The West Muskingum Tornadoes (9-2) from Zanesville, OH, will face off against the Wheelersburg Pirates (8-4) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 15 at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets for Region 19.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Ohio High School Football
Who: West Muskingum vs Wheelersburg
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 OHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (Ohio) – Region 19
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Game preview: West Muskingum vs Wheelersburg

As the high school football season unfolds, two teams that have been making waves in Ohio are Wheelersburg and West Muskingum. With solid performances and impressive records, both teams have proven to be formidable contenders. Here’s a breakdown of their season stats and what we can expect from these two powerhouse programs.

Wheelersburg Pirates: A Solid Performance

The Wheelersburg Pirates have had a strong season with an overall record of 8-4, excelling particularly in their conference play, where they went an undefeated 6-0. Their home and away splits are well-balanced, with a 3-2 record at home and a 4-2 record on the road. The Pirates’ offensive unit has been potent, scoring a total of 342 points while allowing 180 across the season.

Wheelersburg’s team scoring averages per quarter showcase their strong starts and consistency in the first half. They average 8.4 points in the first quarter and 16.2 in the second, suggesting that they often come out strong and build momentum. However, their performance tends to dip in the second half, averaging just 4.2 points in the third quarter and 2.0 in the fourth. With a win percentage of .667 overall and a perfect conference record, the Pirates have proven they can handle the competition.

West Muskingum Tornadoes: A Dominant Force

On the other hand, West Muskingum has been nothing short of dominant this season, boasting a 9-2 overall record. Their conference performance is solid, with a 2-1 record. However, it is their exceptional away game performance (5-0) that truly stands out. The Tornadoes have been tough to beat on the road, and their offense has been explosive, scoring a total of 409 points while allowing only 139.

West Muskingum’s offensive production is impressive, averaging 37.2 points per game. They score consistently across all quarters, with 7.2 points in the first, 12.0 in the second, 8.8 in the third, and 5.7 in the fourth. This ability to score across all phases of the game is a testament to their well-rounded offense. Their strong away record highlights their ability to perform under pressure, which could be crucial come playoff time.

Comparing the Two Teams

While Wheelersburg has had a strong season with a perfect conference record, West Muskingum has the edge in terms of overall performance and consistency. The Tornadoes have a higher win percentage at .818 compared to Wheelersburg’s .667, and their ability to dominate on the road makes them a dangerous team heading into postseason play.

However, the Pirates’ strong defensive showing, allowing just 180 points over the season, means they are capable of shutting down high-scoring offenses. With playoff matchups likely on the horizon, both teams have strengths that could make for a thrilling postseason battle. Wheelersburg’s defense versus West Muskingum’s offense will be a key storyline to follow.

Key Takeaways

• Wheelersburg: With an undefeated conference record and a solid defense, they are a balanced team that can compete at a high level, especially at home.
• West Muskingum: Their dynamic offense and perfect road record make them a formidable opponent, particularly as the season heads into the playoffs.
• Common Thread: Both teams have had success against their respective conference opponents, but their ability to handle non-conference and playoff pressure could define their seasons.

As these two teams head toward potential postseason matchups, the strength of their offense and defense will be put to the test. The Pirates will need to find a way to sustain their momentum throughout all four quarters, while West Muskingum’s high-powered offense will look to continue its impressive run. Football fans in Ohio will certainly have a lot to look forward to as these teams aim for a championship run.