The Kerens (TX) varsity football team will face Tioga (TX) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2A Division 1 tournament.

Kerens vs Tioga Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Kerens vs Tioga
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 2A D1
Watch here:Watch here

Game preview: Kerens vs Tioga

As the football season progresses, two teams are drawing attention for their contrasting records and impressive performances: Tioga and Kerens. With both teams showing strengths in different areas, a breakdown of their rankings, team statistics, and player performances highlights what makes each squad unique.

Overall Records and Rankings

Tioga has posted a strong record of 9-2 for the season, dominating their district with a perfect 6-0 record. Their overall win percentage stands at a robust .818, with an undefeated district performance. Tioga’s ability to perform both at home (4-1) and away (4-1), combined with their impressive scoring, places them in the upper echelons of their league.

Kerens, on the other hand, has a slightly more modest record of 6-5. While they have performed well at home (5-1), their away performance (1-4) has held them back. With a win percentage of .545, Kerens faces a steeper challenge but has shown resilience with a respectable district record of 3-2.

Team Scoring Averages

Tioga consistently demonstrates offensive firepower, averaging a commanding 41.6 points per game. Their balanced scoring throughout the four quarters—10.4 in Q1, 12.4 in Q2, 11.2 in Q3, and 14.4 in Q4—shows their ability to sustain pressure throughout the game. The team’s ability to score at all stages of the game is a key asset.

Kerens, while slightly less potent on offense, still averages a solid 30.7 points per game. They show growth through the quarters, with their most notable output coming in the third quarter (11.0 points). However, their performance in the final quarter (7.7 points) leaves room for improvement in closing out games.

Offensive and Defensive Comparison

Looking at team statistics, Tioga leads significantly in total yards per game, averaging 476.8 yards, primarily through a combination of impressive passing (345.6 yards) and rushing (131.2 yards) attacks. Their ability to move the ball consistently has been key to their success. Tioga’s defense, however, could improve as they only average 82.7 tackles per game, suggesting room for more aggressive defensive play.

Kerens does not have specific rushing or passing yardage stats listed, but their total yardage is more modest compared to Tioga. Kerens averages 338 total yards per game, with a focus on the ground game. Defensively, they also lack standout figures in terms of sacks and tackles but have shown resilience with a solid 222 points allowed this season.

Key Players

Tioga’s standout player is quarterback Rocky Urich, whose incredible 364.7 passing yards per game leads the team offensively. His ability to generate 400.2 total yards per game has been crucial to Tioga’s high-scoring offense. Additionally, Johnny Dorpinghaus has been a reliable target, averaging 99.3 receiving yards per game, contributing to the team’s passing success.

Kerens’ key contributors include a balanced mix of offensive and defensive talent. While they lack the same standout numbers as Tioga’s players, Jake David leads the team with 11.2 tackles per game, offering a strong defensive presence. Offensively, Sam Mott has contributed with some critical plays, while Johnny Dorpinghaus of Tioga also plays a key role in both teams’ head-to-head dynamic.

Record Breakdown: Strengths and Weaknesses

• Tioga’s Perfect District Performance: Tioga’s clean 6-0 district record shows their dominance within their league, especially on both home and neutral grounds (5-1 combined). Their impressive offense and balanced team approach make them the team to beat.
• Kerens’ Home Advantage: Kerens has had success at home with a 5-1 record, but their away struggles have been evident, with a 1-4 record on the road. Kerens will need to improve their consistency away from home if they are to compete at a higher level.

Playoff Potential

Both teams are playoff-bound, with Tioga having a clear advantage based on their 9-2 record, their strong district standing, and their offensive explosiveness. Kerens may need to rely on home-field advantage and some adjustments in their game strategy to make a deeper playoff push.

Conclusion

While Tioga emerges as the stronger team based on their overall performance, offensive production, and district dominance, Kerens still has the potential to challenge with their solid home performance and key players. Both teams will be looking to carry momentum into their next games, but Tioga’s high-powered offense and clean district record likely give them the upper hand moving forward.