The Albany (TX) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Archer City (TX) on Thursday, November 21, at 7:00 PM at Graham High School. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, specifically the 2024 Football Conference 2A Division 2 tournament.

Albany vs Archer City Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Albany vs Archer City
When: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 2A D2
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Game preview: Albany vs Archer City

As the 2024-2025 football season progresses, two standout teams in the state of Texas—Archer City and Albany—have made their mark. These two teams not only compete in the same region, but they also share a rich history of athletic success. Let’s take a closer look at their respective seasons, rankings, and head-to-head performances to understand what makes these teams formidable.

Team Overview & Rankings

Archer City Wildcats (24-25)

• Record: 8-3
• District: 4-2
• State Ranking: 352
• Section Ranking: 745

Archer City enters the season with a solid 8-3 record, having been dominant at home with a 5-1 mark. They boast a balanced offense that puts up 421 points while allowing 260. Their win percentage stands at .727, with a district win percentage of .667. The Wildcats’ offense is led by dynamic player Landon Smith, who leads the team in total yards and rushing yards per game.

Albany Lions (24-25)

• Record: 8-2
• District: 4-0
• State Ranking: 201
• Section Ranking: 434

Albany, with an 8-2 record, is having a highly successful season. The Lions are undefeated in district play, having a perfect 4-0 mark in district games, and have scored 391 points while allowing just 150. Their win percentage is an impressive .800, with a perfect 5-0 record at home. The Lions are particularly strong on both sides of the ball, with standout performances from Branson Beal and Chip Chambers.

Offensive & Defensive Performance Comparison

Scoring Averages
Both teams have potent offenses. Archer City averages 38.3 points per game, while Albany scores slightly more at 39.1 points per game. Both teams demonstrate explosive potential, especially in the first half of games. Albany averages 8.3 points in the first quarter, while Archer City scores 4.3, with Albany maintaining a strong lead into the second quarter.

Total Yards Per Game

• Archer City: 424.6 yards
• Albany: 390.1 yards

Archer City outpaces Albany in total yardage, gaining an average of 424.6 yards per game compared to Albany’s 390.1. Archer City relies heavily on the rushing game, averaging 362.5 yards per game on the ground, but Albany is close behind with 209.4 rushing yards per game. Albany’s offense is more balanced, with 180.7 passing yards per game.

Team Leaders

• Archer City:
  • Landon Smith: 184.9 rushing yards per game
  • Noah Cornell: 21.5 receiving yards per game
  • Jake Strenski: 8.5 tackles per game
  • Johnathan Clay: 0.5 sacks per game
• Albany:
  • Branson Beal: 117.4 rushing yards per game
  • Chip Chambers: 179.0 receiving yards per game
  • Bennett Neece: 8.6 tackles per game
  • Coy Flowers: 0.8 sacks per game

While both teams have standout players, Archer City’s Landon Smith is a key offensive weapon, leading in both rushing and total yards. On defense, Albany’s Bennett Neece and Coy Flowers are leaders, while Archer City’s Jake Strenski and Johnathan Clay provide consistency in the defensive front.

Head-to-Head & Common Opponents

When comparing head-to-head matchups and games against common opponents, Albany has proven to be more dominant. Both teams faced Anson and Seymour during the season:

• Against Anson:
  • Archer City: Lost 50-28
  • Albany: Won 27-17
• Against Seymour:
  • Archer City: Won 38-30
  • Albany: Won 35-7

Albany won both of its games against these common opponents, while Archer City split its two matchups, highlighting Albany’s edge in performance against similar teams.

Record Breakdown & Playoff Outlook

Both teams are postseason contenders, but Albany holds the edge with a perfect district record and a slightly better overall record. Both teams have demonstrated resilience and strong performances on the field, with each having a solid home record (Archer City 5-1 and Albany 5-0).

Archer City’s 3-2 away record shows they can win in tough environments, while Albany’s undefeated home record stands out as a testament to their dominance on their turf. Playoff implications will certainly be on the line when these two teams square off, and both will be looking to capitalize on their successful campaigns.

Conclusion

With similar records and outstanding individual performances, both Archer City and Albany are making a name for themselves in the Texas high school football scene. As they head into the postseason, fans can expect a fierce battle between two teams that have shown themselves to be among the best in the region. Whether it’s the powerhouse offense of Archer City or the all-around strength of Albany, this rivalry promises to deliver thrilling action for the remainder of the season.