The Argyle (TX) varsity football team will host Emerson (McKinney, TX) for a home playoff game on Friday, November 15 at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships in the 5A Division 2 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Argyle vs Emerson
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 5A D2
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Game preview: Argyle vs Emerson

As the 2024-2025 football season progresses, the match-up between Emerson and Argyle stands out as one of the most anticipated clashes of the year. Both teams have posted impressive records, and their offensive and defensive stats indicate an exciting, high-energy game ahead. Here’s a closer look at both teams’ performances and what fans can expect in this showdown.

Team Overview: Emerson vs. Argyle

Emerson comes into the game with a solid record of 7-3 overall, with a 5-3 district record. While they’ve had their ups and downs, their offensive unit has been a key factor in their success. With an average of 35.2 points per game, Emerson has shown the ability to put up big numbers. They’ve had a particularly strong performance in the third quarter, averaging 12.8 points. Their defense, on the other hand, allows an average of 19.6 points per game, with standout players like Agape Lawrence leading the team in tackles.

Argyle, boasting an impressive 9-1 record, has been the dominant force in their district, finishing with an undefeated 8-0 district record. Their high-powered offense leads the way with an average of 40.5 points per game, making them one of the top-scoring teams in the state. With a balanced attack that averages 199.6 rushing yards and 226.7 passing yards per game, Argyle is hard to stop. Their defense has also been stifling, allowing just 137 points across their ten games, with Brody Bomar anchoring their defensive line.

Key Statistics Comparison

Scoring Averages:

• Emerson averages 35.2 points per game, with the bulk of their scoring coming from the first three quarters (9.7 in the first, 10.3 in the second, and 12.8 in the third).
• Argyle has a slightly higher scoring average of 41.7 points per game. Their offense peaks in the first half, averaging 14.3 points in the first quarter and 13.1 points in the second quarter.

Offensive Production:

• Emerson puts up 349.6 total yards per game, with 166.9 rushing yards and 182.7 passing yards. Their offensive game relies on a balanced attack, with DJ Shelton leading the passing offense (175.9 yards per game) and William Wells contributing significantly in the running game (53.0 yards per game).
• Argyle has a more potent offense, totaling 426.3 yards per game. Their rushing game is slightly more dominant with 199.6 yards per game, led by Watson Bell (97.3 yards per game). The passing game, led by Maguire Gasperson, is equally dangerous, averaging 226.7 yards per game.

Defensive Production:

• Emerson averages 60.9 tackles per game and 3.0 sacks per game. They’ve been solid in stopping the run and applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
• Argyle has a slightly better defensive unit, recording 68.2 tackles and 1.9 sacks per game. While their pass rush isn’t as aggressive as Emerson’s, their ability to limit big plays has been a hallmark of their defense.

Head-to-Head Performance

While the two teams have not faced each other yet this season, their paths in terms of records and statistical dominance suggest that this game will be an intense battle. Emerson will need to rely on their balanced offense and solid defense to contain Argyle’s high-powered attack. Conversely, Argyle’s depth and efficiency in both running and passing will put immense pressure on Emerson’s defense.

Notable Players to Watch

For Emerson, DJ Shelton has been a dual-threat on offense, leading the team with 175.9 passing yards per game and contributing to the team’s overall yardage. On defense, Agape Lawrence stands out with 11.5 tackles per game, making him a key player to watch as he tries to stop Argyle’s prolific offensive playmakers.

For Argyle, the dynamic duo of Watson Bell (97.3 rushing yards per game) and Maguire Gasperson (212.6 total yards per game) will be key in breaking through Emerson’s defense. On defense, Brody Bomar has been a consistent presence, with a significant role in tackling and disrupting plays at the line of scrimmage.

Prediction

With Argyle’s undefeated district record and explosive offensive stats, they enter this game as the favorites. However, Emerson’s resilience and ability to put up big numbers on offense, especially in the third quarter, make them a formidable opponent. This game promises to be a high-scoring affair, with Argyle’s offensive efficiency potentially being the deciding factor. However, if Emerson can capitalize on their defensive strengths and control the tempo, they might just pull off an upset.

As both teams head into this thrilling contest, fans can expect a fast-paced, action-packed game that could go down to the wire.