The Knox City (TX) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Valley (Turkey, TX) on Friday, November 15 at 7 PM in Chillicothe. This matchup is part of the “2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football 6-Man 1A D1” tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Knox City vs Valley
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football 6-Man 1A D1
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Game preview: Knox City vs Valley

As the 2024-2025 football season continues to unfold, Valley and Knox City have both had notable performances within their respective divisions, but with different overall outcomes. Let’s break down their rankings, records, scoring averages, team statistics, and head-to-head performances to gain a clearer understanding of where both teams stand.

Overall Record and Performance

• Valley: With a 4-6 overall record and a district performance of 3-1, Valley has had a rough season, especially in non-league games where their record stands at 1-5. Despite the losses, they have shown a strong performance in district play with a .750 district win percentage.
• Knox City: Knox City has had a significantly stronger season, with a 7-3 overall record, including a solid 3-1 district record. Their non-league record of 4-2 shows that they are a more consistent force, winning a majority of their games outside district play.

Scoring and Offensive Production

• Valley: Valley averages 28.5 points per game, with most of their scoring coming in the first quarter (7.5 points). However, their offensive consistency drops as the game progresses, averaging only 1.5 points in the second quarter and struggling in the final two quarters with 5.5 and 2.0 points respectively.
• Knox City: Knox City boasts a high-powered offense, averaging an impressive 52.7 points per game. Their offensive distribution is more even throughout the game, with 14.3 points in the first quarter, peaking at 17.2 in the second, and continuing strong through the third (12.7) and fourth (10.0) quarters. Their offensive depth has made them a formidable opponent this season.

Team Stat Comparison

• Valley:
  • Rushing yards per game: 261.5
  • Passing yards per game: 139.2
  • Total yards per game: 400.7
  • Tackles per game: 33.9
  • Sacks per game: 0.2
  • Points per game: 28.5
• Knox City:
  • Rushing yards per game: 400.7
  • Passing yards per game: 137.6
  • Total yards per game: 527.5
  • Tackles per game: 33.9
  • Sacks per game: 0.2
  • Points per game: 50.6

Knox City’s offensive efficiency is evident in their total yards per game (527.5), outpacing Valley’s total yards by a significant margin (400.7). Both teams share similar defensive averages in tackles per game (33.9), though Knox City has a slight edge in rushing yards, indicating a more balanced offensive attack that keeps their opponents on their toes.

Key Players and Contributions

• Valley:
  • Cameron Hernandez leads in rushing yards (129.5), tackles per game (6.8), and points per game (18.0).
  • Zander Abila has contributed 82.8 passing yards per game, accumulating a total of 212.4 yards per game.
  • Jc Utley is a key receiver, with an average of 48.4 receiving yards per game.
• Knox City:
  • Cameron Hernandez is also a standout for Knox City, with 129.5 rushing yards per game and 6.8 tackles per game.
  • Zander Abila has been instrumental in both passing (82.8 yards per game) and total yardage (212.4 yards per game).

In terms of key individual performance, Valley’s Hernandez stands out, contributing significantly both on offense and defense. For Knox City, their offense runs smoothly with a balanced attack, with Hernandez playing a pivotal role in the running game.

Common Opponents

Valley and Knox City have faced some of the same opponents this season, with both teams playing against Jayton:

• Valley vs. Jayton (Sept. 13, 2024): Lost 61-0.
• Knox City vs. Jayton (Sept. 20, 2024): Lost 80-30.

Both teams struggled against Jayton, though Knox City did manage to score more points in their meeting, showcasing their offensive firepower.

Head-to-Head and Record Breakdown

• Overall Records: Valley (4-6) vs. Knox City (7-3)
• District Records: Valley (3-1) vs. Knox City (3-1)
• Home/Away: Valley has been inconsistent at home (2-3), but Knox City has a stronger away record (3-2).
• Neutral Site: Knox City remains perfect at 1-0 in neutral-site games.

Final Thoughts

While Valley has had a rougher season overall, their strong district record shows they can compete at a high level within their league. Knox City, on the other hand, has been consistently successful throughout the season, with their high-scoring offense being a major factor in their success. Both teams have shown resilience, and with their similar district performances, future matchups between the two will undoubtedly be highly anticipated.

In the context of this season’s progression, Knox City appears to have the upper hand in overall performance and offensive strength, but Valley’s potential for upsets and competitive spirit could make for an exciting postseason run.