The Columbus (TX) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Franklin (TX) on Friday, December 6, at 7:00 PM at John Gupton Stadium. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, specifically the 2024 Football Conference 3A Division 1 tournament.

Columbus vs Franklin Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Columbus vs Franklin
When: Friday, December 6, 2024
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 3A D1
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Columbus vs Franklin

As the football season progresses, two Texas teams—Franklin and Columbus—are making significant waves in their respective divisions. Both teams have solid records and standout performances, and a head-to-head comparison reveals key differences and similarities that are shaping up to make their upcoming matchups exciting.

Franklin: A Dominant Force in the Region

With an overall record of 10-2, Franklin is proving to be a tough contender this season. The team has been perfect in district play with a 5-0 record, reflecting their dominance on the field. Additionally, Franklin has performed admirably at home, with a 5-1 record, but their one weak spot has been on the road, where they have only managed a 5-0 record in neutral site games.

Statistically, Franklin averages an impressive 49.7 points per game, with their strongest scoring period coming in the first quarter (18.3 points). The team has been led by standout player Jayden Jackson, who is leading in both rushing yards (194.3 yards per game) and total yards (194.3 yards per game). His consistent performance makes him a critical asset to the team’s success.

Columbus: A Near Perfect Season

Columbus, with an overall record of 12-1, is showing that they are not far behind. Their lone defeat came against Hitchcock (37-36), but they’ve consistently performed well, with a perfect home record of 5-0 and an impressive away record of 6-1. The team’s offensive firepower has propelled them to a remarkable 52.2 points per game, and they have proven resilient, especially in the second quarter, where they score an average of 18.9 points.

Columbus’s team has excelled with a strong mix of offense and defense, keeping opponents at bay with a formidable overall defensive game plan. The team’s ability to rebound after their lone loss against Hitchcock speaks to their mental fortitude. Leading the way for Columbus is a well-rounded offense with no singular player dominating, though the team’s collective effort remains strong throughout the season.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Common Opponents and Playoff Potential

Both teams have faced off against similar opponents during the season, and their records against these teams further demonstrate their respective strengths. Franklin boasts a perfect 3-0 record against common opponents, while Columbus holds a solid 2-1 record. Some key matchups include:

• Franklin vs. C.H. Yoe: Franklin won a commanding 76-35 victory on November 1, 2024, while Columbus also triumphed against C.H. Yoe, 48-14, on November 15, 2024.
• Franklin vs. Hallettsville: Franklin dominated Hallettsville 48-6 on November 14, 2024, while Columbus defeated Hallettsville 42-12 earlier in the season (November 1, 2024).
• Franklin vs. Hitchcock: Franklin came out on top 35-21, while Columbus faced a heartbreaking 37-36 loss to Hitchcock on October 25, 2024.

These matchups highlight the strength of both teams, with Franklin showing resilience in tough contests, while Columbus has been consistent throughout the season.

Scoring Averages and Key Statistics

Both teams have been offensively potent, but Columbus edges Franklin in terms of points scored per game. Franklin’s offensive attack scores 49.7 points on average, with their strongest quarter being the first, while Columbus scores an average of 52.2 points, showing a more consistent offensive output throughout the game. Their second-quarter performance, in particular, stands out as they rack up an average of 18.9 points.

When it comes to rushing, Franklin has a notable advantage, averaging 194.3 rushing yards per game, led by Jayden Jackson’s 194.3 yards per game. However, Columbus has a more balanced offensive approach, relying on their collective effort rather than a single standout player.

Playoff Implications

Both teams have made their way through the regular season with high expectations for postseason play. Franklin has posted an impressive 3-0 record in neutral-site games, showing their ability to perform away from home. Similarly, Columbus has demonstrated its resilience with a 3-0 record in neutral games, further building anticipation for their potential playoff performances.

As we approach the playoffs, it’s clear that both teams have the potential to make deep runs, with their records and strong performances against common opponents setting the stage for a thrilling postseason.

Conclusion

With exceptional seasons under their belts, Franklin and Columbus are teams to watch as they continue to dominate in their respective districts. Franklin’s perfect district record and offensive firepower, led by Jayden Jackson, contrasts with Columbus’s balanced offensive attack and resilient defense. As these two powerhouse teams look toward playoff contention, their performances against common opponents highlight the potential for an exciting matchup down the line. Fans of both teams are eagerly awaiting what will surely be an exciting continuation of the 2024-2025 season.