The Kennedale (TX) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Celina (TX) today at 7:30 PM at HEBISD Pennington Field. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships in the 4A Division 1 tournament.

Kennedale vs Celina Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Kennedale vs Celina
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 4A D1
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Game preview: Kennedale vs Celina

As the 2024-25 high school football season heads into its final stretch, the contrast between Celina and Kennedale is stark, yet tells the story of their seasons with remarkable clarity. Celina has been a powerhouse, dominating both their district and overall matchups with an undefeated record. Kennedale, on the other hand, has fought hard to stay competitive, with a more mixed performance that has left them with a 6-5 overall record. Despite these differences, both teams have showcased unique strengths, and their paths crossed in several high-profile matchups this season.

Celina’s Unblemished Record

Celina has been nothing short of dominant this season, finishing the regular season undefeated with an 11-0 record. The Bobcats’ success can be attributed to a combination of strong offensive and defensive play. Averaging over 50 points per game, Celina is a scoring machine, led by impressive offensive performances in every quarter. They scored 11.7 points per game in the first quarter and increased that to 14.5 in the second quarter, showing their ability to gain momentum early and often.

The team’s offense has been powered by a potent rushing attack, averaging nearly 259 yards per game. Celina’s total yardage per game comes to 288.4, with quarterback Jackson Hammonds contributing both in the air and on the ground. On the defensive side, they’ve been equally impressive, with 54.5 tackles per game and 1.1 sacks per game, stifling opposing offenses. This combination of efficiency and balance has allowed Celina to close out games strong, as seen in their fourth-quarter average of 7.0 points per game.

Kennedale’s Competitive Season

On the other hand, Kennedale has faced a more difficult road, finishing with a 6-5 overall record. While their season has had its share of struggles, particularly in away games where they posted a 1-4 record, the Wildcats have managed to shine at home with a 5-1 record. Their district play, however, has been one of their bright spots. Kennedale went 4-1 in district play, showing their ability to compete against tough competition when it mattered most.

The Wildcats have averaged 22.4 points per game this season, but their offense has struggled to keep pace with high-scoring teams. Their passing game, averaging 29.5 yards per game, is one of the weaker points of their attack, though they have managed to make do with a steady rushing attack that puts up 258.8 yards per game.

Defensively, Kennedale has allowed 261 points this season, an average of 23.7 per game. They have not been able to match Celina’s consistency, but their grit in district play helped them maintain a strong enough record to secure a playoff berth.

Comparing Offensive Powerhouses

When comparing the teams head-to-head, Celina’s offensive firepower is clearly evident. Celina’s top performers include Riley Bingham, who leads the team in rushing yards with an average of 80.7 yards per game, and wide receiver Kaine Winans, who averages 19.7 receiving yards per game. Celina’s total offensive output, including passing and rushing, results in 288.4 yards per game.

Kennedale, while less prolific offensively, still has key contributors, with running back Riley Bingham posting solid numbers, averaging 80.7 yards per game. However, their passing game has been limited, and their overall offensive production doesn’t match up to Celina’s high-powered attack. Still, the Wildcats have made strides in other areas, with linebacker Tyler Greenfield leading the defense with 8.5 tackles per game.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

One of the most telling factors in understanding the disparity between these two teams lies in their performances against common opponents. Celina dominated all three of their shared opponents: La Vega, Panther Creek, and Aubrey, winning by large margins. Kennedale, however, faced a much tougher time, losing all three of those matchups by significant scores. This head-to-head comparison further highlights the difference in strength between the two teams.

For example, Celina faced La Vega on September 6 and came away with a 49-27 victory, while Kennedale lost to La Vega 45-15 just a few days earlier. Similarly, Celina breezed past Panther Creek 42-7, while Kennedale struggled, losing 42-3 in their meeting.

Final Thoughts

Celina’s perfect season and dominance in both offense and defense make them a formidable contender in the postseason, while Kennedale’s ability to compete at home and their strong district play show that they are a team capable of making a deep playoff run despite their struggles against top-tier teams. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on whether Celina can maintain their flawless record and whether Kennedale can turn their season around in the postseason. The contrast between these two teams serves as a testament to the unpredictability of high school football and the wide range of possibilities for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.