The Joaquin Rams (6-4) varsity football team will face the Centerville Tigers (9-1) in a home playoff game on Thursday, November 14, at 7 p.m. The game will take place at Arp High School and is part of the “2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – Conference 2A Division 1” tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Joaquin vs Centerville
When: Thursday, November 14, 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: Joaquin vs Centerville

As the 2024 high school football season draws closer to playoffs, two powerhouse teams, Centerville and Joaquin, are set to face off in what promises to be an electrifying matchup. Here’s an in-depth look at both squads, from their records to their key stats and standout players.

Team Records & Rankings

Centerville enters this game with an impressive 9-1 record. They have dominated district play with a perfect 5-0 record, winning every home game (5-0) and showing strength on the road (4-1). Their overall performance this season has led to a .900 win percentage, with a perfect 1.000 in district play. Centerville’s defense has been solid, holding opponents to 177 points across the season, while their offense has racked up an impressive 422 points.

On the other side, Joaquin stands at 6-4 overall with a 3-2 record in district play. Despite some ups and downs, Joaquin remains a formidable opponent, boasting a .600 win percentage both overall and in district. They’ve shown offensive firepower, scoring 424 points this season but also allowing 331. Joaquin’s 5-2 home record and their resilience are factors not to be underestimated.

Scoring Averages & Trends

Centerville’s offense is characterized by a steady scoring pattern, averaging 42.2 points per game. They tend to score consistently across all quarters, with a strong finish in the fourth quarter averaging 11.2 points.

Joaquin, meanwhile, has a unique scoring trend. They average a striking 42.4 points per game, with their most explosive quarter being the second, where they average 24.5 points. This makes them a dangerous team, capable of swinging the game’s momentum quickly.

Statistical Comparison

• Rushing Game: Both teams have formidable rushing attacks. Centerville averages 323.3 rushing yards per game, but Joaquin edges them out with 366.2. Expect a ground-game battle.
• Passing & Receiving: While neither team heavily relies on passing, Joaquin’s passing game, averaging 72 yards, is slightly more potent than Centerville’s 47.4 yards per game.
• Defensive Presence: Joaquin’s defense averages 62.4 tackles per game, compared to Centerville’s 47.9. However, Centerville has been more aggressive in the backfield, recording 2.7 sacks per game compared to Joaquin’s 0.6.

Team Leaders to Watch

Centerville:

• Rushing: Amarius Phillips leads the charge with 142 rushing yards per game. He’s also a key all-around player, averaging 157.8 total yards.
• Passing: Maxwell Smith, with 52.7 passing yards per game, will need to manage the game efficiently.
• Defense: Colton Pearson is the tackling machine for Centerville, averaging 6.8 tackles per game.

Joaquin:

• Rushing: Elijah Hardison is the star of Joaquin’s offense, with a remarkable 152.8 rushing yards per game and 14 points per game, making him a touchdown threat every time he touches the ball.
• Receiving: Cooper Bragg adds versatility to Joaquin’s passing game with 29.8 receiving yards per game.
• Defense: Dallon Jordan leads with 8.9 tackles per game, a key figure for Joaquin’s defensive efforts.

Common Opponents

Both teams have played Corrigan-Camden, with Centerville winning 49-20 and Joaquin winning 56-35. These results indicate that both teams are capable of putting up points against a common adversary, setting the stage for an offensive showdown.

Playoff Implications

With their records and rankings on the line, this game could have significant playoff ramifications. Centerville seeks to maintain their momentum and perfect district record, while Joaquin aims to solidify their standing and prove they can beat a top-ranked opponent.

Game Prediction

This matchup could come down to which team can impose their will in the trenches. Centerville’s steady, balanced attack and defensive pressure may clash with Joaquin’s explosive, big-play potential. Expect a close, hard-fought game that could be decided in the final quarter. Football fans, get ready—this one is not to be missed!