The Gloria Deo Academy (Bulverde, TX) varsity football team will play a home playoff game against St. Stephen’s Episcopal (Austin, TX) today at 3 p.m. at Bracken Christian. This game is part of the “TAIAO 2024 Football Championships – Division I” tournament.
Gloria Deo Academy vs St. Stephen’s Episcopal Game Info:
What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Gloria Deo Academy vs St. Stephen’s Episcopal
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: TAIAO 2024 Football Championships – Division I
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Game preview: Gloria Deo Academy vs St. Stephen’s Episcopal
The stage is set for an intense playoff battle today, as St. Stephen’s Episcopal (SSEHS) faces off against Gloria Deo Academy (GDA) in an away game at 3 p.m. The matchup comes on the heels of a commanding victory by GDA in their last encounter, which saw them triumph 54-6 at home on October 18.
Team Records and Rankings
Heading into this game, the two teams have had markedly different seasons. St. Stephen’s Episcopal enters the game with a 4-5 overall record and a disappointing 0-2 in district play, leaving them in fourth place within their district. The team has struggled at times this season, with a point differential of -26, having scored 350 points but allowing 376.
In contrast, Gloria Deo Academy boasts an impressive 8-1 record, with a perfect 1-0 in district play. Their offense has been potent, putting up 389 points while allowing only 174. Their 8-1 overall record and strong performance against common opponents show they are a force to be reckoned with this season.
Scoring Averages and Offensive Breakdown
When it comes to scoring, GDA has averaged 43.2 points per game, showing a balanced and efficient attack throughout the season. They have been especially dominant in the first two quarters, where they score an average of 35 points, significantly more than SSEHS, who only manages 17 points over the same period.
On the other hand, SSEHS struggles in the fourth quarter, often failing to put points on the board. This was evident in their last matchup, where they were shut out in the second half, contributing to their 54-6 defeat.
Here’s a breakdown of scoring averages per quarter for both teams:
| Quarter | St. Stephen’s Episcopal | Gloria Deo Academy |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 10.0 | 18.8 |
| Q2 | 7.0 | 16.2 |
| Q3 | 10.0 | 12.4 |
| Q4 | 0.0 | 9.4 |
| Final | 38.9 | 43.2 |
Head-to-Head
In their most recent encounter, the outcome was a decisive victory for Gloria Deo Academy, who dominated both sides of the ball. The game started with GDA overwhelming SSEHS in the first half, scoring 50 points before easing off the gas in the final two quarters. SSEHS struggled to answer GDA’s offensive output and was unable to score after the second quarter.
Key Players
St. Stephen’s Episcopal will look to players like James Kim, who leads the team with 62.2 rushing yards per game, and Basil Baldwin, who averages 231.9 passing yards per game. Baldwin also leads the team with 230 total yards per game. However, they will need to improve their overall consistency to challenge a team like GDA.
For GDA, Nolan Chandler has been a standout, averaging 101.6 rushing yards per game and contributing significantly to their offensive success. Quarterback Trip Kuper has thrown for 115.2 yards per game, while Evan Spondike is another key player to watch, contributing both in the air and on the ground.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced some similar opponents this season, with GDA coming out on top in all of these contests, while SSEHS struggled. Notably, both teams played against Austin Royals HomeSchool and Saint Mary’s Hall, with GDA claiming wins, while SSEHS suffered defeats.
Here’s how the teams fared against common opponents:
| Date | St. Stephen’s Episcopal (Result) | Gloria Deo Academy (Result) |
|---|---|---|
| 9/20/24 | Lost to Austin Royals (93-48) | Beat Austin Royals (54-52) |
| 9/27/24 | Lost to Saint Mary’s Hall (67-33) | Beat Saint Mary’s Hall (60-22) |
Key Stats Comparison
When comparing team statistics, GDA holds the edge in several categories, including rushing yards per game (137.8 vs. 112.2) and passing yards per game (118.3 vs. 232.2). However, SSEHS makes up for this disparity with a higher receiving yard average (235.6 vs. 116.4) and total yards per game (344.4 vs. 256.1).
Final Thoughts
As St. Stephen’s Episcopal enters this playoff game as the underdog, they will need to execute flawlessly and improve on their past performances, especially in the second half, to stand a chance against the high-powered Gloria Deo Academy offense. For GDA, continuing their dominant form will be crucial as they aim to advance further in the postseason.
