The First Baptist (Dallas, TX) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against Central Texas Christian (Temple, TX) on Friday, November 29, at 2:00 PM at Mexia Blackcat Stadium. This matchup is part of the “TAPPS 2024 High School Football Playoff – TAPPS Division IV” tournament.
First Baptist vs Central Texas Christian Game Info:
What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: First Baptist vs Central Texas Christian
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: TAPPS 2024 High School Football Playoff – TAPPS Division IV
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Game preview: First Baptist vs Central Texas Christian
The 2024-2025 football season has showcased two powerhouse teams in Central Texas: Central Texas Christian and First Baptist. Both teams have posted impressive 10-1 overall records, showcasing their prowess on the field. However, their paths to success have differed in several key areas, from offensive performance to defensive consistency.
Team Overview
Central Texas Christian (CTX) and First Baptist (FB) have demonstrated formidable skill throughout the season. CTX, ranked 639th in the state, has earned a spot in the top three of its district and has been dominant at home with a perfect 6-0 record. Meanwhile, First Baptist, ranked 408th in the state, has been equally impressive, finishing a perfect 5-0 in district play and sweeping its home games at 6-0.
Both teams have been nearly perfect, with identical 10-1 records. Central Texas Christian’s sole loss came in district play, while First Baptist remains undefeated within its district. Despite the similar overall records, the margin in scoring shows the contrasting styles of play.
Scoring and Offensive Efficiency
Central Texas Christian has averaged 35.7 points per game, with notable consistency in scoring throughout the four quarters. The team averages 13.7 points in the first quarter, which slightly drops to 5.7 points in the final quarter, reflecting a well-balanced, but perhaps less explosive, offensive scheme.
On the other hand, First Baptist has been a juggernaut offensively, averaging a stellar 48.8 points per game. With an explosive start, scoring an average of 17.8 points in the first quarter and maintaining a strong output in the second quarter at 17.3 points, First Baptist’s offense has been tough to contain, particularly in the early stages of games.
Statistical Breakdown
In terms of offensive yardage, First Baptist dominates with 511.2 total yards per game, nearly double Central Texas Christian’s 298.2 yards. This difference is seen across rushing, passing, and receiving yards. FB averages 191.7 rushing yards and 319.5 passing yards per game, while CTX posts 146.5 rushing yards and 151.7 passing yards per game.
CTX relies on a more balanced approach, led by standout players like Austin Evans (94.4 rushing yards per game) and Cooper Smith (127.3 passing yards per game). On the other hand, First Baptist’s offense is powered by the dual-threat capabilities of quarterback Dylan Jones (171.3 passing yards per game) and wide receiver Bradlee Mays (112.6 receiving yards per game), making them a dynamic and high-powered offense.
Defense and Tackling
Defensively, the two teams show significant differences in their tackling capabilities. CTX averages 27.6 tackles per game, with standout linebacker Gabriel Logsdon II contributing 7.2 tackles per game. In contrast, First Baptist’s defense has been significantly more aggressive, racking up an average of 73.5 tackles per game. Players like George Anagnostis (11.4 tackles per game) have led the way in stifling opposing offenses.
Team Leaders
Both teams have had standout individual performances this season. For CTX, Austin Evans and Cooper Smith have been the offensive leaders, while Logsdon has led the defensive charge. At First Baptist, Dylan Jones and Bradlee Mays have been the offensive catalysts, while George Anagnostis anchors the defense with impressive tackling.
Common Opponents and Head-to-Head Record
Both teams have faced common opponents, including Live Oak Classical, with both squads securing victories. Central Texas Christian defeated Live Oak 20-12 on September 13, 2024, while First Baptist triumphed 50-21 on October 11, 2024. These wins further highlight the competitive nature of the teams in their respective seasons.
Looking Ahead: A Clash of Titans
With both teams having matched 10-1 records, it’s clear that Central Texas Christian and First Baptist are among the elite teams in their region. The two teams’ ability to dominate both offensively and defensively has set the stage for what promises to be an exciting postseason. Central Texas Christian’s balanced approach will face off against First Baptist’s high-powered offense, making for a thrilling matchup as they both look to make a deep playoff run.
