The Fort Bend Elkins Knights (6-4) from Missouri City, TX will face the Shadow Creek Sharks (9-1) from Pearland, TX in a neutral playoff game on Thursday, November 14 at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 6A D2 tournament.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Fort Bend Elkins vs Shadow Creek
When: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 6A D2
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Game preview: Fort Bend Elkins vs Shadow Creek
The 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships are set to deliver an electrifying match in the 6A Division 2, with Shadow Creek and Fort Bend Elkins facing off in what promises to be a thrilling contest. Both teams have had impressive seasons, boasting powerful offenses and solid defenses, but the statistics reveal intriguing differences in their playstyles and overall performance.
Team Overview
Shadow Creek enters the championship with a stellar 9-1 record in regular-season play, having showcased a dominant offense and a tough defense. Averaging 389.3 total yards per game, the team has been a powerhouse both on the ground and through the air. Shadow Creek’s rushing attack, led by Triston Willis, has been formidable, averaging 167.7 yards per game. The team’s passing game, driven by Joseph Stewart Jr., has been equally potent, posting 221.6 yards per game. Their offense is not just about yardage, but also about scoring, with an impressive 41.7 points per game.
On the other side, Fort Bend Elkins enters the game with a 6-4 record, having faced more adversity throughout the season but still demonstrating resilience and potential. The team averages 359.9 total yards per game, with a balanced attack—183.4 rushing yards and 176.5 passing yards per game. Their offensive line, featuring standout running back Tyson Craft, has been the key to their ability to control the game on the ground, with Craft leading the charge at 100.2 rushing yards per game. Although their scoring has been lower (28.4 points per game), Fort Bend Elkins’ defense has kept them competitive.
Key Statistical Comparison
When it comes to offensive production, Shadow Creek’s numbers are more robust across the board. The team’s rushing yards (167.7) and passing yards (221.6) per game surpass Elkins’ respective averages of 183.4 and 176.5. Shadow Creek also outpaces Elkins in total yards (389.3 vs. 359.9), which demonstrates a more dynamic and varied offense.
Defensively, both teams have shown strength, though Shadow Creek’s defense has been slightly more dominant, averaging 54.2 tackles per game compared to Elkins’ 50.7. Shadow Creek also leads in sacks with 2.7 per game versus Elkins’ 1.4. These defensive stats are key in highlighting the pressure Shadow Creek can apply to opposing offenses.
Standout Players
For Shadow Creek, Triston Willis has been a force on the ground, rushing for 67.3 yards per game. Quarterback Joseph Stewart Jr. has been the driving force in the passing game, averaging 229.9 yards per game. In the receiving department, Chris Stewart has been crucial, with 83.6 receiving yards per game. Defensively, Giavani Baker has been the leader with 6.8 tackles per game and 0.5 sacks per game.
On the Fort Bend Elkins side, running back Tyson Craft stands out with 100.2 rushing yards per game, while quarterback Romin Seymour leads the passing attack with 170.2 yards per game. Receiver Saxon Gumabong has been the primary target, totaling 88.6 receiving yards per game. Defensively, Benjamin Villarreal leads in tackles with 8.1 per game, and Jayden Okorafor has contributed 0.6 sacks per game.
Head-to-Head and Common Opponents
A notable element in this matchup is the teams’ performance against common opponents. Shadow Creek has a 1-0 record against Dawson, having defeated them 42-21 in late September, while Elkins faced Dawson earlier in the season and lost 44-34. This result gives Shadow Creek a slight edge when comparing the teams’ abilities against shared competition.
Record Breakdown
In terms of overall performance, Shadow Creek holds a stronger record with a 9-1 regular-season mark, compared to Fort Bend Elkins’ 6-4 record. However, Elkins has been competitive in league play with a 4-3 record, and both teams have shown resilience in non-league and playoff matchups. Shadow Creek has been particularly dominant at home, winning 5 out of 5 home games, while Elkins has shown a balanced record of 3-3 at home.
Conclusion
As the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships approach, the matchup between Shadow Creek and Fort Bend Elkins promises to be an exciting and closely contested battle. Shadow Creek’s high-powered offense, led by Joseph Stewart Jr. and Triston Willis, faces a stern test against Fort Bend Elkins’ strong running game and resilient defense. While Shadow Creek may have the edge in terms of statistics and recent performances, Fort Bend Elkins has shown that they can compete with the best, making this a game to watch closely as the road to the state championship heats up.
