The Grape Creek Eagles (4-6) from San Angelo, TX will face off against the Crane Cranes (5-5) in a neutral-site playoff game on Thursday, November 14, at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 3A Division 2 tournament.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Grape Creek vs Crane
When: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 3A D2
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Game preview: Grape Creek vs Crane
The 2024-2025 football season has brought interesting performances from both Crane and Grape Creek, two teams with their unique strengths and challenges. As both teams look back on the season, they share similar results but different journeys to get there. Here’s a breakdown of their season records, team stats, and how they stack up against each other.
Team Records and Performance
Crane finished the regular season with an even 5-5 overall record. They performed strongly in district play, securing a 4-2 record. Their home record was a respectable 2-3, while they were slightly more successful on the road, finishing 3-2. The team scored a total of 285 points throughout the season, giving them an average of 28.5 points per game. Their defense allowed 278 points, showcasing a nearly balanced offensive and defensive output.
On the other hand, Grape Creek struggled somewhat, ending the season with a 4-6 record. Their district performance was 2-2, with a notably better record at home (3-2) than on the road (1-4). Grape Creek’s offense scored 242 points, averaging 24.2 points per game, while their defense gave up 268 points across the season.
Scoring Averages and Key Quarter Performances
One of the key differences in the season for both teams was their scoring dynamics throughout the four quarters. Crane consistently produced scoring in the first three quarters, averaging 11.7 points in both the first and second quarters, and 6.7 points in the third. However, they struggled in the fourth quarter, scoring no points in many games, leading to an overall dip in scoring.
In contrast, Grape Creek had a slow start to most games but showed a strong finish in the later quarters. The team’s highest-scoring quarter was the third, with an average of 10.0 points, followed by 6.3 points in the fourth quarter. Their first quarter was particularly weak, averaging only 1.3 points, which significantly impacted their ability to take early leads.
Key Players
Crane’s standout performer was running back/quarterback Tyson Brents. Brents was a powerhouse for the team, leading in multiple categories with 89.5 rushing yards per game, 100.2 passing yards per game, and 189.7 total yards per game. His contributions on both the ground and in the air made him a versatile and reliable player for Crane.
Grape Creek, however, did not have a player who dominated in quite the same way. The team’s offensive strategy relied on a more balanced attack, though no player stood out in key categories like Brents did for Crane. As a result, Grape Creek’s total offensive yardage was spread out, but they lacked the explosive playmaking ability that Crane showcased throughout the season.
Common Opponents and Head-to-Head Record
Both teams faced common opponents this season, and their performance against these teams was quite similar. In the case of Stanton, both teams faced losses, with Crane losing 47-7 and Grape Creek falling 34-12. While neither team managed to beat Stanton, they each struggled to get a strong foothold against the team, showing that both schools faced challenges in their non-district matchups.
Looking at their head-to-head record, Crane and Grape Creek have yet to play each other this season, which would make for an exciting matchup should the two face off in the future.
Conclusion
The 2024-2025 season for both Crane and Grape Creek showed promising moments but also exposed areas for improvement. Crane’s strong offense and key player in Tyson Brents give them an edge, while Grape Creek’s balanced team effort and late-game surges provide hope for the future. With similar records and a shared history against common opponents, these two teams will continue to grow and look to improve in upcoming seasons. Fans of both schools can certainly look forward to potential matchups and continued rivalry as these teams continue their football journeys.
