The Wheeling Central Catholic varsity football team from Wheeling, WV, will host a home playoff game against Nicholas County from Summersville, WV. The matchup is scheduled for Friday, November 22, 2024, at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: West Virginia High School Football
- Teams: Nicholas County (NCHS) @ Wheeling Central Catholic (WCCHS)
- Date: Friday, November 22, 2024
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Location: Wheeling, WV
- Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
Nicholas County vs. Wheeling Central Catholic: A Statistical Showdown
The matchup between Nicholas County and Wheeling Central Catholic promises to be an exciting clash, featuring two teams with distinct strengths and impressive seasons. Both teams have shown strong performances, but the numbers indicate that Wheeling Central Catholic enters the game with a notable edge.
Season Overview
Nicholas County (6-4, Region 2-4)
- Overall Win %: .600
- Points For (PF): 252
- Points Against (PA): 165
- Strengths: A balanced offense with standout rushing contributions from Devin Nash.
- Challenges: A mixed regional record and inconsistency against stronger opponents.
Wheeling Central Catholic (8-2, Region 2-0)
- Overall Win %: .800
- Points For (PF): 375
- Points Against (PA): 170
- Strengths: Dominant scoring averages and consistency across home and away games.
- Challenges: Limited challenges in regional play due to fewer games.
Scoring Breakdown
Wheeling Central Catholic leads in scoring with an impressive 37.5 points per game, nearly 12 points higher than Nicholas County’s average of 25.2. A closer look at quarter-by-quarter scoring reveals Nicholas County’s struggles in early game production, averaging only 3.9 points in the first quarter, compared to Wheeling Central Catholic’s commanding 13.0.
| Quarter | Nicholas County | Wheeling Central Catholic |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 3.9 | 13.0 |
| Q2 | 9.4 | 8.1 |
| Q3 | 3.2 | 7.7 |
| Q4 | 6.9 | 7.6 |
Statistical Comparison
In terms of total yards, Wheeling Central Catholic holds an advantage with 382.7 yards per game compared to Nicholas County’s 300.1. Their rushing attack, led by Isaac Martin (94.3 rushing yards per game), is particularly effective, surpassing Nicholas County’s Devin Nash, despite his strong average of 112.2 rushing yards per game.
| Category | Nicholas County | Wheeling Central Catholic |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 192.6 | 254.7 |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 107.5 | 128.0 |
| Total Yards Per Game | 300.1 | 382.7 |
| Tackles Per Game | 69.9 | 59.0 |
| Sacks Per Game | 1.4 | 1.6 |
Team Leaders
Devin Nash is a standout for Nicholas County, contributing in rushing, receiving, and tackling, making him a critical player. For Wheeling Central Catholic, Nico Kusic’s balanced play as a passer and rusher complements Isaac Martin’s strong ground game.
| Stat | Nicholas County (Player) | Wheeling Central Catholic (Player) |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | Devin Nash (112.2) | Isaac Martin (94.3) |
| Passing Yards Per Game | Coleton Hellems (95.6) | Nico Kusic (100.7) |
| Receiving Yards Per Game | Devin Nash (24.8) | Braden Mcwreath (45.7) |
| Tackles Per Game | Devin Nash (16.9) | Wyatt Brady (9.5) |
Common Opponents
Both teams faced similar opponents during the season, with Wheeling Central Catholic showing dominance, particularly against Shady Spring (48-7) compared to Nicholas County’s loss (27-21). Their respective records against common opponents reinforce Wheeling Central Catholic’s position as the favorite.
| Opponent | Nicholas County Result | Wheeling Central Result |
|---|---|---|
| Chapmanville Regional | Win (20-7) | TBD |
| Midland Trail | Win (17-6) | Win (43-6) |
| Shady Spring | Loss (27-21) | Win (48-7) |
Keys to Victory
- Nicholas County: To compete with Wheeling Central Catholic, they need early offensive production and a standout performance from Devin Nash. Defensive consistency is crucial to contain the high-powered Wheeling Central offense.
- Wheeling Central Catholic: Capitalizing on their scoring efficiency and dominant rushing attack will be critical. Maintaining their strong first-quarter scoring trend could set the tone early.
Final Thoughts
While Nicholas County has the tools to challenge Wheeling Central Catholic, the latter’s balanced attack, dominant scoring averages, and consistent record make them the team to beat. With playoff aspirations on the line, fans can expect an intense and competitive game.
