The Varina High School varsity football team will face Hanover High School in a neutral-site playoff game today at 7 p.m. The matchup is part of the 2024 VHSL Football State Brackets (Virginia) – Class 4 tournament and will be held at Varina High School in Richmond, VA.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Virginia High School Football
Who: Varina vs Hanover
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

• Hanover vs. Varina: A Clash of Football Titans in the 2024-25 SeasonAs the 2024-25 high school football season enters its most intense phase, the rivalry between Hanover and Varina has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. With both teams heading into a critical playoff matchup, it’s time to take a deep dive into their season records, head-to-head performances, and what fans can expect when these two teams square off.
  

  Team Overview: Hanover and Varina’s 2024-25 Records

  Hanover High School (Mechanicsville, VA) comes into this matchup with a solid overall record of 6-4. In their region, they have posted a .500 record (3-3), showing their competitive nature despite facing tough opponents. Their offensive performance has been decent, averaging 28.7 points per game (PF) and allowing 198 total points (PA). Their home record stands at 3-2, and they’ve been equally strong on the road, with a 3-2 record away from home. However, the Hanover Hawks will need to improve their consistency in the first half of games if they are to pull off an upset against Varina.

  On the other side, Varina High School (Richmond, VA) has been dominant in their 2024-25 campaign, boasting an impressive 8-1 overall record. Their region play has been flawless, with a perfect 6-0 record against local rivals. Varina’s offense has been potent, averaging 33.8 points per game (PF) and allowing just 113 points (PA). With a strong 4-1 home record and an undefeated 4-0 record away, Varina comes into the playoff game as the clear favorite. Their high-scoring offense, particularly in the first quarter, sets them apart from other teams in the region.

  Recent Head-to-Head: Varina’s Dominance

  The last meeting between these two teams came on October 17, 2024, where Varina triumphed over Hanover in a commanding 28-13 victory. Despite Hanover’s strong finish with 13 points in the fourth quarter, Varina had already built an insurmountable lead. Varina’s first-half performance was particularly impressive, outscoring Hanover 20-0 through three quarters before Hanover found some rhythm in the final period.

  The box score from this game highlighted Varina’s offensive efficiency, as they capitalized on Hanover’s early struggles. The stakes are higher for the upcoming game, where Hanover will need to regroup and find ways to exploit the gaps Varina’s defense showed during their earlier meeting.

  Scoring Trends: How the Teams Compare

  Hanover‘s scoring averages show an interesting trend. The team struggles in the early parts of the game, averaging just 3.5 points in the first quarter and failing to score in the second quarter. However, their offense comes alive in the second half, with an impressive 10.0 points per game in the fourth quarter. This late-game surge is something they’ll need to carry over into the playoff game against Varina, but they’ll have to find a way to start faster.

  Varina, by contrast, has a more balanced scoring approach. They average a strong 10.3 points in the first quarter, allowing them to build early leads. Their offensive strength dips slightly in the second half, but their consistent production throughout the game, including an impressive overtime score of 7.0 points per game, has been key to their success.

  Common Opponents: Insights from Past Matchups

  Both Hanover and Varina faced similar opponents during the regular season, but their results were vastly different. When playing against Atlee, Hanover struggled, losing 17-7 at home on September 27, 2024. Varina, on the other hand, crushed Atlee 47-13 on October 24, 2024, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive depth.

  Against Patrick Henry, both teams recorded victories, but Varina’s 40-0 blowout on November 8, 2024, was particularly impressive compared to Hanover’s 31-6 win on October 4, 2024. This performance against common opponents further cements Varina’s position as the dominant team heading into the playoffs.

  Playoff Prospects: What to Expect in the 2024-25 Showdown

  With both teams set to meet once again in a neutral playoff game, the stakes have never been higher. Varina enters as the top contender, with a 1-0 head-to-head record over Hanover and an unbeaten record against common opponents. Their offense, led by explosive playmakers, will look to outscore Hanover from the outset, while their defense will aim to shut down Hanover’s late-game surge.

  For Hanover, the key to victory lies in their ability to start stronger and maintain offensive balance throughout the game. If they can neutralize Varina’s quick start and execute more consistently across all four quarters, they could make it a much closer game.

  As the teams prepare for their playoff showdown, fans can expect an exciting matchup filled with intensity, high-flying offense, and hard-hitting defense. Will Hanover upset the odds, or will Varina continue their dominant run toward the championship? Only time will tell.

  Conclusion

  As we head into the final games of the 2024-25 season, the rivalry between Hanover and Varina promises to deliver a memorable playoff battle. With Varina holding the advantage in their recent meetings and overall season performance, Hanover will need to step up their game to challenge the reigning powerhouse. The game promises to be an exciting conclusion to what has already been a thrilling season. Fans of both teams will undoubtedly be watching closely as these two football giants collide