The Hidalgo Pirates (2-8) varsity football team will face the Bay City Blackcats (9-1) in a neutral playoff game on Thursday, November 14, at 7:00 PM. The game will take place at Mathis High School and is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships for the Conference 4A Division 1.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Hidalgo vs Bay City
When: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 4A D1
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Game preview: Hidalgo vs Bay City

As the 2024-2025 football season unfolds, the contrast between Bay City and Hidalgo’s teams could not be more apparent. With Bay City boasting a strong 9-1 overall record, including an undefeated 5-0 district performance, and Hidalgo struggling with a 2-8 record, the two teams are in vastly different positions heading into the final stretch of the season.

Team Records and Performance

Bay City has shown dominance throughout the season, with an impressive .900 win percentage overall and a perfect 1.000 record in district play. Their ability to execute on both sides of the ball has been crucial to their success. The team has scored 417 points while allowing just 210, reflecting their balanced offensive and defensive units.

In contrast, Hidalgo has had a difficult campaign, sitting at just 2-8 overall and 1-3 in district play. Their struggles are evident on both offense and defense, as they have scored only 139 points while allowing 336. Despite a few flashes of competitiveness, Hidalgo’s inability to consistently perform has hindered their progress this season.

Offensive and Defensive Comparisons

When comparing the two teams’ offensive and defensive statistics, Bay City’s superiority is clear.

• Rushing Yards: Bay City averages 138.4 rushing yards per game, slightly ahead of Hidalgo’s 134.7.
• Passing Yards: Bay City has been a pass-heavy offense, averaging 250.1 passing yards per game, far outpacing Hidalgo’s 33.3.
• Receiving Yards: With 253.1 receiving yards per game, Bay City again holds the advantage over Hidalgo, who averages just 30.3.
• Total Yards: Bay City’s 388.5 total yards per game dwarfs Hidalgo’s 168.0, showcasing the disparity in their offensive outputs.

On defense, Bay City’s 78.9 tackles per game is a major strength, while Hidalgo is trailing with just 48.5 tackles per game. Furthermore, Bay City’s ability to generate pressure is reflected in their 0.8 sacks per game, compared to Hidalgo’s meager 0.1.

Scoring Averages and Team Leaders

Bay City’s offensive firepower is underscored by their team scoring averages. They average an impressive 41.7 points per game, including consistent contributions from all four quarters, while Hidalgo struggles to put up 13.9 points per game, with much of their scoring coming in sporadic bursts.

Individual performances also highlight the difference in team strengths:

• Bay City’s Jada Andrews leads the team with 119.2 rushing yards per game, and Alex Estrada is a standout at 244.9 passing yards per game.
• Hidalgo’s Jeremy Martinez leads his team with 92.4 rushing yards per game, while Ian Szczuroski leads in passing yards with 41.6 per game.

In terms of total yardage, Bay City’s Alex Estrada totals 260.9 yards per game, a figure that far exceeds Hidalgo’s leader, Jeremy Martinez, who averages just 92.4 yards per game.

Record Breakdown

Both teams have played a variety of opponents, but the differences in their performances are stark:

• Bay City remains undefeated at home (4-1) and perfect on the road (5-0). Their playoff hopes remain strong, and their in-state record is also impressive at 9-1.
• Hidalgo, on the other hand, has faced significant struggles both at home (1-5) and on the road (1-3). Their out-of-state record and playoff prospects remain unaffected due to their overall performance.

Conclusion

As the season progresses, Bay City continues to prove itself as a powerhouse in the district, while Hidalgo’s challenges remain evident. Bay City’s potent offense, strong defense, and consistency across all phases of the game make them a formidable force in the Texas football scene. For Hidalgo, turning their season around will require significant improvements on both sides of the ball, particularly in terms of offensive execution and defensive pressure.