The Fort Bend Marshall (Missouri City, TX) varsity football team will face Bastrop (TX) in a neutral playoff game today at 7:30 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, Conference 5A Division 2 tournament.

Fort Bend Marshall vs Bastrop Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Fort Bend Marshall vs Bastrop
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 5A D2
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Game preview: Fort Bend Marshall vs Bastrop

As the 2024-2025 high school football season progresses, two teams stand out with impressive records and notable achievements: Bastrop and Fort Bend Marshall. Both teams have excelled within their districts, boasting identical overall records of 9-2, and both are poised for deep playoff runs. However, when comparing these two powerhouses, several key statistics and team dynamics emerge that could determine which team has the edge.

Record and Performance Overview

Bastrop enters the season with an overall record of 9-2, with a perfect 7-0 record in district play. The team has been dominant, particularly at home with a 4-1 record. They have also proven themselves in neutral-site games, going 1-0. The Bastrop offense has been a force, averaging 46.4 points per game across all quarters, showing particular strength in the second quarter with 17.9 points.

Fort Bend Marshall, also holding a 9-2 record, has been equally impressive, finishing district play with a 5-2 record. They have a solid 3-1 record on the road and have demonstrated dominance at home with a 6-1 record. The Fort Bend Marshall offense, while not as prolific as Bastrop’s, still managed to score 33.8 points per game, with strong performances in the second and third quarters.

Key Statistical Comparisons

When comparing overall team performance, several statistics stand out:

• Rushing Game: Fort Bend Marshall has the edge in rushing yards, averaging 163.5 yards per game compared to Bastrop’s 127.2 yards. Peyton Long, Fort Bend Marshall’s leading rusher, has averaged 72.1 yards per game, significantly outpacing Bastrop’s Ladainian Merino, who averages 64.5 yards.
• Passing Game: Bastrop’s passing offense has been more dynamic, averaging 292.3 passing yards per game compared to Fort Bend Marshall’s 153.7. Bastrop’s Weston Nielsen has been a standout with 265.1 passing yards per game, a critical factor in their high-scoring offense. On the other hand, Fort Bend Marshall’s Kaeden Johnson has led their offense with 168.3 passing yards per game.
• Total Yardage: Bastrop outpaces Fort Bend Marshall in total yards, averaging 419.5 yards per game, while Fort Bend Marshall records 317.3 yards. This difference reflects Bastrop’s ability to both pass and rush effectively, spreading the field more than Fort Bend Marshall.
• Defense and Tackles: Bastrop’s defense has been slightly more active in terms of tackles, averaging 70.2 tackles per game compared to Fort Bend Marshall’s 52.0. However, Fort Bend Marshall has recorded more sacks per game (1.8) compared to Bastrop’s 1.3, highlighting their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
• Scoring: Bastrop has been a high-scoring team, averaging 36.2 points per game, thanks to their well-balanced offense. Fort Bend Marshall, with a scoring average of 26.8 points per game, may not put up the same explosive numbers but is still a formidable offense that can capitalize on mistakes.

Team Leaders

Bastrop’s offense has been driven by several key players, including Weston Nielsen, who leads the team with 265.1 passing yards per game, and Keyshon Moore, who has accumulated 103.9 receiving yards per game. Tiki Hola anchors the defense with 8.7 tackles per game.

Fort Bend Marshall’s standout players include Peyton Long, who leads the team in rushing with 72.1 yards per game, and Kaeden Johnson, who has been efficient with 168.3 passing yards per game. On defense, Isaiah Williams and Jakobi Davis have been key contributors.

Playoff Performance

Both teams have shown success in their playoff matchups. Bastrop holds a 1-0 record in neutral-site games, while Fort Bend Marshall is similarly undefeated in their playoff games. This undefeated playoff streak indicates that both teams have the ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.

Conclusion

While Bastrop has the edge in several offensive categories, particularly in passing yards and total yardage, Fort Bend Marshall remains a tough contender with a solid rushing game and a defense that can apply pressure with sacks. Both teams have proven themselves to be dominant within their districts and are likely to be strong contenders in the upcoming playoffs. As they head into postseason play, the question remains whether Bastrop’s offensive explosiveness or Fort Bend Marshall’s defensive prowess will prove to be the deciding factor in their success.