The Calhoun High School (Port Lavaca, TX) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against La Vernia High School (TX) on Friday, November 29 at 2:00 PM at Katy Legacy Stadium. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, specifically the 4A Division 1 tournament.

Calhoun vs La Vernia Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Calhoun vs La Vernia
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 4A D1
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Mt. Calhoun vs La Vernia

As the Texas high school football playoffs heat up, the matchup between the La Vernia Bears and the Calhoun Sandcrabs promises to be an exciting clash. The game is set for Friday, November 29, with La Vernia traveling to Port Lavaca to face Calhoun at 2:00 p.m. in a must-watch postseason battle.

Team Overview

La Vernia (9-3) has had a strong season, finishing with a 3-2 record in district play. They excel in both the ground and aerial attack, averaging 295.3 rushing yards and 83.8 passing yards per game. Their offense has been explosive, averaging 35.5 points per game, with senior running back Sean Garza leading the charge with an impressive 151.5 rushing yards per game. On defense, Dedric Williams stands out with 9.2 tackles per game, helping the Bears limit their opponents to just 214 points across the season.

Meanwhile, Calhoun (7-5) comes into this playoff game with momentum, fresh off a 22-20 victory over La Vernia in their previous meeting on October 11. The Sandcrabs finished their district campaign 4-1, thanks in part to a potent offense that averages 370.3 rushing yards per game. Leading their offensive attack is Fischer Franck, who racked up 129.1 rushing yards per game. Defensively, Calhoun’s Coltyn Judd is a key contributor with 8.3 tackles per game, while the Sandcrabs also boast the edge in sack production, averaging 1.8 sacks per game.

Head-to-Head Matchup

The two teams met earlier this season in a game that saw Calhoun come out on top with a 22-20 victory. La Vernia struggled in the final quarter, where they were outscored 3-0, ultimately unable to capitalize on earlier momentum. Calhoun’s defense shut down La Vernia’s offense late in the game, securing the win despite a strong effort from Garza, who had a significant impact throughout.

Team Comparisons

• Offensive Strength: La Vernia boasts a balanced offense, but Calhoun’s superior rushing attack has given them an edge. The Sandcrabs are more effective on the ground, with Franck and a strong offensive line paving the way for an average of over 370 rushing yards per game.
• Defensive Dominance: While La Vernia averages 39.8 tackles per game, Calhoun’s defense is more aggressive with 55.3 tackles per game and a higher sack rate. La Vernia’s defense will need to find ways to disrupt Calhoun’s ground game to keep the score within reach.

Common Opponents Breakdown

Both teams share a 3-1 record against common opponents this season. Notable games include wins against Floresville (66-0 for La Vernia and 66-21 for Calhoun) and El Campo (28-7 for La Vernia and 22-10 for Calhoun), which showcases the strength of both teams. However, Calhoun’s loss to Bay City (42-39) in a close game contrasts with La Vernia’s 40-21 defeat to Bay City, highlighting how each team handles adversity differently.

Key Players to Watch

• La Vernia: The standout player is Sean Garza, who leads the team with 151.5 rushing yards per game. His ability to break tackles and create explosive plays will be crucial if the Bears hope to upend Calhoun.
• Calhoun: Fischer Franck is the player to watch, leading the Sandcrabs in rushing yards and points per game. With 129.1 rushing yards per game, Franck’s ability to dominate on the ground will be key to Calhoun’s success.

Prediction

This playoff showdown between La Vernia and Calhoun will be an intense battle, with both teams looking to build on their successful seasons. Calhoun’s strong running game and defensive pressure give them the edge, but La Vernia’s balanced attack and ability to score quickly could keep them in the game until the final whistle. Expect a hard-fought contest, but ultimately, Calhoun’s home-field advantage and physicality may propel them to victory in this postseason rematch.

The game kicks off at 2:00 p.m. on November 29, and fans can look forward to an exciting contest as these two teams fight for a spot in the next round of the Texas high school football playoffs.