The upcoming high school football game between the Navasota Rattlers and the Kilgore Bulldogs promises to be an exciting showdown, as both teams bring impressive records and contrasting styles to the field. Here’s a breakdown of their season performances, key statistics, and what to watch for in this clash.

Team Records and Overview

• Navasota Rattlers: With a 7-5 overall record, Navasota has shown resilience, finishing third in their district with a 3-2 record. While they had a strong home record of 4-1, their struggles on the road (1-4) have been a limiting factor this season. Despite this, they still managed to outscore their opponents 400-325, showing a potent offense and a competitive spirit.
• Kilgore Bulldogs: Kilgore comes into the game with a 10-2 overall record, which includes a dominant 5-1 district performance. Their impressive win percentage of .833 highlights their consistency across the board, both at home (5-1) and away (4-1). With a remarkable 445 points scored against just 165 allowed, Kilgore has proven to be one of the most formidable teams in the region.

Scoring Breakdown

• Navasota Scoring Average: The Rattlers have averaged 33.3 points per game, with their highest output coming in the second quarter (12.6 points per game). However, their scoring tends to drop off in the third quarter (4.4 points), and they’ll need to adjust this to maintain momentum through the latter stages of the game.
• Kilgore Scoring Average: Kilgore’s offense has averaged 37.1 points per game, with a strong first quarter (8.0 points) and balanced scoring across the game. Their scoring in overtime (7.0 points in OT1) suggests they’re capable of stepping up when games get tight.

Key Players

• Navasota’s Standouts:
  • Artavian Rutherford has been a key player for Navasota, rushing for an average of 110.9 yards per game.
  • Jace Jablonski has shown impressive versatility, throwing for 159.3 passing yards per game and accumulating 167.5 total yards per game.
  • On defense, Jarrad Isaiah leads with 12.0 tackles per game.
• Kilgore’s Key Contributors:
  • Jace Jablonski is also a key player for Kilgore, with a solid passing game and 167.5 total yards per game.
  • Kilgore’s defense has been tough, limiting opponents to just 165 points on the season, with standout performances in sacks and tackles.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced some of the same opponents this season, offering a glimpse into their relative strengths. Navasota has a 1-1 record against common opponents, including a tough 28-21 loss to Needville and a thrilling 56-45 victory over Lindale. Kilgore, on the other hand, is 2-0 against common opponents, with convincing wins over Needville (48-14) and Lindale (42-21).

Key Stat Comparison

• Rushing Yards: Navasota averages 138.3 rushing yards per game, while Kilgore does not have this stat readily available. However, Navasota’s ground game will need to find success against a Kilgore defense that has been effective all season.
• Passing Yards: Navasota averages 139.6 passing yards per game, which is comparable to Kilgore’s balanced offensive attack.
• Total Yards: Navasota averages 277.8 total yards per game, while Kilgore’s offense has put up significantly more, averaging 445 total yards per game, making them one of the most explosive teams in the region.

The Bottom Line

Navasota’s 7-5 record reflects a team that can win when everything clicks, but they’ve had some inconsistency, especially on the road. Kilgore’s 10-2 season is marked by dominant performances and fewer close calls. However, Navasota will be eager to prove themselves in this matchup, especially given their strong second-quarter play and ability to put up points.

The Bulldogs will rely on their high-powered offense and solid defense, which has been one of their standout features. Navasota will need to capitalize on their rushing game and find ways to keep up with Kilgore’s fast-paced offense if they want to pull off an upset. Expect a high-scoring affair where every play counts