The Johnson Jaguars (9-1) from San Antonio, TX will face the Taft Raiders (6-4), also from San Antonio, TX, 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 6A Division 1 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Johnson vs Taft
When: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 6A D1
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Game preview: Johnson vs Taft

As the 2024-2025 football season progresses, two Texas teams, Taft and Johnson, have established themselves as strong contenders in their respective divisions. Here’s a detailed look at their rankings, records, and key team statistics.

Team Records & Rankings

• Taft has posted a 6-4 overall record with a 5-3 district record, securing a solid position in their section with an overall state ranking of 434 and a district ranking of 200. Their win percentage stands at .600, with a district win percentage of .625. However, Taft’s 289 points scored (PF) are slightly overshadowed by the 300 points allowed (PA), signaling room for improvement in both offense and defense.
• Johnson, on the other hand, boasts an impressive 9-1 overall record, dominating their district with a perfect 7-0 district record. With a state ranking of 121 and a district ranking of 52, Johnson has proven to be a powerhouse in Texas high school football. They have a high win percentage of .900 and a flawless district win percentage of 1.000. Their offense has been prolific, scoring 355 points, while their defense has only allowed 193 points.

Scoring Averages

Both teams have shown their ability to score, with Johnson averaging 35.5 points per game, far surpassing Taft’s 28.9 points per game. The first quarter is a weak spot for both teams, with Taft scoring an average of 5.3 points and Johnson scoring 11.2. However, Johnson’s second quarter performance dips significantly to 5.4 points, while Taft manages to score 7.0. In the second half, Johnson pulls ahead with 9.6 in the third quarter and 8.4 in the fourth quarter. Taft, meanwhile, scores 8.8 in the third and 5.8 in the fourth, reflecting a relatively balanced second-half performance.

Team Stat Comparison

When comparing key team statistics, Johnson shows notable strengths in several categories:

• Rushing Yards: Taft leads with 268.9 rushing yards per game, slightly ahead of Johnson’s 218.1.
• Passing Yards: Taft again leads with 173.1 passing yards per game, while Johnson averages 184.3 passing yards.
• Receiving Yards: Both teams are evenly matched in this category, with Taft at 173.1 yards per game and Johnson at 183.7.
• Total Yards: Taft outpaces Johnson in total yards with 442.0 per game, compared to Johnson’s 402.4 yards.
• Tackles: Johnson has a stronger defense, averaging 67.4 tackles per game, well ahead of Taft’s 10.3.
• Sacks: Johnson has been more aggressive in pass-rush situations, recording 2.6 sacks per game, while Taft averages 0.2 sacks per game.
• Points Scored: Johnson also leads in points per game, scoring 35.1, compared to Taft’s 29.9.

Key Players to Watch

For Taft, Tucker Vogel has been a standout player, leading in rushing yards with 116.3 per game and passing yards with 132.3 per game. Vogel also leads the team in total yards with 248.7. Raymond Foster-Davis has contributed significantly to the receiving game with 48.2 yards per game, while Angel Hernandez leads the team in tackles with 10.3.

Johnson’s key players include Lorenn “Bubba” Johnson, who has been exceptional, leading the team in rushing yards with 182.0, receiving yards with 71.9, and total yards with 196.7. Elvis Estrada has been a top performer in passing yards with 175.1 per game, while Aidan Poteet stands out in tackles with 16.5 per game.

Record Breakdown

Here’s a closer look at both teams’ season breakdowns:

• Taft:
  • Overall: 6-4
  • District: 5-3
  • Non-District: 1-1
  • Home: 4-2
  • Away: 2-2
  • Playoff: 0-0
• Johnson:
  • Overall: 9-1
  • District: 7-0
  • Non-District: 2-1
  • Home: 4-0
  • Away: 5-1
  • Playoff: 0-0

Conclusion

While Taft has had a competitive season with a solid overall record, Johnson has truly stood out as one of the top teams in the state. Their dominant offense, led by players like Lorenn “Bubba” Johnson and Elvis Estrada, combined with a tough defense, has made them a formidable opponent. Taft will need to improve on both offense and defense to compete with such a well-rounded team in future matchups. As the season continues, all eyes will be on these teams to see how they perform in district and playoff games.