The Jefferson (San Antonio, TX) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against Elgin (TX) on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM. This game is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, Conference 5A Division 2 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Jefferson vs Elgin
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, Conference 5A Division 2
Watch here:Watch here

Game preview: Jefferson vs Elgin

As the 2024-2025 high school football season comes to a close, both Elgin and Jefferson have put up impressive performances, finishing with identical overall records of 5-5. However, when comparing their records, offensive strategies, and key players, subtle differences begin to emerge, giving fans an insightful look into both teams’ seasons.

Record Breakdown

Both teams share a .500 win percentage, with Elgin and Jefferson finishing their regular seasons with an equal 5-5 record. While the two teams had the same overall outcome, their district performances highlight different levels of success.

• Elgin finished 5-2 in their district, boasting a district win percentage of .714, showing a strong performance against their league rivals. However, their non-league record of 0-3 indicates some struggles outside their district competition.
• Jefferson, on the other hand, posted a remarkable 5-1 district record, earning a high district win percentage of .833. However, their 0-4 record in non-league matchups shows they had difficulty performing in games outside their regular district opponents.

Scoring and Offensive Strengths

When looking at scoring averages, Elgin clearly demonstrated a more potent offense. Averaging 41.6 points per game, they showcased a balanced attack that produced 17.0 points in the first quarter alone, which helped them build strong leads early in games. However, their second-half scoring dipped, with just 5.3 points per game in the fourth quarter, suggesting a tendency to fade toward the end of games.

In contrast, Jefferson’s offense had a much lower output, averaging only 23.4 points per game. Their scoring breakdown is more consistent throughout the quarters, with 4.7 points in Q1 and 6.3 in Q3, but they too struggled in the final moments, scoring only 4.3 points in Q4.

Team Stat Comparison

• Rushing Yards: Elgin had a stronger rushing attack, averaging 172.5 rushing yards per game, which contributed to their ability to control the game and manage clock efficiently.
• Passing and Receiving: Elgin also outperformed Jefferson in passing, with 201.7 passing yards per game compared to Jefferson’s more modest output. The total yards per game for Elgin stood at 374.2, a sign of their balanced offensive strategy. On the other hand, Jefferson didn’t post notable passing or receiving yards, suggesting a heavier reliance on defense or running plays.
• Tackles and Defensive Stats: Both teams showed promising defensive performances. Elgin averaged 63.7 tackles per game and 3.0 sacks per game, making their defense formidable. Jefferson had no stats listed for rushing or passing defense, but they managed to keep opponents to 177 points over the season.

Team Leaders

Elgin’s standout player is Dylan Owens, a dynamic quarterback, who led the team with 145.0 passing yards per game and 222.8 total yards per game. His leadership has been key to the team’s high scoring averages. Meanwhile, Jalen Owens contributed significantly in the receiving game, racking up 71.5 receiving yards per game and scoring 9.0 points per game.

For Jefferson, key players like Gary Jefferson Jr. made an impact, leading the team in rushing with 61.8 yards per game. Jefferson’s offense, however, did not rely on any standout individual performances like Elgin’s, and the team’s numbers reflect more balanced contributions across the board.

Conclusion

Both Elgin and Jefferson have had their ups and downs this season, but their strengths lie in very different areas. Elgin’s high-powered offense and ability to rack up total yards give them an edge, especially with key players like Dylan Owens. Jefferson, with its stronger district play, proved to be a tough competitor within its league, but the team will need to improve its performance against non-district opponents moving forward. Their defense, while solid, could use more consistency to compete at higher levels.

Fans of both teams will be eagerly watching how they build on their successes and address their weaknesses as they prepare for future seasons.