The Bridgeland (Cypress, TX) varsity football team will face Waxahachie (TX) in a neutral playoff game today at 3:00 PM at Pfield Stadium. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 6A Division 1 tournament.
Bridgeland vs Waxahachie Game Info:
What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Bridgeland vs Waxahachie
When: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 6A D1
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: Bridgeland vs Waxahachie
As the 2024-2025 high school football season heats up, the Waxahachie Indians and Bridgeland Bears stand out as two of Texas’ most formidable teams. With impressive records and high-powered offenses, both squads are poised for deep playoff runs. Here’s a look at their respective seasons, strengths, and what makes this matchup so exciting.
Team Overview
Waxahachie Indians (9-3 overall, 5-2 district)
Waxahachie has proven itself to be a competitive force this season with a solid 9-3 overall record, including a 5-2 district performance. Their offense averages 32.3 points per game, with a balanced approach that features both a strong rushing game and capable passing attack. The Indians are averaging 118.2 rushing yards and 261.9 passing yards per game, making them a threat on both fronts. Defensively, they have been stout, allowing just 254 points across the season, translating to an average of 21.2 points per game allowed.
Key players for Waxahachie include quarterback Jerry Meyer III, who has thrown for an impressive 259 yards per game, and running back Wade Lemons, who averages 55.1 rushing yards per game. In the receiving corps, Tristian Gardner leads the way with 82.4 yards per game, providing a reliable target for Meyer. On defense, Da’marion Cooper leads with 10.8 tackles per game, and Cade Pointer adds depth with 1.3 sacks per game.
Bridgeland Bears (11-1 overall, 7-0 district)
Bridgeland has had a near-perfect season, finishing with an 11-1 overall record and a flawless 7-0 district mark. Averaging 37.0 points per game, their offense has been explosive, posting 459 total points across 12 games. Bridgeland excels in rushing yards, averaging a staggering 226.6 yards per game. Their quarterback, Tyler Begeal, leads an efficient passing attack with 89.6 yards per game. With Kash Schwab averaging 106.0 rushing yards per game and Ty Sexton contributing 62.3 receiving yards per game, the Bears have weapons all over the field.
Defensively, Cole Fattig has been a standout, contributing 1.0 sack per game and helping to limit opposing offenses. Bridgeland’s defense has allowed just 187 points all season, giving up only 15.6 points per game. They have also excelled in neutral-site games, holding a perfect 1-0 record.
Stat Comparison
When comparing the two teams, Bridgeland comes out ahead in several key categories. The Bears’ rushing game is dominant, with 226.6 rushing yards per game, compared to Waxahachie’s 118.2. Bridgeland also excels in total offense, averaging 394.3 total yards per game compared to Waxahachie’s 380.1. However, Waxahachie has a more balanced passing game, with 261.9 passing yards per game, far surpassing Bridgeland’s 167.6.
Both teams are relatively close in terms of total points scored, with Waxahachie averaging 32.3 points per game and Bridgeland scoring 37.0 points per game.
Strengths and Key Matchups
One of the most exciting aspects of this potential matchup is the contrast in styles between the two teams. Waxahachie’s balanced offense relies on both the run and the pass, while Bridgeland’s strength lies in their dominant rushing attack. The battle in the trenches, particularly between Waxahachie’s defensive line and Bridgeland’s offensive front, will be crucial. Waxahachie’s defense has shown resilience, but stopping Bridgeland’s ground game will be no small task.
On the other side of the ball, Bridgeland’s defense will need to keep pace with Waxahachie’s passing game, particularly with Meyer’s ability to find playmakers like Gardner in the open field. Waxahachie’s air attack could challenge a Bridgeland secondary that has yet to face a passing offense with the same explosiveness.
Playoff Implications
Both teams have already secured strong playoff positions, but a victory here could have significant implications for their postseason paths. Waxahachie, with its solid district record and balanced offense, will aim to challenge Bridgeland’s undefeated district performance. Bridgeland, on the other hand, will look to prove that their dominating season is no fluke as they move closer to a potential state championship appearance.
Conclusion
The Waxahachie Indians and Bridgeland Bears represent two of the most dynamic football teams in Texas this year. With both teams capable of scoring in multiple ways, this matchup promises to be an exciting and hard-fought contest. Fans can expect a thrilling battle between a balanced, explosive Waxahachie squad and a dominant, high-powered Bridgeland team. As these two contenders face off, the outcome could shape the landscape of the state playoffs for weeks to come.