The Hale Center (TX) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Bovina (TX) on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM at Happy State Bank Stadium in Canyon. This game is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 2A Division 2 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Hale Center vs Bovina
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 2A D2
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Game preview: Hale Center vs Bovina

As the 2024 high school football season progresses, the teams of Bovina and Hale Center have demonstrated contrasting performances. While Bovina has faced its challenges, Hale Center has emerged as one of the dominant teams in their district. Here’s a breakdown of their season records, key statistics, and upcoming matchups.

Team Overview

• Bovina: With a total enrollment of 1,074 students, Bovina’s football team has struggled this season, posting a 3-6 overall record and a 1-3 district record. Despite this, they have managed to score 98 points while allowing 281 points over the course of their games.
• Hale Center: In stark contrast, Hale Center has excelled with a 9-1 overall record and an undefeated 5-0 district performance. They’ve racked up 386 points while allowing only 201 points. Hale Center’s offense has been prolific, averaging nearly 39 points per game.

Team Scoring Averages

When comparing the scoring patterns between the two teams, Hale Center’s offensive efficiency stands out significantly:

• Bovina averages just 10.9 points per game, with a meager first-quarter scoring average of 1.8 points. Their scoring spikes in the second quarter (4.0 points) but generally remains low throughout the game.
• Hale Center, on the other hand, has posted an impressive 38.6 points per game, with their most substantial output coming in the first quarter (6.5 points) and the third quarter (10.0 points).

Offensive and Defensive Statistics

Bovina’s performance on both sides of the ball shows some notable individual efforts, although the team as a whole has struggled to generate consistent yards or points:

• Rushing yards: Bovina averages 118.9 yards per game, led by #7 Angel Lara, who is also their leader in total yards (78.8) and tackles per game (10.6).
• Passing yards: The team’s passing game is not as dominant, with only 58.4 yards per game, highlighting their limited aerial threat.
• Tackles and Sacks: Defensively, Bovina’s standout player is Lara, with 10.6 tackles per game and 0.2 sacks per game.

Hale Center’s offense has been nearly unstoppable, although they do not rely as heavily on rushing yards or passing yards per game:

• They average 177.3 total yards per game, with both rushing and passing stats being evenly distributed.
• Hale Center’s defense has been rock-solid, allowing just 201 points this season. This defensive strength, combined with their high-powered offense, has made them a formidable team in their district.

Individual Leaders

• Bovina: Angel Lara has emerged as the team’s most prominent player, leading in rushing yards (71.8), total yards (78.8), tackles (10.6), and points per game (4.0).
• Hale Center: While Hale Center’s statistics show a team-oriented effort, they have several key contributors on both sides of the ball, with a balanced attack across rushing and passing yards.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced Smyer, and each emerged victorious:

• Bovina: Won against Smyer 28-12 on September 27, 2024.
• Hale Center: Defeated Smyer 33-20 on September 20, 2024.

Record Breakdown

In terms of overall performance, Hale Center has clearly outshined Bovina:

• Bovina: 3-6 overall, with a 1-3 district record.
• Hale Center: 9-1 overall, undefeated in district play at 5-0.

Bovina has struggled both at home and away, with a 1-2 record at home and 2-4 on the road. Hale Center, by contrast, has been dominant at home (5-1) and undefeated in away games (3-0), showcasing their ability to perform in all environments.

Conclusion

Bovina’s season has been a tough one, marked by a lack of offensive production and struggles in both district and non-district games. Hale Center, meanwhile, has been a powerhouse, proving their dominance in nearly every aspect of the game. As Bovina looks to regroup and rebuild for future seasons, Hale Center is positioning itself for a strong finish in the district, likely heading into playoffs as one of the top contenders.

The contrast between these two teams highlights the challenges of maintaining consistency and the rewards of a high-performing, well-rounded football program. For fans of both schools, the season has provided plenty of drama and anticipation, with Hale Center looking to continue their winning ways while Bovina seeks to turn things around.