The Abilene (TX) varsity football team will face Aledo (TX) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, in the 2024 Football Conference 5A Division 1 tournament.

Abilene vs Aledo Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Abilene vs Aledo
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 5A D1
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Game preview: Abilene vs Aledo

As the Texas high school football season intensifies, two powerhouse teams, Aledo and Abilene, stand ready to face off. Both squads have posted impressive records, with Aledo boasting a 10-1 overall record and Abilene not far behind at 8-3. Let’s dive into the numbers to compare the teams and set the stage for a thrilling contest.

Team Records and Rankings

Aledo (24-25) enters the game ranked 76th nationally and 21st in Texas, with a strong 8-0 district record. Their offense has been explosive, racking up 599 points this season while holding opponents to just 162. With a win percentage of .909, Aledo is in peak form heading into the postseason.

Abilene (24-25) holds a national ranking of 222 and sits at 66th in Texas. Their overall record of 8-3 includes a 5-1 district mark and a solid performance both at home and away. With a slightly lower win percentage of .727, Abilene has still been competitive, averaging 559 points scored and 343 allowed.

Scoring Breakdown

Aledo’s offense has been consistently strong throughout the game, averaging 54.5 points per contest. They are particularly dominant in the first half, scoring an average of 36.5 points by halftime. By contrast, Abilene has shown resilience late in games, with a noticeable surge in the fourth quarter, where they average 13.3 points. Overall, Abilene scores 50.8 points per game, making them a potent offensive threat despite trailing Aledo’s scoring figures.

Team Stat Comparison

When comparing team statistics, Aledo holds a slight edge in most categories:

• Rushing Yards: Aledo averages 229.5 yards per game, outpacing Abilene’s 184.9.
• Passing Yards: Abilene is ahead in the passing game with 218.6 yards per game, compared to Aledo’s 220.1.
• Total Yards: Aledo averages 449.5 total yards per game, while Abilene records 403.5.
• Points Per Game: Aledo’s average of 55.4 points per game is significantly higher than Abilene’s 35.6.

Defensively, Aledo is more aggressive, averaging 50.6 tackles per game and 1.7 sacks per game. Abilene, on the other hand, records 47.9 tackles per game with 1.1 sacks. The teams will both rely on their defensive units to make key stops as they look to progress in the playoffs.

Individual Player Impact

Both teams have standout players who are sure to make a difference on the field:

• Raycine Guillory (Aledo): The junior running back is a force, with an average of 104 rushing yards per game. His consistent performance will be crucial in maintaining Aledo’s ground game.
• Brayden Henry (Abilene): Henry has been a dual-threat, averaging 113.1 rushing yards and 153 passing yards per game. His versatility will keep Aledo’s defense guessing.
• Gavin Beard (Aledo): As a key passer for Aledo, Beard averages 210.0 passing yards per game and is expected to exploit Abilene’s secondary.
• Ryland Bradford (Abilene): Bradford has been Abilene’s top receiver, averaging 103.4 yards per game, and will be a key target for Henry.

On defense, Chase Wilburn (Aledo) leads with 5.5 tackles per game, while Demotric Sanchez (Abilene) is the leader for his team with 8.1 tackles per game. These players will play pivotal roles in their team’s efforts to stifle the opposition’s offensive attacks.

Playoff Prospects

Both teams have solid playoff records, with Aledo holding a 1-0 postseason record, while Abilene also carries a 1-0 record in the playoffs. These performances demonstrate their capability to rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

Although Aledo and Abilene have yet to meet this season, the stage is set for an exciting encounter. Both teams have faced tough competition and will be looking to assert their dominance in this high-stakes matchup.

Conclusion

The Aledo vs. Abilene game promises to be a clash of titans, with Aledo’s high-powered offense and Abilene’s late-game resilience. Fans can expect a thrilling contest, filled with dynamic plays and standout performances. As the postseason looms, this game will be an important indicator of which team is primed for a deep playoff run.