The DeSoto (TX) varsity football team is facing Willis (TX) in a neutral playoff game today at 7 p.m. at The Star in Frisco, TX. This game is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships for the 6A Division 2 tournament.

Willis vs DeSoto Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Willis vs DeSoto
When: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 6A D2
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Willis vs DeSoto

The upcoming high school football game between the Willis Wildkats and the DeSoto Eagles promises to be an exciting and hard-fought contest. Both teams have put together remarkable seasons in 2024-2025, finishing with strong records and impressive statistics that make this matchup one to watch closely. Here’s a breakdown of the two teams’ performance this season:

Team Records and Rankings

• Willis Wildkats (24-25)
  • Overall Record: 12-0 (Perfect Season)
  • District Record: 8-0
  • Home Record: 6-0
  • Away Record: 5-0
  • Neutral Site Record: 1-0
  • Points Scored (PF): 652
  • Points Allowed (PA): 215
  • National Rank: #100
  • State Rank (TX): #19
  • Section Rank: #9
  • State Division Rank: #16
• DeSoto Eagles (24-25)
  • Overall Record: 10-2
  • District Record: 6-1
  • Home Record: 5-2
  • Away Record: 3-0
  • Neutral Site Record: 2-0
  • Points Scored (PF): 644
  • Points Allowed (PA): 242
  • National Rank: #24
  • State Rank (TX): #5
  • Section Rank: #2
  • State Division Rank: #5

Both teams have been dominant in their respective districts, with Willis going undefeated and DeSoto only losing twice, showcasing their prowess on both sides of the ball.

Team Scoring Averages

In terms of scoring, both teams have been consistently high-scoring, with Willis averaging 54.3 points per game and DeSoto following closely with 53.7 points per game. Here’s a breakdown of their scoring by quarter:

• Willis:
  • Q1: 17.5 points
  • Q2: 20.4 points
  • Q3: 8.7 points
  • Q4: 8.3 points
• DeSoto:
  • Q1: 17.1 points
  • Q2: 15.5 points
  • Q3: 11.8 points
  • Q4: 8.8 points

Willis tends to perform strong in the first half, with its peak coming in the second quarter, while DeSoto’s strongest period is the third quarter, where they tend to make significant adjustments.

Offensive and Defensive Breakdown

Offensively, both teams are powerhouses, though DeSoto excels in the running game, averaging 311.7 rushing yards per game, while Willis lags behind with 175.8 yards. However, Willis makes up for it with a balanced offensive attack, as they throw for an average of 322.5 passing yards per game, far surpassing DeSoto’s 215.1 passing yards.

• Total Yards Per Game:
  • Willis: 498.3 yards
  • DeSoto: 526.8 yards
• Tackles Per Game:
  • Willis: 58.9
  • DeSoto: 57.4
• Sacks Per Game:
  • Willis: 3.6
  • DeSoto: 2.6

While DeSoto has the edge in total yards, Willis has the advantage in passing and sacks per game, which could prove crucial in a high-intensity game.

Key Players to Watch

• Willis:
  • Terri Lawrence (#5): Leading the Wildkats’ rushing attack with 65.1 yards per game.
  • Jack Emerson (#16): A key player in the passing game, with 304.1 passing yards per game.
  • Jermaine Bishop Jr. (#7): A standout receiver with 119.4 yards per game.
• DeSoto:
  • Deondrae Riden Jr. (#1): A dynamic rusher who averages 135.5 yards per game.
  • Kelden Ryan (#3): A powerful player with 187.9 passing yards per game.
  • Daylon Singleton (#13): A top receiver, with 77.8 yards per game.

With explosive athletes on both sides, it’s clear that both teams have the talent to dominate at any moment.

Home vs. Away Records

Both teams are solid at home, but Willis has been particularly dominant with a perfect 6-0 record at home. DeSoto has also performed well on the road, with an impressive 3-0 away record. This suggests that the game’s location could have a significant impact on the outcome, but it also highlights the adaptability of these teams on the road.

Conclusion: What to Expect

With both teams boasting high-powered offenses and tough defenses, this game is expected to be a battle of wills. Willis’ perfect season and balanced offensive attack will face off against DeSoto’s dynamic rushing game and strong overall performance. This matchup promises to be one of the most thrilling contests of the season, with both teams eager to continue their winning ways as the playoffs approach.

Whether at home or on the road, both teams have shown they can rise to the occasion. Fans are in for a treat as these two Texas high school football powerhouses meet on the field!