The Booker (TX) varsity football team will host a playoff game against Springlake-Earth (Earth, TX) on Friday, November 15, at 6:00 PM at Groom High School. This game is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, specifically the 6-Man 1A Division 1 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Booker vs Springlake-Earth
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, specifically the 6-Man 1A Division 1
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Game preview: Booker vs Springlake-Earth

As the 2024-2025 football season progresses, two teams that stand out in Texas high school football are Springlake-Earth and Booker. Both teams have shown remarkable talent, though their paths and records reflect different strengths and challenges. Let’s break down their performance in key areas such as overall records, team statistics, and individual leaders.

Overall Records and Rankings

• Springlake-Earth: With an overall record of 5-4, the team has a solid standing in their district with a 3-1 record. They have played a tough schedule, with 1-2 at home and 3-2 away, showing resilience in tough environments. Their win percentage stands at .556, and their district win percentage is .750.
• Booker: The Bookers have been on a tear this season, posting an impressive 9-1 record. They are undefeated in district play at 4-0, and their overall win percentage is .900. They have dominated opponents at home, going 4-1, and remain perfect in away games with a 5-0 record. Booker has scored a lot of points, with a high win percentage of 1.000 in district play.

Scoring and Offensive Strengths

• Springlake-Earth: The team has shown offensive balance with 16.0 points per game in the first quarter, tapering off to 0 points in the final quarter, which has been a challenge. Their total points per game stands at 43.8, which has been helped by standout performances from key players like Nehemiah Castillo and Froylan Agundiz.
• Booker: Booker’s offense has been electric, averaging 61.6 points per game. The team has a strong finish, scoring 22.0 points in both the third and fourth quarters. Their offense is well-rounded, with explosive plays from quarterback Chase Nelson and other key players like Julian Barton.

Team Stats Comparison

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Springlake-Earth averages 192.3 rushing yards per game, relying heavily on their ground game, led by Nehemiah Castillo. Booker, in comparison, runs for 133.8 yards per game, although they make up for this with their aerial attack.
• Passing Yards Per Game: Springlake-Earth has shown a balanced passing game with 164.8 yards per game, primarily through Froylan Agundiz. Booker is far more prolific in the air, with 224.4 passing yards per game, driven by the arm of Chase Nelson.
• Total Yards Per Game: The teams are almost neck-and-neck in total yardage. Springlake-Earth averages 357.1 yards per game, while Booker edges them out with 358.2 yards per game.
• Tackles Per Game: Springlake-Earth averages 55.3 tackles per game, showcasing their defensive capabilities. Booker, however, has a much smaller average at 35.5, which could be a result of their more aggressive offensive style keeping defenses on the field longer.
• Sacks Per Game: Springlake-Earth has a slight edge in pass-rush defense, averaging 2.0 sacks per game compared to Booker’s 0.1 sacks per game.

Key Players

• Springlake-Earth:
  • Nehemiah Castillo leads the team with 85.8 rushing yards per game and 9.3 points per game.
  • Froylan Agundiz has been a dual-threat quarterback, passing for 164.8 yards per game and accounting for 232.1 total yards per game.
  • Tyler Tanaro has been a standout receiver with 54.4 yards per game and contributes defensively with 11.2 tackles per game.
• Booker:
  • Chase Nelson has been the star player for Booker, leading the team with 261.1 total yards per game, including 195.5 passing yards per game.
  • Julian Barton contributes with 87.7 receiving yards per game, being a primary target for Nelson.
  • On defense, Adrian Rosales has been a key player with 8.3 tackles per game.

Record Breakdown and Performance by Location

• Springlake-Earth has had a mixed record at home (1-2) but has been strong on the road (3-2). They have not played any neutral-site games so far.
• Booker has been dominant, especially away from home, where they have a perfect 5-0 record. Their only loss was in a non-league game, but they remain perfect in district play, winning 4-0.

Conclusion

While both teams have shown impressive offensive skills, Booker’s undefeated district record and high-scoring offense give them a clear advantage heading into the postseason. Springlake-Earth, though competitive, will need to improve its consistency, particularly in the final quarter, to match up with Booker’s firepower. Both teams have their standout players, and with Booker’s balance of offense and defense, they enter as the favorite. However, with Springlake-Earth’s strong rushing game and defensive capabilities, this matchup promises to be one to watch as the season progresses.