The Joaquin (TX) varsity football team will face Honey Grove (TX) in a neutral playoff game on Thursday, December 5, at 7:30 PM at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 2A D1 tournament.

Joaquin vs Honey Grove Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Joaquin vs Honey Grove
When: Thursday, December 5, 2024
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 2A D1
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Joaquin vs Honey Grove

As the high school football season progresses, two teams that have made their mark in Texas football are set to clash: Honey Grove and Joaquin. Both teams have had stellar seasons, posting impressive records, and are eager to extend their successes into the postseason. Here’s a deep dive into both teams’ stats, head-to-head comparison, and key players.

Honey Grove (24-25) Season Overview

Honey Grove, with an overall record of 12-1, has been a dominant force on the field this season. The team has remained undefeated at home (8-0) and has an impressive 6-0 record within their district. They average 41 points per game, with a strong offensive and defensive presence. The team has been exceptional both in rushing and passing, with 260.3 yards per game on the ground and 137.1 yards per game through the air. Their defense averages 83.7 tackles per game and 1.6 sacks, showing that they can both stifle opposing offenses and apply pressure when necessary.

Offensively, Honey Grove has been led by Ryelan Morris, who averages 150.1 rushing yards per game, and Jarrmez Daniels, who adds 142 passing yards per game. Morris also contributes 20.6 points per game, making him a key player in their potent offense.

Joaquin (24-25) Season Overview

Joaquin has had a solid season as well, posting a 9-4 overall record. The team has a 3-2 district record and a strong 7-2 performance at home. Though they have had a more balanced offensive approach compared to Honey Grove, they still average a competitive 41.6 points per game. Joaquin’s offense is led by Elijah Hardison, who averages 144.1 rushing yards per game and contributes 13.4 points per game. On defense, Dallon Jordan has been a standout, averaging 9.2 tackles per game and 0.2 sacks.

Joaquin’s total yards per game is 425.1, slightly ahead of Honey Grove’s 397.4, thanks in large part to their dynamic rushing attack. Their passing game, however, averages only 67.2 yards per game, which is a significant gap compared to Honey Grove’s aerial performance.

Key Players to Watch

• Honey Grove:
  • Ryelan Morris – 150.1 rushing yards per game and 20.6 points per game.
  • Jarrmez Daniels – 142 passing yards per game.
  • Kendal Wolfe – 34.8 receiving yards per game.
  • Levi Beavers – 12.5 tackles per game.
• Joaquin:
  • Elijah Hardison – 144.1 rushing yards per game and 13.4 points per game.
  • Justyn Brown – 24.9 receiving yards per game.
  • Dallon Jordan – 9.2 tackles per game.
  • Cooper Bragg – 24.9 receiving yards per game.

Team Comparisons

When it comes to offensive power, both teams have proven their capability to put up big numbers, averaging around 41 points per game. However, Honey Grove’s edge comes in their passing game, with 137.1 yards per game, compared to Joaquin’s 67.2. Meanwhile, Joaquin’s rushing game is slightly more dominant, with 357.9 yards per game compared to Honey Grove’s 260.3.

Defensively, Honey Grove has a stronger presence with 83.7 tackles per game, while Joaquin averages 65.5 tackles. Both teams excel in putting pressure on their opponents, with Honey Grove registering 1.6 sacks per game versus Joaquin’s 0.8.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

Both teams have proven their strength against common opponents, with each securing victories over Cooper this season. Honey Grove defeated Cooper 26-14, while Joaquin triumphed 32-24. This shared success adds an interesting layer of intrigue as both teams head into this matchup.

Playoff Implications

Both teams have been successful in their respective districts and have strong playoff credentials. Honey Grove has been perfect in postseason play so far, with a 3-0 record, while Joaquin has a similar strong playoff performance at 3-0. A win here could further propel either team toward a championship run.

Conclusion

This upcoming matchup between Honey Grove and Joaquin promises to be an exciting and hard-fought contest. With both teams showcasing high-powered offenses, strong defenses, and key players who can dominate on the field, this game is sure to be a spectacle. Whether it’s Honey Grove’s balanced offense or Joaquin’s strong rushing game, the outcome will likely come down to which team can best execute their game plan and handle the pressure in a playoff atmosphere. Fans of both teams will be eagerly anticipating what promises to be a thrilling encounter.