The West Liberty-Salem Tigers (11-1) varsity football team from West Liberty, OH, will face off against the Waynesville Spartans (2-2) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets for Ohio’s Region 20 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Ohio High School Football
Who: West Liberty-Salem vs Waynesville
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Bracket: 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 20
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Game preview: West Liberty-Salem vs Waynesville

As the high school football season continues to unfold, one matchup to keep an eye on is between the Waynesville Spartans and the West Liberty-Salem Tigers. These two teams, while both part of the Ohio Division ranks, are on very different paths this season. Here’s a breakdown of their performance so far and what fans can expect from their upcoming contest.

Team Overview

Waynesville Spartans
The Waynesville Spartans currently hold a record of 2-2, with a balanced home and away record (2-1 at home, 0-1 on the road). Their overall win percentage stands at .500, but they have yet to capture a victory in conference play, with a 0-1 mark in their league. With a total of 118 points scored and 107 points allowed, Waynesville has had a relatively low-scoring season, averaging 29.5 points per game. However, they will need to step up their performance in the second half of the season to improve their conference standing.

West Liberty-Salem Tigers
In stark contrast, the West Liberty-Salem Tigers are off to an impressive 11-1 start. Their record includes a dominant 7-1 conference showing, and they have been particularly effective at home, posting a 5-1 record. With a win percentage of .917 overall and .875 in conference play, West Liberty-Salem has been one of the most formidable teams in their division. Scoring an average of 37.6 points per game, the Tigers have been an offensive powerhouse, putting up 451 total points so far while allowing just 212. They have shown strength in all phases of the game, making them a dangerous opponent for any team they face.

Head-to-Head Breakdown

Although the teams have yet to face each other this season, their overall records tell a tale of contrasting fortunes. Waynesville has struggled against higher-caliber competition, while West Liberty-Salem has thrived, particularly in conference play. West Liberty-Salem’s only loss came outside the conference, while Waynesville’s losses have come in both conference and non-conference matchups.

Scoring Analysis

In terms of scoring averages, West Liberty-Salem holds a clear advantage. Their offensive prowess is evident in each quarter, as they average 11.0 points in the first, 12.8 in the second, 10.3 in the third, and 5.5 in the fourth. In contrast, Waynesville struggles to maintain consistency, averaging just 3.5 points in the first quarter and 7.0 in the second. The Spartans have been unable to put up points in the second half, scoring a combined zero points in both the third and fourth quarters in their previous games.

Key Metrics and Team Strengths

• Waynesville
  • Overall record: 2-2
  • Conference record: 0-1
  • Home record: 2-1
  • Away record: 0-1
  • Points Scored: 118
  • Points Allowed: 107
• West Liberty-Salem
  • Overall record: 11-1
  • Conference record: 7-1
  • Home record: 5-1
  • Away record: 5-0
  • Points Scored: 451
  • Points Allowed: 212

Playoff Implications

Looking ahead, the playoff implications for both teams are significant. West Liberty-Salem has the potential to make a deep run with their strong record and offensive firepower, while Waynesville, with a more modest record, will need to improve their form significantly, particularly in conference games, to stay in the playoff race.

Conclusion

This matchup between Waynesville and West Liberty-Salem highlights the contrasting fortunes of the two teams. The Spartans, with a lot of work to do, will have to find ways to capitalize on early momentum and shore up their second-half struggles. On the other hand, West Liberty-Salem looks poised to continue their dominant season and prove they are a serious contender in Ohio high school football. Fans should expect a competitive game, with Waynesville hoping to rise to the challenge and West Liberty-Salem aiming to keep their high-flying offense rolling.