The United (Laredo, TX) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Johnson (Buda, TX) on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, 2024 Football Conference 6A Division 1 tournament.
Johnson vs United Football Game Info:
What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Johnson vs United
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m.
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Game preview: Johnson vs United
The upcoming high school football game between the Johnson Jaguars (6-4, 3-3 district) and the United Longhorns (7-3, 5-1 district) is sure to be an exciting matchup. Both teams have put up impressive performances this season, with Johnson looking to build on its strong home record and United riding high on its district success. Here’s a closer look at how both teams stack up ahead of their showdown.
Johnson Jaguars Overview
Johnson has had a solid season with a 6-4 overall record, and while they’ve struggled a bit on the road (1-4 away), they have been dominant at home with a perfect 5-0 record. Their 3-3 district record places them in the middle of the pack, but they have shown an ability to put up big numbers on offense, averaging 32.6 points per game.
On the offensive side, Johnson excels in rushing, with Kael Hatnot leading the charge with an impressive 137.3 rushing yards per game. Hatnot is also a key contributor in total yards, with 152.4 yards per game. The Jaguars’ offense has been productive, especially in the first and fourth quarters, where they score an average of 4.3 and 9.6 points per game, respectively.
Defensively, Johnson has been relatively consistent, with Dre Giello averaging 6.3 tackles per game. The team’s sack numbers are also respectable, with Charles Steward leading the charge with 1.3 sacks per game.
United Longhorns Overview
United enters this matchup with a solid 7-3 record, including a dominant 5-1 district record. Their offense has been potent, averaging 27.9 points per game. United has relied on their passing game, with Jorge Luna leading the team with a staggering 225.6 passing yards per game. Despite being less effective on the ground (71.7 rushing yards per game), their air attack has been difficult to stop.
United has been strong on the road with a 4-2 away record, and they’ve shown great consistency throughout the season. The Longhorns’ offense averages 262.7 receiving yards per game, and their ability to spread the ball around makes them a tough team to defend against. They’ve been especially effective in the second quarter, where they average 11.2 points per game.
Defensively, United is led by Jordan Zaragoza, who averages 11.6 tackles per game, and their defense is well-rounded, with balanced sack numbers (1.4 per game). They have allowed an average of 153 points this season, a significantly lower number than Johnson’s 344.
Key Matchups and Players to Watch
- Kael Hatnot (Johnson) vs. United’s Defense: Hatnot’s dominance in the running game will be crucial for Johnson’s success. His ability to break through United’s defensive line could be the difference in this game.
- Jorge Luna (United) vs. Johnson’s Secondary: Luna’s exceptional passing game will challenge the Jaguars’ secondary. If Johnson can limit his effectiveness, it will go a long way toward slowing down United’s offense.
- Dre Giello (Johnson) vs. United’s Offensive Line: Giello’s role in the pass rush and in the run defense will be key for Johnson. He’ll need to put pressure on Luna and disrupt United’s offensive rhythm.
Final Thoughts
This game promises to be an exciting clash of styles, with Johnson relying on a strong ground game and United focusing on their potent air attack. With both teams having solid offensive and defensive units, the key to victory will likely lie in controlling the line of scrimmage and taking advantage of opportunities in both the passing and rushing games.
For Johnson, maintaining their home-field dominance and keeping their offense rolling will be key, while United will aim to carry the momentum from their impressive district performance into a strong finish to the season. Fans can expect an action-packed contest when these two teams face off, with both looking to improve their position in the district standings.
Stay tuned for what should be an exciting game, as these two teams battle it out under the Friday night lights!