Barnett Stadium, located at 6800 Fairway, Houston, Texas 77087, will host a neutral playoff game today at 7 p.m. The Barbers Hill (Mt. Belvieu, TX) varsity football team will face off against Sterling (Houston, TX) in the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 5A D1 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Barbers Hill vs Sterling
When: Friday, November 15, 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: Barbers Hill vs Sterling

As the football season heats up, fans are gearing up for an exciting matchup between two top-tier teams—Sterling and Barbers Hill. Both teams have impressive records and have shown remarkable performances this season. Let’s dive into the rankings, team stats, and leaders as these two teams prepare for their next showdown.

Sterling Football Overview (24-25 Season)

Sterling has had a strong season so far, finishing with an overall record of 7-3. In district play, they have excelled with a 7-1 record, boasting a winning percentage of .700 overall and .875 in district games. The team has scored 313 points while allowing 207, showing their strong offensive and defensive balance.

• Key Team Stats:
  • Rushing Yards Per Game: 162.3
  • Passing Yards Per Game: 4.2
  • Total Yards Per Game: 166.5
  • Tackles Per Game: 46.1
  • Sacks Per Game: 1.9
  • Points Per Game: 12.6
• Top Players:
  • Jaylin Williams (Rushing Yards Per Game): 92.9 yards
  • Elijah Jackson (Passing Yards Per Game): 6.0 yards
  • J’dyen Canady (Receiving Yards Per Game): 6.8 yards
  • J’dyen Canady (Tackles Per Game): 8.0 tackles
  • Jacob Booth (Sacks Per Game): 0.8 sacks

Sterling’s offense has been more focused on running, with Jaylin Williams leading the charge. However, they have faced challenges in the passing game, averaging just 4.2 passing yards per game. Despite that, their strong defense, led by Canady, and a solid rushing attack have kept them competitive throughout the season.

Barbers Hill Football Overview (24-25 Season)

Barbers Hill has also put together a solid campaign, matching Sterling’s 7-3 overall record. With a 4-2 district record, they’ve had a tough but successful run. Their offense has been explosive, scoring 430 points and allowing 238. They’ve been dominant at home, boasting a perfect 6-0 record, while struggling away with a 1-3 mark.

• Key Team Stats:
  • Rushing Yards Per Game: 221.3
  • Passing Yards Per Game: 172.5
  • Total Yards Per Game: 393.8
  • Tackles Per Game: 85.9
  • Sacks Per Game: 3.1
  • Points Per Game: 41.3
• Top Players:
  • Gabriel Howard (Rushing Yards Per Game): 72.4 yards
  • Zeke Cantu (Passing Yards Per Game): 147.0 yards
  • Kaegan Morton (Receiving Yards Per Game): 79.7 yards
  • Carson Hahn (Tackles Per Game): 11.8 tackles
  • Trae Clark (Sacks Per Game): 0.8 sacks

Barbers Hill has been a high-scoring team, averaging 43 points per game. Their balanced offense, led by quarterback Zeke Cantu and receiver Kaegan Morton, has kept defenses on their toes. Their defense is also formidable, with Carson Hahn leading the team in tackles and a solid 3.1 sacks per game.

Team Scoring Comparison

• Sterling: 31.3 points per game (0 in Q1, 6.0 in Q2, 0 in Q3, 0 in Q4)
• Barbers Hill: 43.0 points per game (11.1 in Q1, 14.6 in Q2, 6.9 in Q3, 8.0 in Q4, 7.0 in OT1, 8.0 in OT2)

Barbers Hill has been much more consistent in scoring, particularly in the first half, where they average over 25 points. Sterling, on the other hand, has struggled to put points on the board, especially early in the game. Their ability to adjust in later quarters will be crucial if they hope to keep up with Barbers Hill’s high-powered offense.

Record Breakdown

• Sterling:
  • Home Record: 3-0
  • Away Record: 4-3
  • District Record: 7-1
  • Non-District Record: 0-2
• Barbers Hill:
  • Home Record: 6-0
  • Away Record: 1-3
  • District Record: 4-2
  • Non-District Record: 0-0

Sterling has proven to be a strong contender at home but has had a mixed record on the road. Barbers Hill, however, has been nearly unstoppable at home, and their away struggles may give Sterling an opportunity if they can travel well.

Conclusion: A Clash of Styles

This game promises to be a thrilling encounter between two teams with very different approaches. Sterling will rely on its strong defensive play and rushing attack, led by Jaylin Williams, while Barbers Hill will look to use its explosive offense, featuring quarterback Zeke Cantu and receiver Kaegan Morton, to wear down the opposition. Both teams are coming off solid seasons, and with everything on the line, it will be a must-watch game for football fans.

Sterling has the defensive prowess, but Barbers Hill’s offensive firepower may prove too much to handle on their home turf. It will be a true test of both teams’ strengths as they continue to chase postseason glory.