The DeSoto (TX) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Willis (TX) on Saturday, November 30, at 7:00 PM at The Star in Frisco, TX. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, 6A Division 2 tournament.
DeSoto vs Willis Game Info:
What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: DeSoto vs Willis
When: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 6A D2
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: DeSoto vs Willis
As the high school football season progresses, all eyes are on two powerhouse teams in Texas: Willis and DeSoto. Both squads have made their mark with stellar performances and impressive records, making their upcoming matchups highly anticipated. Let’s break down the rankings, team stats, and individual leaders that make these teams stand out.
Willis Wild and Undefeated
The Willis team, with an unblemished 12-0 record, has dominated the field this season, showcasing a perfect win percentage (1.000) both overall and within their district. The Wildcat offense has been nothing short of explosive, racking up 652 points while only allowing 215, a testament to their strong play on both sides of the ball.
Offensively, Willis averages an impressive 498.3 total yards per game, with a balanced attack that features a potent rushing game (175.8 yards per game) and a strong passing attack (322.5 yards per game). Their scoring efficiency is also notable, averaging 54.3 points per game, with an ability to perform across all four quarters. Key players include Terri Lawrence, who leads the rushing game with 65.1 yards per game, and Jack Emerson, who has thrown for 304.1 yards per game, pushing the Wildcats’ offensive engine forward.
Defensively, Willis has been equally formidable. The team averages 58.9 tackles per game, with Logan Henager contributing 6.4 tackles per game. Their pass rush is also potent, with Austin Alexander recording 1.0 sack per game. The Wildcats’ ability to stifle opponents and maintain control of games has been key to their undefeated season.
DeSoto’s Resilient Season
DeSoto, while boasting a 10-2 record, has had an equally impressive run. Their 6-1 district record shows their dominance within their league, and they’ve scored 644 points while allowing 242. Though their total yards per game (526.8) slightly edges out Willis, DeSoto’s strength lies in their balanced offensive attack and disciplined defense.
The DeSoto offense is led by a powerful rushing game, with Deondrae Riden Jr. recording an outstanding 135.5 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Kelden Ryan has been key in the passing game, contributing 187.9 passing yards per game, while Daylon Singleton is a dangerous receiving threat with 77.8 receiving yards per game. The Eagles score an average of 47.3 points per game, a solid mark that reflects their balanced offensive strategy.
On defense, DeSoto averages 57.4 tackles per game, led by Keylan Abrams with 6.8 tackles per game. Their pass rush, while slightly less potent than Willis’, has still been effective, with Dj Rumph collecting 0.9 sacks per game. The Eagles’ defense has consistently kept opposing teams in check, allowing them to maintain control over the game.
Comparing the Stats: Willis vs. DeSoto
While both teams have posted impressive numbers, some key statistics highlight the differences in their playing styles:
- Total Yards per Game: Willis leads with 498.3 total yards per game, slightly behind DeSoto’s 526.8.
- Rushing Yards per Game: DeSoto has the advantage, averaging 311.7 rushing yards per game compared to Willis’ 175.8.
- Passing Yards per Game: Willis has the edge here with 322.5 passing yards per game, while DeSoto averages 215.1.
- Points per Game: Willis edges out DeSoto with 54.3 points per game versus 47.3 for the Eagles.
Key Players to Watch
- Willis:
- Terri Lawrence, RB (65.1 yards per game)
- Jack Emerson, QB (304.1 passing yards per game)
- Jermaine Bishop Jr., WR (119.4 receiving yards per game)
- DeSoto:
- Deondrae Riden Jr., RB (135.5 rushing yards per game)
- Kelden Ryan, QB (187.9 passing yards per game)
- Daylon Singleton, WR (77.8 receiving yards per game)
Head-to-Head Breakdown
As of now, Willis and DeSoto have yet to meet this season, making their potential showdown even more thrilling. In terms of head-to-head history, there is no past meeting recorded, which leaves the upcoming game as an exciting unknown.
When comparing their season performances, both teams have shown they are dominant at home, with Willis going 6-0 in home games and DeSoto posting a 5-2 away record. However, both teams have proven resilient on the road, with Willis going 5-0 in away games and DeSoto remaining undefeated in neutral-site games.
Conclusion
Both Willis and DeSoto have been exceptional this season, with high-powered offenses and sturdy defenses. As they continue to excel within their districts and prepare for potential playoff encounters, the upcoming faceoff between these two teams promises to be a high-stakes battle for supremacy. Whether it’s Willis’ aerial attack or DeSoto’s ground game, fans are in for a treat when these two Texas football powerhouses collide.
