Football Showdown: Sherman vs. Wahama – A Tale of Two Dominant Teams

As the 2024-2025 football season nears its end, two powerhouse teams from West Virginia have established themselves as the top contenders: Sherman and Wahama. Both teams have been on impressive runs this season, showcasing their talents and determination, but they differ in some key ways that make this matchup particularly intriguing. Let’s dive into the rankings, team stats, and records that highlight the fierce competition between these two teams. Watch WVSSAC Football Playoffs

Team Records & Rankings

Sherman has posted a strong record of 9-2 this season, with a solid .818 win percentage. Their performances at home and away have been quite balanced, with a 6-1 record at home and 3-1 on the road. Despite their success, they have faced challenges in the region, where their record stands at 1-2. They have scored a total of 348 points while allowing 212, showcasing a well-rounded offensive and defensive game.

Wahama, on the other hand, has been nearly perfect, finishing the regular season undefeated at 11-0. They are a dominant force in the region with a flawless 8-0 record. Their offense has been particularly potent, putting up an impressive 637 points, while their defense has allowed just 165 points. Wahama’s remarkable 1.000 region win percentage reflects their consistency and mastery over their opponents.

Offensive Firepower: Sherman vs. Wahama

When it comes to scoring, Wahama has an average of 57.9 points per game, a massive margin over Sherman’s 31.6 points per game. Wahama’s ability to generate offense in all four quarters is evident. They open strong with an average of 18.2 points in the first quarter, then steadily increase their offensive output with 24.5 points in the second quarter, before finishing with a steady 8.8 points in the third quarter and 6.5 points in the fourth quarter.

In contrast, Sherman’s scoring is more concentrated, with a total of 31.6 points per game across the entire contest, but no specific breakdown by quarter is available. Sherman’s attack is effective, but it lags behind Wahama’s high-powered offense.

Rushing & Passing Game

One of the starkest differences between the two teams lies in their rushing game. Sherman averages 220.5 rushing yards per game, led by Trey Lester, who contributes an impressive 79.7 yards per game. However, Wahama dominates in this category with an average of 372.3 rushing yards per game, with their star player Connor Lambert accounting for an astounding 174.8 yards per game. This disparity shows Wahama’s ability to control the ground game and wear down opponents.

While Sherman’s passing game averages 116.3 yards per game, Wahama’s aerial attack is less prominent, averaging 85.5 passing yards per game. However, Sherman tends to rely more on passing, with Eli Pauley leading the team with 108.7 passing yards per game. Wahama’s passing attack isn’t as central to their strategy, as they focus on a more run-heavy offense.

Defensive Strengths

On the defensive side, Wahama’s defense has been a step ahead of Sherman’s, averaging 78.2 tackles per game, compared to Sherman’s 61.8 tackles per game. The difference in tackling numbers suggests Wahama’s defense is more active and able to make plays. Both teams have an equal average of 1.2 sacks per game, reflecting a balanced pass rush. However, Sherman’s defense has been more effective in creating turnovers, which could be a key factor in their playoff push.

Team Leaders

For Sherman, Trey Lester has been the standout player, leading the team in rushing, receiving, and total yards per game, with a combined total of 126.5 yards per game. Dawson Green also anchors the defense with 10.5 tackles per game.

For Wahama, the leading rusher is Connor Lambert, who has been a force on the ground with 174.8 yards per game, while Trace Simpkins has been crucial in the passing game, with 85.2 passing yards per game. Defensively, Reezin Stitt has stood out with 8.8 tackles per game, leading the charge for a defense that has been suffocating all season long.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced Wirt County this season, with Sherman winning a close contest 24-22, and Wahama dominating with a 68-22 victory. This shows the stark difference in offensive output between the two teams when playing against the same opponent.

Conclusion

While both teams have impressive records and have shown dominance throughout the season, Wahama stands out as the clear favorite heading into any potential playoff matchup, largely due to their undefeated record and explosive offensive output. Sherman, while not as high-scoring, has shown resilience and strong performances, especially in the rushing game.

Ultimately, this contest between Sherman and Wahama will be an exciting display of football, with Sherman looking to outsmart their competition and Wahama looking to maintain their undefeated streak. This matchup promises to be one for the books, as both teams have the talent to go all the way.