The North Stafford (Stafford, VA) varsity football team is set to host a home playoff game against Woodbridge (VA) today at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Virginia High School Football
Who: Woodbridge vs North Stafford
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
“2024 VHSL Football State Brackets (Virginia) – Class 6”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

Woodbridge vs. North Stafford: A Showdown of Virginia Football Excellence

As the 2024-2025 high school football season progresses, two powerhouse teams from Virginia’s Division 49—Woodbridge and North Stafford—have stood out for their impressive records, strong performances, and individual talents. With contrasting styles and a shared determination to succeed, these teams are making waves in the region. Here’s a detailed comparison of these two teams as they gear up for what could be an exciting postseason battle.

Team Records & Performance Breakdown

Woodbridge (7-3 overall, 6-0 region)
Woodbridge enters the season with a 7-3 overall record, dominating their regional opponents with a perfect 6-0 region mark. The team has demonstrated resilience, particularly in close games, finishing with a win percentage of 70%. Their ability to score heavily in the final quarter has been a key factor in their success, averaging 14.5 points in the fourth quarter alone.

North Stafford (8-2 overall, 5-1 region)
On the other hand, North Stafford has proven to be a juggernaut, with an 8-2 record and an 83.3% win rate in regional play. While their overall win percentage of 80% is strong, it’s their consistency across all four quarters that sets them apart, with notable strength in the first and second quarters, averaging over 6 points in each.

Scoring & Team Efficiency

When it comes to scoring, both teams are highly competitive, with slight differences in their approach:

• Woodbridge averages 29.9 points per game, with a distinct pattern of coming alive in the later stages of the game. Their fourth-quarter performances have been pivotal to their success, with an average of 14.5 points in the final quarter, allowing them to finish strong.
• North Stafford, with an average of 30.1 points per game, has been more consistent across all quarters, especially in the second and third, where they put up solid scoring numbers (8.2 and 9.2 points per quarter, respectively). This balance allows them to sustain leads throughout the game.

Statistical Comparison

In terms of offensive production:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Both teams are nearly neck and neck, with Woodbridge at 128.4 yards per game and North Stafford slightly ahead at 129.6 yards per game. This reflects a reliance on a balanced attack with both teams running the ball effectively.
• Passing Yards Per Game: The difference is more pronounced here, with Woodbridge averaging 160.8 passing yards per game compared to North Stafford’s 227.9. North Stafford’s potent passing game has been led by standout quarterback Chase Sullivan, who has been a key factor in their high-scoring offense.
• Receiving Yards: Similar to their passing game, North Stafford edges out Woodbridge in receiving yards, averaging 210.2 compared to Woodbridge’s 161.1 yards per game. This speaks to their ability to stretch the field and create big plays through the air.
• Total Yards: North Stafford leads in total yardage, averaging 357.5 yards per game compared to Woodbridge’s 289.2. This further highlights North Stafford’s more balanced and explosive offense.

Individual Performances

Both teams boast standout players:

• Woodbridge relies heavily on Marquece Sharpe, who leads the team with 79.6 rushing yards per game, and Denari Hill, who contributes significantly in the passing game, averaging 151.8 yards per game. The team also features strong defensive leadership in Bishop Prescott, who has posted 0.5 tackles and sacks per game.
• North Stafford’s offensive attack revolves around Chase Sullivan, who has been a force through the air, averaging 227.9 passing yards per game, and his connection with Kenaz Sullivan, who leads the receiving corps with 75.1 yards per game. Defensively, Kon’Trel Hamn stands out with 9.4 tackles per game, helping to anchor their defense.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced tough competition this season, but their encounter with Colonial Forge serves as an interesting comparison point:

• Woodbridge narrowly lost to Colonial Forge 22-21 in a tough matchup.
• North Stafford managed to defeat Colonial Forge 27-17, showcasing their ability to rise to the challenge when facing elite competition.

Home vs. Away Performance

• Woodbridge has been strong at home, posting a 4-1 record, and while they’ve been solid away (3-2), their performance is more dependable on their home turf.
• North Stafford, similarly, has been nearly perfect at home (4-1), but their 4-1 away record demonstrates their versatility and ability to perform in hostile environments.

Head-to-Head and Playoff Outlook

As of now, neither team has faced off directly this season, but with both teams dominating their respective regions, a potential playoff matchup looms large. Historically, both squads have proven capable of deep playoff runs, with Woodbridge holding a strong in-state record (7-3) and North Stafford also boasting a solid 8-2 mark.

Conclusion

The matchup between Woodbridge and North Stafford promises to be one of the most exciting in the region. With both teams showing offensive firepower and defensive prowess, it will likely come down to which team can execute their game plan most effectively when it matters most. North Stafford’s passing game and balanced attack may give them the edge, but Woodbridge’s ability to perform in the clutch, especially in the final quarter, makes them a formidable opponent. Football fans across Virginia will surely be keeping an eye on this potential postseason clash.