The Carthage (TX) varsity football team will face Pleasant Grove (Texarkana, TX) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 29, at 2 p.m. at Longview High School. This matchup is part of the “2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – Conference 4A Division 2” tournament.
Carthage vs Pleasant Grove Game Info:
What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Carthage vs Pleasant Grove
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 4A D2
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: Carthage vs Pleasant Grove
As the Texas high school football playoffs heat up, Pleasant Grove and Carthage are poised to deliver an electrifying matchup. Both teams have enjoyed remarkable seasons, dominating their districts and showcasing powerhouse offenses and stingy defenses. Let’s break down the key elements that make this game a must-watch showdown.
Season Overview and Records
Pleasant Grove Hawks have compiled a stellar 10-2 record, including an undefeated 5-0 district run. Their season win percentage sits at .833, and they’ve scored 485 points while allowing 129, a testament to their balanced attack and defensive prowess. They are undefeated at home and have demonstrated resilience on the road, with a 4-2 away record.
Carthage Bulldogs, however, have been even more dominant. Boasting an 11-1 record with a nearly flawless .917 win percentage, they’ve also gone 5-0 in district play. Their offensive output has been prolific, amassing 606 points while conceding only 124. They are undefeated in neutral-site games, making them formidable in high-stakes matchups.
Scoring Averages by Quarter
Carthage’s offensive firepower is on full display when examining scoring by quarter. The Bulldogs have a staggering 16.3 points per game (PPG) in the first quarter and ramp it up to 23.5 PPG in the second. Their ability to dominate early gives them a significant edge, and they average 50.5 points per game overall.
Pleasant Grove, meanwhile, emphasizes consistency. They average 10.5 PPG in both the first and second quarters, with a total scoring average of 40.4 PPG. Their balanced scoring across all quarters suggests they are methodical and adaptable, capable of wearing down opponents over time.
Common Opponents and Key Matchups
Both teams have faced common foes, notably Kilgore, Spring Hill, and Bullard, with identical records of 2-1 against these teams. However, Carthage displayed more dominance in these matchups, shutting out Bullard 55-0 and dismantling Spring Hill 49-0, whereas Pleasant Grove secured a slightly less lopsided 56-14 victory over both Spring Hill and Bullard. The key difference is Kilgore, where both teams suffered their only losses, but Carthage fell by a closer margin (20-15) than Pleasant Grove (37-31).
Offense vs. Defense
Carthage’s ability to jump out to early leads will challenge Pleasant Grove’s defense, which has allowed just 129 points all season. Meanwhile, Pleasant Grove’s more measured approach could test Carthage’s defense, particularly if they can extend drives and control the clock.
Key Factors to Watch
- Turnover Battle: Both teams will need to avoid costly mistakes. Pleasant Grove’s methodical offense thrives on maintaining possession, while Carthage can capitalize on turnovers to build quick leads.
- Second Quarter Surge: Carthage’s explosive second quarter could dictate the game. If Pleasant Grove can weather the storm and keep the score close at halftime, they’ll have a chance to wear down Carthage in the second half.
- Special Teams: In high-stakes playoff games, special teams play often swings momentum. Watch for critical field goals, punts, and kick returns that could tip the scales.
Prediction
This matchup promises to be a classic battle between Pleasant Grove’s consistency and Carthage’s explosiveness. While Pleasant Grove has proven they can win grind-it-out games, Carthage’s offensive firepower may be too much to overcome if they get an early lead. Expect a close, hard-fought game, but Carthage’s scoring depth gives them a slight edge.
Final Prediction: Carthage 45, Pleasant Grove 35
