Surry County vs. Sussex Central: A Look at the Season’s Rivalry and Records

As the Virginia high school football season nears its conclusion, the rivalry between Surry County and Sussex Central heats up. Both teams have had a season full of ups and downs, but as they square off once again, it’s time to break down their performance and examine what each team brings to the table.

Season Overview: Surry County vs. Sussex Central

Surry County has had a challenging season, finishing with a 3-7 record overall, including a 2-4 mark in the region. With just a 30% win rate, the team’s struggles have been evident, especially in conference games where they’ve managed to win just 2 out of 6 regional matchups. In total, they’ve scored 220 points and allowed 314, indicating defensive challenges that have made it tough to secure wins.

Sussex Central, on the other hand, has fared slightly better, posting a 5-5 overall record. They have won half of their region games (2-4), yet they have a stronger showing in away games, holding a 3-1 record on the road. Their overall point tally stands at 232, while they’ve given up 276 points, showing a more balanced approach but still indicating some vulnerability on defense.

The Rivalry: Surry County vs. Sussex Central

The most recent meeting between these two schools took place on November 8th, where Sussex Central came out on top with a 36-28 victory. This win extended Sussex Central’s lead in the rivalry, as Surry County struggled to match up, despite a strong second-half surge. The game had its share of drama, but in the end, Sussex Central proved to be the stronger side on that night.

Surry County’s inability to produce scoring early in the game proved costly. The team has shown a tendency to score late, as reflected in their season averages, where they’ve only managed an average of 22 points per game, primarily relying on a solid 3rd-quarter performance. Meanwhile, Sussex Central has shown more consistency throughout the game, averaging 23.2 points per contest.

Team Scoring Averages

• Surry County: The team’s scoring dynamics are marked by late-game pushbacks. Their scoring by quarter shows minimal offense in the first half, with a notable 6-point surge in the 3rd quarter and an overall score of 22 points per game.
• Sussex Central: More consistent throughout, Sussex Central averages 23.2 points per game, indicating a better ability to perform across all four quarters. Their scoring appears to be more evenly distributed, helping them close out games effectively.

Head-to-Head: Last Week’s Encounter

In the most recent matchup on November 8th, Sussex Central managed to edge out Surry County by 8 points, with a final score of 36-28. The game, played at Sussex Central, was a significant win for the home team. Despite the defeat, Surry County’s late-game offense showed promise, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the earlier deficit.

Common Opponents Breakdown

Both teams faced several common opponents this season, but their records against these teams highlight contrasting performances:

• Brunswick: Surry County lost 35-20 to Brunswick, while Sussex Central faced Brunswick on November 1st and also lost 18-6.
• Greensville County: Surry County was defeated 30-6 by Greensville, while Sussex Central had a closer loss, 36-28.
• Franklin: Surry County defeated Franklin 30-14, while Sussex Central came up short, losing 20-18.
• Windsor: Both teams met Windsor with different results. Surry County won 42-12, while Sussex Central managed to beat Windsor 30-12 in their matchup.
• Southampton: A challenging opponent for both, Surry County suffered a crushing 57-6 defeat, while Sussex Central lost 56-8.

Looking Ahead: Playoff Implications

While Surry County’s playoff hopes are slim given their overall record, Sussex Central has the potential to continue their postseason journey with a better finish. The head-to-head matchup between the two teams, combined with their respective records and performances throughout the season, gives Sussex Central the upper hand heading into their playoff game.

Despite the clear challenges faced by Surry County, they’ll look to rally and improve on their late-game performances as they prepare for a crucial away game against Sussex Central, hoping to turn their fortunes around.

Conclusion

As both teams head into their final playoff push, Sussex Central seems to have the edge, but Surry County’s potential for late-game heroics could make for a thrilling conclusion to their season. With both teams having faced similar challenges, the playoff matchup promises to be an exciting and tightly contested game. Whether Surry County can overcome their struggles and rise to the occasion, or Sussex Central proves their superiority, the outcome will be one to watch closely.