The East Hardy (Baker, WV) varsity football team will host Wahama (Mason, WV) today in a home playoff game.

Game Details:

• Matchup: Wahama @ East Hardy
• Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024
• Event: 2024 WVSSAC Football Playoffs – A tournament

Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

Wahama Dominates East Hardy in 2024 Matchup: A Season to Remember

In an exciting showdown on August 30, 2024, the Wahama White Falcons (Mason, WV) triumphed over the East Hardy Cougars (Baker, WV) in a non-conference game, securing a dominant 45-14 victory. This win continues Wahama’s perfect season, as they remain unbeaten at 10-0, showing their prowess both at home and away. For East Hardy, the loss drops their record to 4-6, highlighting the challenges they’ve faced this season. Let’s take a closer look at the stats, performances, and overall season trends for both teams.

Wahama: Unstoppable Force

Wahama’s football program has been a powerhouse this season, maintaining a flawless record with an impressive 10-0 performance. They’ve dominated on both ends of the field, outscoring opponents by a margin of 569 points to 152. Their offensive strategy has been exceptional, with an average of 368.7 rushing yards per game. Senior running back Connor Lambert has been the standout player, contributing 174.8 rushing yards per game and an impressive 24 points per game. The team’s total offensive output is 455.7 yards per game, showcasing their ability to control the game.

Defensively, Wahama is also a force to be reckoned with, averaging 78.6 tackles per game, 1.3 sacks per game, and limiting opponents to just 152 points throughout the season. With an average of 49.5 points per game, Wahama is not only the top team in their region but also one of the most potent offenses in the state.

East Hardy: Struggling to Find Consistency

On the other side, East Hardy’s season has been filled with ups and downs, as they end the regular season with a 4-6 record. Despite some strong individual performances, including quarterback Trace Simpkins with 86.8 passing yards per game, the Cougars have struggled to keep pace with top-tier teams. East Hardy’s offense has averaged just 26.6 points per game, a stark contrast to Wahama’s impressive 49.5 points.

The Cougars’ biggest challenge has been a lack of consistency on both sides of the ball. While they’ve had moments of success, particularly in their win against Doddridge County, their overall performance has been subpar, with an average of just 191 total points scored compared to Wahama’s staggering 569.

Head-to-Head Breakdown: Wahama’s Dominance

The head-to-head matchup on August 30, 2024, further emphasized Wahama’s dominance over East Hardy. Wahama won decisively with a 45-14 scoreline, capitalizing on East Hardy’s defensive lapses. The game saw Wahama’s offense in full swing, scoring consistently throughout the game: 14 points in each of the first three quarters, and an additional 3 points in the final quarter. East Hardy struggled offensively, failing to score in the second half and only managing 14 points overall.

This victory added to Wahama’s undefeated streak, which includes an impressive 8-0 region record, while East Hardy’s regional performance fell to 2-3. Both teams had a common opponent this season: Doddridge County. Wahama handled them comfortably, winning 48-24, while East Hardy fell short with a 13-3 loss to the same team.

Key Players: Stars of the Game

• Wahama: Connor Lambert continues to shine, leading the team with 174.8 rushing yards per game and contributing significantly in scoring. Hayden Lloyd and Trace Simpkins also add depth to the team’s offensive arsenal, with Lloyd averaging 40.5 receiving yards per game.
• East Hardy: While East Hardy has shown potential in flashes, the team lacks a consistent standout performer. Quarterback Trace Simpkins has been their top performer with 86.8 passing yards per game, but his efforts have often been undermined by a lack of support from the team.

Looking Ahead

With their 10-0 regular season record, Wahama heads into the postseason as one of the favorites, looking to carry their momentum into the playoffs. Their combination of a potent offense and strong defense will make them a formidable opponent for any team they face.

For East Hardy, it’s been a season of growing pains, and the team will need to regroup and focus on building consistency in all areas of the game. Despite the struggles this season, the Cougars have shown that they can compete at times, and with some adjustments, they will aim for better results in the future.

As the postseason approaches, Wahama’s exceptional form has made them a team to watch, while East Hardy will look to bounce back and find their stride next year.