The Bushland Falcons (9-1) varsity football team from Texas will play a home playoff game against the Kermit Yellow Jackets (2-8) on Thursday, November 14, at 6 p.m. at Levelland High School. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships in the Conference 3A Division 1 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Bushland vs Kermit
When: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships in the Conference 3A Division 1
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Game preview: Bushland vs Kermit

The upcoming game between the Kermit Yellow Jackets and the Bushland Falcons promises to be an intriguing clash, though the teams enter the contest from vastly different perspectives.

Team Profiles

Kermit Yellow Jackets (2-8 Overall, 1-2 District)

• Rankings: Kermit stands at 1,161 in the Texas state section and 97 in State Division.
• Record Breakdown: The Yellow Jackets have struggled this season, with an overall record of 2-8 and a district record of 1-2. At home, they remain winless (0-5), though they have found some success on the road, where they are 2-3.
• Scoring & Defense: The team has put up 241 points while allowing 406, resulting in a win percentage of .200 and a district win percentage of .333. Kermit’s scoring averages by quarter paint a picture of a team that tends to pick up steam later in games. They average 3.0 points in the first quarter, 3.3 in the second, 5.0 in the third, and peak at 10.0 points in the fourth, totaling an average of 24.1 points per game.

Bushland Falcons (9-1 Overall, 2-1 District)

• Rankings: Bushland sits at a strong 172 in the Texas section and holds the 8th spot in their State Division.
• Record Breakdown: The Falcons have had a remarkable season, boasting an impressive 9-1 record overall, with an undefeated 6-0 mark at home and a solid 3-1 away record. Their district performance stands at 2-1, and they have been dominant, earning a .900 overall win percentage and a district win percentage of .667.
• Scoring & Defense: Bushland has amassed 434 points this season while conceding only 179. Their scoring averages indicate a fast start, with 12.2 points in the first quarter, peaking at 14.0 in the second, followed by 10.8 in the third, and tapering off to 5.5 in the fourth, giving them an impressive overall average of 43.4 points per game.

Key Storylines and Matchup Analysis

1. Offensive Contrast: Bushland’s ability to put up points early in games could pose significant problems for Kermit, whose slow starts have often put them at a disadvantage. The Falcons’ high-scoring first and second quarters, averaging 12.2 and 14.0 points respectively, suggest that they will look to put the game out of reach early. In contrast, Kermit has struggled to generate offense until later in games, which could make for a tough comeback scenario.
2. Defensive Challenges: Kermit’s defense, which has allowed 406 points this season, will be tested by a dynamic Bushland offense. The Falcons, with a balanced and efficient attack, have shown the ability to score in bunches, particularly in the first half. Kermit’s defense will need to find ways to contain Bushland’s high-powered attack to keep the game within reach.
3. Home and Away Dynamics: Bushland has thrived on the road, with a 3-1 away record, while Kermit has struggled at home, still seeking their first victory. This could be a critical factor as the Yellow Jackets look to break their home losing streak against a formidable opponent.

Prediction and Outlook

Bushland comes in as heavy favorites given their impressive record and high-scoring offense. For Kermit to have a chance, they will need to tighten up defensively and find ways to put points on the board early to avoid being buried by Bushland’s fast starts. The Yellow Jackets will also look to their resilience in the fourth quarter, where they have consistently scored the most, to fuel any comeback attempts.

This matchup highlights the resilience of an underdog team against a powerhouse contender, making for an exciting showdown for fans and a test of character for both squads.