The Aquilla (TX) varsity football team will face Union Hill (Gilmer, TX) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM at Mabank. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, specifically the 6-Man 1A Division 1 tournament.
Aquilla vs Union Hill Game Info:
What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Aquilla vs Union Hill
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football 6-Man 1A D1
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Game preview: Aquilla vs Union Hill
The matchup between Union Hill and Aquilla highlights two dominant teams with impressive records this season. Both teams are riding high with winning percentages above .800, showcasing their dominance in Texas high school football. Union Hill, with an overall record of 9-2, and Aquilla, at 10-1, are poised to meet with plenty of expectations riding on their performance.
Team Records and Performance Breakdown
Union Hill
- Overall Record: 9-2
- District Record: 4-0
- Home Record: 5-1
- Away Record: 2-1
- Neutral Record: 2-0
- Win Percentage: .818
- District Win Percentage: 1.000
- Points Scored: 600
- Points Allowed: 253
Union Hill’s season has been highlighted by a solid offense and a strong defense. With an average of 54.5 points per game, they have demonstrated their ability to dominate in all aspects. The team’s performance has been balanced, with significant contributions both in the rushing and passing game. Their win streak in the district has been flawless, going 4-0, with key players like Ej Mowery leading the way.
Aquilla
- Overall Record: 10-1
- District Record: 3-1
- Home Record: 5-1
- Away Record: 4-0
- Neutral Record: 1-0
- Win Percentage: .909
- District Win Percentage: .750
- Points Scored: 589
- Points Allowed: 190
Aquilla, with a slightly better record at 10-1, has also been performing at an elite level. Their defense has been particularly impressive, allowing only 190 points on the season. Offensively, their team averages 53.5 points per game, just a shade below Union Hill’s 54.5. Aquilla’s only loss came in a district matchup, but their impressive out-of-district performances—including a victory over Milford—show their ability to rise to the occasion when facing strong teams.
Scoring and Statistical Comparisons
When it comes to scoring averages, both teams are nearly identical, with Union Hill averaging 54.5 points per game and Aquilla slightly behind at 53.5. The real difference between the two teams appears in their offensive playstyles. Union Hill has been more diverse, with a more balanced offensive attack across rushing (171.7 yards per game) and passing (224.6 yards per game). Meanwhile, Aquilla relies more heavily on their rushing game, averaging a robust 234.0 yards per game, though their passing yards per game are much lower at 81.5.
In terms of defensive statistics, both teams show strong tackle rates, with Union Hill averaging 50.5 tackles per game and Aquilla slightly ahead with 51.0 tackles per game. However, Union Hill has a notable advantage in total yards per game, with 396.4 compared to Aquilla’s 315.5.
Key Players to Watch
For Union Hill, Ej Mowery has been a standout player, leading in rushing yards (131.4 yards per game), passing yards (222.5 per game), and total yards (353.9 yards per game). Mowery’s versatility and all-around play have been key to Union Hill’s success. Additionally, Payton Dunn has been a reliable receiver with 50.4 yards per game.
Aquilla’s TC Hennig has been the focal point of their offense, with 110.3 rushing yards per game and 148.6 total yards per game. Hennig has proven to be a dual-threat with a solid rushing attack, though Union Hill’s defense may present a tougher challenge than Aquilla has faced this season. Other notable players like Gavin Earl (39.8 receiving yards per game) will also be critical to Aquilla’s offensive strategy.
Head-to-Head Performance
The two teams share a common slate of opponents, and in each case, they emerged victorious. Both Union Hill and Aquilla beat Oakwood, East Texas Homeschool Sports, and Milford, with Union Hill winning by scores of 63-14, 54-6, and 68-22, while Aquilla won 60-14, 62-14, and 52-6 in those same matchups. This commonality in success only further emphasizes the strength of both teams as they prepare for their respective challenges.
Conclusion
As Union Hill and Aquilla prepare to face off, the matchup promises to be an exciting contest between two of the best teams in the state. While Union Hill has shown a more balanced attack, Aquilla’s strong rushing game and elite defense could provide the perfect counterbalance. Both teams have excelled in district play, and with their shared dominance over common opponents, fans are eagerly awaiting what should be a thrilling showdown.
With both teams boasting excellent records and stellar individual performers, the upcoming game is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated matchups of the season.
