The Anderson (Austin, TX) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against La Porte (TX) on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 PM. This game is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 5A Division 1 tournament.

La Porte vs Anderson Football Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: La Porte vs Anderson
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m.
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Game preview: La Porte vs Anderson

This Friday night, football fans are in for an exciting matchup between two high-performing Texas high school teams: La Porte and Anderson. Both teams boast impressive 7-3 records, and each has proven itself to be a powerhouse in their respective districts. As we break down their performances, let’s take a closer look at how these teams stack up against each other heading into this highly anticipated game.

Team Overview

La Porte (24-25)

• Record: 7-3 overall, 7-0 district
• Points For (PF): 384
• Points Against (PA): 193
• Offensive Average: 38.4 points per game
• Defensive Average: 19.3 points allowed per game
• Home/Away Performance: 3-0 at home, 4-3 on the road
• Key Player: #21 Sean Simon, who leads the team with 137.6 rushing yards per game.

Anderson (24-25)

• Record: 7-3 overall, 5-3 district
• Points For (PF): 450
• Points Against (PA): 273
• Offensive Average: 45.0 points per game
• Defensive Average: 27.3 points allowed per game
• Home/Away Performance: 3-2 at home, 4-1 on the road
• Key Player: #3 Max Gerlich, who excels with 275.8 passing yards per game.

Key Matchup Stats

Scoring Averages
La Porte has been efficient on offense, with a solid distribution of scoring throughout the game. They average 7.9 points in the first quarter, but their most explosive period is the second, where they rack up 13.0 points per game. In comparison, Anderson starts strong, averaging 11.0 points in the first quarter and 17.4 in the second, but they tend to slow down in the second half.

Offensive Power
Anderson’s offense is particularly dominant in the passing game, with 284.4 passing yards per game, compared to La Porte’s modest 70.0. However, La Porte excels in the rushing game, averaging 324.2 rushing yards per game, thanks to the powerful running of Sean Simon. While La Porte is a more ground-focused team, Anderson relies heavily on the arm of Max Gerlich to move the ball.

Defensive Comparison
Both teams have solid defenses, but Anderson’s defense appears to be a bit more aggressive, with 4.1 sacks per game compared to La Porte’s zero. Anderson also averages 67.9 tackles per game, while La Porte’s defense has been effective in limiting big plays but doesn’t match Anderson in sheer volume.

Player Highlights

For La Porte, Sean Simon is the star of the show, leading the team with an impressive 137.6 rushing yards per game, alongside 139.3 total yards per game. His power and vision on the ground have been a key factor in La Porte’s success this season. Aiden Saenz has also been a steady contributor, with 73.3 passing yards per game.

On Anderson’s side, Max Gerlich has been exceptional with his 275.8 passing yards per game, establishing himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the state. He is well-supported by Ed Small, who leads the team in receiving yards with 125.7 per game, and the defense benefits from the tackling prowess of Gage Webb, who averages 10.5 tackles per game.

The Breakdown

Both teams come into this game with identical 7-3 records, showcasing their consistency throughout the season. La Porte has been perfect in district play, finishing 7-0, while Anderson enters the game with a respectable 5-3 district record. The offensive firepower of Anderson with its passing game contrasts sharply with La Porte’s ground attack, led by Simon’s dominant rushing performance.

La Porte’s Strengths:

• Dominant rushing game, averaging over 324 yards per game.
• Solid defense, only allowing 193 points all season.
• Perfect district record of 7-0.

Anderson’s Strengths:

• High-powered offense, especially in the passing game, with over 450 total yards per game.
• Strong passing game led by Max Gerlich, with 275.8 yards per game.
• Defensive aggression, with over 4 sacks per game.

Game Prediction

While both teams bring their own strengths to the table, this game is likely to come down to whether La Porte can control the clock with its rushing attack and whether Anderson can exploit its aerial advantage. With both teams boasting similar records and scoring averages, fans can expect a close and thrilling contest. The home-field advantage for La Porte, combined with their solid district play, may give them the edge in this exciting matchup.

Will La Porte maintain its perfect district record, or will Anderson’s potent passing offense prove too much to handle? Football fans are sure to be in for a treat as these two high-scoring teams collide on the gridiron.