The Wirt County Tigers (7-3) varsity football team from Elizabeth, WV, will host a home playoff game against the Tyler Knights (6-4) from Sistersville, WV, on Friday, November 15 at 7:30 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 WVSSAC Class A Football Playoffs.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Ohio High School Football
Who: Wirt County vs Tyler
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 WVSSAC Football Playoffs – A
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Game preview: Wirt County vs Tyler

The Tyler and Wirt County high school football teams have wrapped up strong seasons and are now set to face off in a highly anticipated matchup. Both teams bring impressive records, solid offensive firepower, and a strong defensive presence, making this game one to watch.

Season Recap and Rankings

• Tyler: The Knights stand with a 6-4 overall record and a 3-1 record in their region, ranking 57th in West Virginia. They’ve been formidable at home, finishing 3-2, and are equally competitive on the road at 3-2. Tyler boasts a season-long points-for total of 335 against 193 points allowed.
• Wirt County: At 7-3 overall and 4-1 in the region, Wirt County ranks 68th in West Virginia, showcasing a strong winning percentage of .700 and an even stronger .800 region percentage. Their offensive output has been impressive, with 446 points scored compared to 209 points allowed.

Scoring and Offensive Averages

Tyler averages 33.5 points per game, with balanced scoring across each quarter, while Wirt County is particularly dominant in the second quarter, averaging 16 points, and ends with an average of 44.6 points per game. This could point to Wirt County’s ability to quickly adjust and dominate in early game phases, a challenge that Tyler’s defense will need to be prepared for.

Team Stat Comparison

Wirt County outshines Tyler with a higher offensive yardage output:

• Rushing Yards: Wirt County racks up an impressive 255.4 rushing yards per game.
• Passing Yards: Averaging 210.8 passing yards, they exhibit a balanced offensive strategy.
• Total Yards: Wirt County generates 466.2 total yards per game, showcasing versatility and adaptability on the field.
• Points Per Game: Wirt County leads with a high-scoring 45.1 points per game, creating a substantial edge.

Key Players and Leaders

For Tyler, Brody Ewing stands out as the top rusher, averaging 167.7 rushing yards per game and scoring 18.6 points on average, well above the national average. Tyler Smith, their standout quarterback, averages 190.1 passing yards per game and racks up a total yardage of 197.7. Porter Goodwin is Smith’s go-to receiver, contributing 101.0 receiving yards per game.

Wirt County’s defensive leaders include Clayton Mills, who averages 9.2 tackles per game, and Easton Wyer, who’s a key pass rusher with 0.5 sacks per game.

Common Opponents

Both Tyler and Wirt County have gone up against Magnolia and St. Marys this season, each securing wins:

• Magnolia: Tyler defeated Magnolia 42-0, while Wirt County won 48-24.
• St. Marys: Tyler triumphed over St. Marys with a 39-12 score, and Wirt County also clinched a win, 42-7.

These performances show how close the two teams are in terms of competitive ability against shared opponents.

Home and Away Records

One of the decisive factors in this matchup might be home-field advantage. Tyler, with a respectable 3-2 home record, will need to make full use of familiar ground. Meanwhile, Wirt County has an undefeated 5-0 home record but has shown vulnerability on the road with a 2-3 away record.

Game Outlook

This game is set to be a battle of Tyler’s consistency against Wirt County’s high-powered offense. Tyler’s defense must find ways to disrupt Wirt County’s powerful second-quarter scoring bursts while capitalizing on Ewing’s and Smith’s leadership. Conversely, Wirt County’s explosive offense will aim to overpower Tyler’s defense with relentless rushing and passing strategies.

With both teams looking to close out the season on a high note, this matchup will come down to Tyler’s ability to contain Wirt County’s scoring potential and Wirt County’s adaptability on Tyler’s home turf.