The Bellaire Cardinals (6-4) varsity football team will face the Cypress Falls Eagles (8-2) in a neutral playoff game on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in Houston, TX. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, Conference 6A Division 1 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Bellaire vs Cypress Falls
When: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 6A D1
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Game preview: Bellaire vs Cypress Falls

As the high school football season intensifies, two teams set to collide this week are the Cypress Falls Golden Eagles and the Bellaire Cardinals. Both teams come into this matchup with a solid season record, but a closer look at their stats and gameplay trends offers a clearer picture of the battle ahead.

Rankings and Records

Cypress Falls boasts an impressive overall record of 8-2, including a perfect 7-0 mark in district play, positioning them among the top in the state at 88th overall. Meanwhile, Bellaire holds a respectable 6-4 record with a 4-2 performance in district games, ranked 218th in the state. The Golden Eagles have established themselves as a force, especially within their division, while Bellaire has fought hard to maintain a winning season.

Offensive and Defensive Comparisons

Scoring Averages: Cypress Falls has demonstrated an explosive offense, averaging 35.9 points per game, with a strong fourth-quarter surge (14.5 points). Bellaire, on the other hand, has averaged 25.0 points per game, often struggling in the early quarters but showing a slight uptick in scoring during the final period.

Yardage Production: The Golden Eagles have a significant advantage in total offensive yards, averaging 332.7 per game, largely powered by their dominant rushing attack, which racks up 239.3 yards per game. In contrast, the Cardinals average 227.9 total yards, with a more balanced approach between passing (104.3 yards) and rushing (123.6 yards). Cypress Falls’ reliance on a ground-and-pound strategy could be key, especially if Bellaire’s defense, which averages 45.2 tackles per game, struggles to contain them.

Key Players to Watch

For Cypress Falls:

• Gabriel Wilson (#2): The team’s lead rusher, averaging 80.0 rushing yards per game, will look to break through Bellaire’s defensive line and continue his powerful season.
• Brandon Derbigny Jr. (#10): The dual-threat quarterback not only passes for 91.5 yards per game but also contributes to the total yardage with 123.4 yards per game, a crucial part of the Golden Eagles’ offensive arsenal.
• Julian Cardenas (#86): A consistent scorer, averaging 6.4 points per game, Cardenas could be a key contributor in the red zone.

For Bellaire:

• Will Hazen (#4): A prolific passer who averages 126.3 yards per game, Hazen will need to connect often with his receivers to keep Bellaire in contention.
• Anthony Miller (#3): The team’s top receiver with 47.3 yards per game could pose a challenge to Cypress Falls’ secondary.
• Chris Wilson (#20): Leading the defense with 8.8 tackles per game, Wilson’s performance will be crucial in slowing down Cypress Falls’ powerful run game.

Defensive Domination

Cypress Falls holds a clear defensive edge, averaging 67.3 tackles and 4.5 sacks per game. Bellaire’s defense, while capable, has lower averages of 45.2 tackles and 1.4 sacks per game, suggesting that pressure on opposing quarterbacks may be a challenge for the Cardinals. The Golden Eagles’ defense will look to disrupt Bellaire’s rhythm, especially in the passing game.

Head-to-Head and Season Trends

Although these teams have yet to face off directly this season, their performance trends tell an intriguing story. Cypress Falls has proven their prowess both at home (3-1) and away (5-1), with an unblemished district record. Bellaire, however, has shown more vulnerability, especially in away games where they hold a 4-3 record.

Both teams will aim to secure a significant win that could impact playoff standings. For Bellaire, finding a way to contain Cypress Falls’ dynamic rushing attack will be essential, while the Golden Eagles will need to watch for Bellaire’s passing game, led by Hazen.

Final Outlook

Cypress Falls enters this matchup as the favorite, thanks to their dominant record and superior yardage production on both sides of the ball. However, Bellaire has shown resilience and the ability to compete, especially in tight games. Expect a high-stakes clash with playoff implications, where every possession and defensive stand will matter. The stage is set for an exciting matchup, and both teams will undoubtedly bring their best.