The Grand Saline (TX) varsity football team will play a home playoff game against Hooks (TX) on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 PM at Pittsburg High School. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, specifically in the Conference 3A Division 2 tournament.

Hooks vs Grand Saline Football Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Hooks vs Grand Saline
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m.
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Game preview: Hooks vs Grand Saline

In a highly anticipated matchup, Grand Saline (10-0) and Hooks (5-5) are set to face off in the Texas high school football playoffs. With Grand Saline boasting a perfect season and dominant stats across the board, Hooks will need to rely on a combination of strategic defense and offensive playmaking to upset the undefeated team.

Season Overview

Grand Saline has had a remarkable season, going 10-0 overall with a flawless 6-0 record in district play. Their scoring average sits at an impressive 49 points per game, compared to Hooks’ 31.7, with the team notably strong in the first quarter, averaging 16.6 points. Grand Saline’s defense has been formidable, allowing only 132 points all season.

Hooks, meanwhile, enters this game with a balanced 5-5 record and a .500 win percentage in district play. While their performance has been more variable, they have shown resilience, especially with a productive passing game averaging 220.2 yards per game.

Team Comparisons

Offense: Grand Saline’s rushing game is a clear strength, averaging 366.5 rushing yards per game, led by standout running back Jett Taylor, who averages 161.9 rushing yards per game. Hooks’ rushing game is notably less prolific at 181.4 yards per game, but they make up for it in the air, with quarterback Ripken Birdwell averaging 214.8 passing yards. Birdwell has been a consistent playmaker, contributing significantly to Hooks’ offensive yardage.

Defense: Hooks holds a slight edge in tackles, averaging 78.7 per game, compared to Grand Saline’s 67.2. Hooks’ Jasper Crain leads their defensive efforts with 10.5 tackles per game. However, Grand Saline’s Francisco Torres is right behind, with 9.8 tackles per game and slightly outpacing Hooks in sacks per game (2.5 to Hooks’ 2.4), giving both defenses the potential to impact the game significantly.

Scoring: Jett Taylor is Grand Saline’s primary scorer, averaging 15.6 points per game, while Dontravious Coulter leads Hooks with 9.6 points per game. Grand Saline has shown a strong scoring consistency throughout the game, especially in the first quarter, while Hooks tends to score more heavily in the third quarter, averaging 10.6 points.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced Harmony this season, with Grand Saline claiming a 51-0 shutout and Hooks winning their game 40-20. This shared matchup underscores Grand Saline’s defensive capability, as they held Harmony scoreless, while Hooks allowed 20 points.

Key Players to Watch

• Grand Saline: Jett Taylor will be essential for Grand Saline on both sides of the ball, contributing heavily to the team’s rushing and total yardage, while Francisco Torres will anchor the defense.
• Hooks: Ripken Birdwell’s passing game will be crucial for Hooks to keep pace, and Dontravious Coulter’s rushing and scoring abilities will be critical if Hooks hopes to contend with Grand Saline’s high-powered offense.

Game Outlook

Grand Saline’s perfect record and well-rounded performance make them the favorites heading into this matchup. Their offensive firepower, combined with a strong defensive record, suggests they’ll pose a challenge for Hooks on both ends. However, if Hooks can leverage Birdwell’s passing and find ways to break through Grand Saline’s defense early, they might be able to keep the game close and potentially stage an upset.