division rankings, two teams have stood out for their outstanding performance: Graham and Strasburg. Both teams have made their mark in the regular season, with near-perfect records and impressive scoring averages, but their paths to success have been marked by different styles of play. Let’s dive deeper into their seasons, comparing their achievements and styles.
Graham’s Perfect Season
Graham’s football team has been nothing short of dominant in the 2024-2025 season. Finishing with a perfect 14-0 record, they have been the team to beat in their division. Their perfect record across all categories, including an unblemished 5-0 mark in their league and a perfect 8-0 at home, has made them a force to be reckoned with.
Their scoring consistency has been a major factor in their success. On average, Graham has put up 34.4 points per game, with a strong offensive output in each quarter. Their most productive period has been the second quarter (10.9 points per game), and their ability to close games has been especially impressive, scoring an average of 11.5 points in the fourth quarter.
The team’s dominance extends beyond their record. Their defense has been nearly as impressive as their offense, allowing just 99 points throughout the entire season, for an average of 7.07 points per game. Graham’s scoring margin, combined with their excellent defensive performance, has made them a near-unstoppable force in the state.
Strasburg’s Near-Perfect Run
Strasburg, while not perfect like Graham, has been equally impressive, finishing the regular season 13-1. Their only loss came against a tough opponent, but they have shown resilience throughout the season, especially in region play, where they finished 4-1. With an average of 34.6 points per game, they have demonstrated a potent offensive game as well, although their scoring tends to come in spurts rather than being as consistently spread across quarters.
Unlike Graham, Strasburg’s offensive strength is centered around the second quarter (14.2 points per game), making them particularly dangerous when they come out of halftime. However, their performance in the second half has not been as prolific as in the first, with scoring in the third and fourth quarters averaging just 7.9 points total.
Defensively, Strasburg has allowed 144 points this season, which is more than Graham, but still a strong figure for such a high-scoring team. Their ability to control games, especially in their home (8-0) and away (5-1) contests, shows that they have the potential to compete with the best.
Record Breakdown
Looking at the breakdown of their records, both teams have performed well at home, with Graham and Strasburg both finishing 8-0 in their respective stadiums. Graham, however, was perfect on the road as well, with a 5-0 record in away games, while Strasburg dropped one game on the road, finishing 5-1.
In terms of playoff success, both teams managed to perform in the postseason, each finishing 4-0 in the playoffs, securing their spots as dominant regional teams.
Comparison of Scoring Averages
While both teams have similar points per game totals, Graham has been more consistent across all four quarters, averaging between 7.0 and 11.5 points per quarter. Strasburg’s offense, on the other hand, has been more streaky, with the majority of their scoring coming in the second quarter. This suggests that while Graham is more methodical in its offensive attack, Strasburg relies on short bursts of high-powered offense to outscore opponents.
The Road Ahead
With both teams finishing the regular season with impressive records, it’s clear that Graham and Strasburg are two of the most formidable teams in Virginia’s Division rankings. The contrast between their styles of play, with Graham’s consistent scoring and solid defense versus Strasburg’s explosive but slightly uneven offensive game, makes for an exciting potential matchup.
While both teams are strong contenders for a state title, the edge might go to Graham due to their flawless record, both offensively and defensively. However, Strasburg’s potent offense, especially in the second quarter, could present a formidable challenge in any future matchups. As the postseason progresses, these two teams are likely to continue their dominant performances, aiming to cap off their seasons with a state championship.
In conclusion, both Graham and Strasburg have put together remarkable seasons, showcasing their strengths in different ways. The stage is set for what could be a thrilling postseason, with both teams poised for a deep run towards the ultimate prize.