The Holland (TX) varsity football team will face Marlin (TX) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 15 at 7:00 PM at Waco ISD Stadium. This game is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships for the 2A Division 1 Conference.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Holland vs Marlin
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 2A D1
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Game preview: Holland vs Marlin

As the 2024-2025 Texas high school football season progresses, two teams have emerged with identical 7-3 records: Marlin and Holland. While both teams have had strong seasons, their paths to success have been different, and they are gearing up for a thrilling finish as the playoffs approach. Here’s a breakdown of how these teams compare in various key metrics.

Overall Performance

Both Marlin and Holland are 7-3 overall, showcasing solid records in their respective districts. Marlin is a perfect 5-0 in district play, highlighting its dominance within the league, while Holland has a respectable 3-2 district record.

In terms of home and away performance, Marlin has a mixed record, going 1-1 at home and 4-2 on the road. Holland, on the other hand, excels at home with a 4-0 record, but struggles a bit on the road, posting a 3-3 away record.

Scoring and Offense

When it comes to scoring, both teams have been high-powered, but Holland edges Marlin in total points per game with an average of 35.0 compared to Marlin’s 31.1. Interestingly, while Marlin’s points are more spread out across all four quarters, with a balanced attack in each period, Holland makes a significant push in the fourth quarter, scoring an impressive 22.5 points per game in the final stanza.

Marlin’s offense is led by a strong rushing attack, averaging 198.0 rushing yards per game, which has been a key factor in their offensive success. Holland, however, has a more balanced offensive game plan, although specific rushing stats are not provided. Marlin’s passing game averages 108.6 yards per game, with Roderick Suiters at the helm, while Holland’s total yardage across both rushing and passing remains competitive.

Defensive Standouts

Defensively, Marlin leads in tackles per game with an average of 54.3, while Holland has yet to provide similar statistics. In terms of sacks, both teams show solid defensive pressure, with Marlin averaging 1.8 sacks per game, and Holland showing a strong defensive performance across the board.

Marlin’s defense also benefits from standout players like Ty’raun Bell, who leads the team with 9.7 tackles per game. Meanwhile, Holland’s defense is powered by the efforts of Jordan Womack, who averages 0.7 sacks per game.

Individual Performances

Marlin’s offensive leaders include De’angelo Wright, who boasts 79.7 rushing yards per game, and Caden Judie, who contributes 47.1 receiving yards per game. Roderick Suiters also shines with an average of 108.6 passing yards per game.

For Holland, standout players include their quarterback, who has been consistent in both passing and rushing, although specific yardage figures are not mentioned.

Common Opponents and Head-to-Head Matchups

Both Marlin and Holland share a common opponent in Crawford, and both teams secured victories against them. Marlin defeated Crawford 28-7, while Holland enjoyed a more dominant 42-13 win. This shows that while both teams are formidable, Holland’s offense appears slightly more explosive against similar competition.

Looking Ahead

With playoff spots on the line, both Marlin and Holland are poised to make a deep run. Marlin’s perfect district record and strong overall performance make them a team to watch, while Holland’s ability to come alive in the second half of games could give them an edge when it counts most.

As the season wraps up, these two teams will look to continue their impressive campaigns and ultimately prove themselves as top contenders in the Texas high school football scene.