The Cypress Ranch (Houston, TX) varsity football team will host a playoff game against The Woodlands (TX) on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM at Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union Stadium. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 6A Division 1 tournament.

Cypress Ranch vs The Woodlands Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Cypress Ranch vs The Woodlands
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 6A D1
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Game preview: Cypress Ranch vs The Woodlands

As the 2024-2025 high school football season heats up, the matchup between The Woodlands and Cypress Ranch promises to be a thrilling contest. Both teams have shown impressive performances, boasting strong records and key players who have consistently delivered throughout the season. Let’s take a closer look at these two powerhouse teams as they prepare for their next meeting on the field.

Season Overview: The Woodlands

The Woodlands has dominated this season with an overall record of 10-1. Their only loss came from a tough district matchup, but they have rebounded strongly with a near-perfect district record of 7-1. Known for their well-rounded offense, The Woodlands has scored an average of 48.7 points per game, with notable contributions from Braden Baker and Peyton Thomas. Baker has been a standout, not only passing for 85.0 yards per game but also amassing 103.6 total yards per game. This dynamic playmaker is a force to be reckoned with on the field. Meanwhile, their defense has been equally strong, with an average of 55.5 tackles per game and 2.9 sacks, led by Niklas Fisher and Tyler Smith.

Season Overview: Cypress Ranch

Cypress Ranch has also had an excellent season, finishing with an 8-3 overall record and a 5-2 district record. While their offense isn’t as high-scoring as The Woodlands, they have consistently gotten the job done, averaging 27.7 points per game. Braden Baker’s counterpart at quarterback for Cypress Ranch, however, has been able to keep the offense steady with a solid 51.2 passing yards per game. Running back Peyton Thomas, a key contributor, averages 82.6 yards per game and will certainly be a player to watch in this high-stakes game. Defensively, the Mustangs have been solid with an average of 55.5 tackles per game, similar to their opponents. However, their ability to generate pressure on the quarterback with 0.2 sacks per game may be a key area of focus when facing the well-balanced attack of The Woodlands.

Head-to-Head: Common Opponents

Both teams share one common opponent this season: New Caney. The Woodlands blew them out with a commanding 52-0 win, while Cypress Ranch also dominated in their matchup, finishing with a 49-6 victory. This consistency against similar competition gives insight into the strength of both teams, with each proving capable of putting up big numbers on offense and shutting down opponents on defense.

Key Players to Watch

• Braden Baker (The Woodlands): With his dual-threat ability, Baker leads the offense with over 100 total yards per game. His passing game has been particularly impressive, and his leadership will be crucial in this matchup.
• Peyton Thomas (Cypress Ranch): The standout running back for the Mustangs, Thomas has been a key part of their success this season. His ability to break through defenses will be essential for Cypress Ranch to keep up with the high-scoring Woodlands offense.
• Niklas Fisher (The Woodlands): A defensive leader, Fisher’s tackling ability has been instrumental in shutting down opposing offenses. His presence will be felt throughout the game as he works to neutralize Cypress Ranch’s running game.
• Tyler Smith (The Woodlands): Smith’s ability to disrupt plays with his 0.8 sacks per game could be a deciding factor in keeping the Cypress Ranch offense in check.

Offensive and Defensive Comparisons

When comparing the two teams’ stats, The Woodlands has the edge in scoring, averaging 48.7 points per game compared to Cypress Ranch’s 27.7. The Woodlands also has a more potent passing attack, with Braden Baker leading the way with 85.0 yards per game. On defense, both teams are fairly matched in tackles per game, averaging 55.5 tackles, but The Woodlands outshines Cypress Ranch in terms of pressuring the quarterback with 2.9 sacks per game.

Conclusion

With strong showings throughout the season and significant matchups against common opponents, this game between The Woodlands and Cypress Ranch promises to be a high-stakes, action-packed contest. Both teams have their strengths, but The Woodlands enters the game with the higher scoring offense and a defense that has proven capable of making big plays. As the two teams clash on the field, it will be interesting to see if Cypress Ranch can use its disciplined approach to slow down the potent offense of The Woodlands and keep the game close. Regardless of the outcome, this game will showcase some of the best high school football talent Texas has to offer.