The Iola Bulldogs (5-5) will face the Junction Eagles (9-1) 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, Conference 2A Division 2 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Iola vs Junction
When: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 2A D2
Watch here:Watch here

Game preview: Iola vs Junction

As the 2024-2025 high school football season winds down, the Junction Eagles and the Iola Bulldogs have had contrasting campaigns, each displaying distinct strengths and challenges. Here’s a breakdown of how both teams have fared so far.

Junction Eagles: Dominant in District Play

Junction comes into the season with a record of 9-1 overall, showcasing impressive consistency and dominance in district play with a perfect 6-0 mark. Their season has been highlighted by a potent offense and stingy defense, culminating in an average of 48.1 points per game and allowing just 103 total points over ten games. Their exceptional performance is underscored by a 1.000 district win percentage, as they have yet to lose within their conference. The Eagles are particularly strong at home, boasting a 4-1 record, while they have remained undefeated on the road at 5-0.

Junction’s offensive explosion has been fueled by a solid first half of play, averaging 13.6 points in the first quarter and 17.4 in the second. Although they tend to slow down a bit in the second half, they still manage to put up 15.8 points in the final two quarters. Their ability to score early and often, paired with their defensive prowess, has made them one of the top teams in their region.

Iola Bulldogs: Scrappy but Inconsistent

Iola, on the other hand, has had a much more uneven season, ending up at 5-5 overall. Their district performance has been solid but not spectacular, with a 4-3 mark. The Bulldogs have struggled on the road, managing only a 2-4 record, but their 3-1 district away performance hints that they have been able to rise to the occasion in important games. Offensively, Iola has struggled to maintain consistency, averaging just 32.5 points per game—well below Junction’s output.

Iola’s scoring is less explosive than Junction’s, particularly in the first half of games, where they average only 12 points combined in the first and second quarters. Their second-half performance is more balanced, averaging 15.2 points, but it hasn’t been enough to make up for the lack of early scoring. Despite these struggles, Iola has shown resilience in their district contests, proving they can compete with the best when needed.

Key Statistical Comparisons

When comparing the teams, the difference in scoring stands out. Junction has been dominant on offense, with an average of 48.1 points per game, including a high output in the second quarter (17.4 points). Iola, meanwhile, has averaged 32.5 points, with their highest output coming in the second half.

In terms of record breakdown, Junction has proven themselves to be a juggernaut within their district, finishing undefeated in league play. Iola’s record of 4-3 in district competition highlights some inconsistency, but their playoff potential remains intact with an even record.

Looking Ahead

Junction’s prospects heading into the postseason look bright, as they have shown an ability to dominate both at home and away. Their perfect district record speaks to their potential to make a deep playoff run, with a balanced offense and defense that has been hard for opponents to crack.

Iola, while showing some promise, will need to refine their game, especially in the first half of contests, if they hope to make a serious playoff push. The Bulldogs have the potential to cause an upset, but they will need to capitalize on opportunities and shore up their inconsistencies to challenge top-tier teams like Junction.

As both teams prepare for their postseason journeys, the contrast in style and performance will make for an exciting end to the 2024-2025 season.