The La Vernia (TX) varsity football team will face Kilgore (TX) in a neutral playoff game today at 7:30 PM at Randall Reed Stadium in New Caney. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, specifically for the 2024 Football Conference 4A Division 1 tournament.
La Vernia vs Kilgore Game Info:
What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: La Vernia vs Kilgore
When: Friday, December 13, 2024
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 4A D1
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: La Vernia vs Kilgore
As the 2024-2025 high school football season continues, both Kilgore and La Vernia are riding the wave of successful campaigns. Their impressive records and standout statistics set the stage for a compelling matchup, especially when you break down their respective performances and team dynamics.
Team Performance and Rankings
Kilgore stands tall in the Texas high school football landscape, ranked 39th in the state and 10th in their section. Their stellar overall record of 12-2, with a district record of 5-1, highlights their consistent performance throughout the season. Kilgore has been dominant both at home (6-1) and on neutral ground (2-0), boasting a winning percentage of .857.
On the other hand, La Vernia, while ranked lower at 193rd in the state, has still had a commendable season. With an 11-3 overall record and a district record of 3-2, they’ve been a formidable opponent, especially on neutral grounds, where they remain undefeated (7-0). La Vernia’s overall winning percentage stands at a solid .786, showcasing their grit and determination.
Scoring Breakdown
When we dive into team scoring averages, both Kilgore and La Vernia have exhibited explosive offensive capabilities. Kilgore averages 38.4 points per game, while La Vernia is close behind with 38.1 points per game.
- Kilgore’s scoring pattern shows a balanced attack, with consistent points spread across all four quarters. Their scoring peaks slightly in the second quarter, averaging 8.6 points. They also have proven themselves effective in overtime, averaging 7.0 points in OT1 and 6.0 in OT2.
- La Vernia’s offense starts strong, especially in the second quarter, where they average an impressive 14.1 points. Their ability to capitalize early on gives them a significant advantage going into the second half.
Team Stat Comparison
While Kilgore’s overall yardage stats weren’t provided, La Vernia clearly shines in several key areas:
- Rushing Yards Per Game: 310.2
- Passing Yards Per Game: 75.1
- Total Yards Per Game: 385.4
- Tackles Per Game: 34.1
La Vernia’s balanced attack, with a focus on a strong running game, poses a challenge for opponents. Kilgore, with its dominant defense and ability to control the game, will have to neutralize La Vernia’s ground game to maintain an edge.
Key Players and Team Leaders
For Kilgore, Sean Garza is the standout player. Leading the team in multiple categories, Garza averages:
- 153.0 rushing yards per game
- 156.1 total yards per game
- 11.6 points per game
His offensive contributions have been instrumental in Kilgore’s successful season. On the defensive end, Dedric Williams has been a key figure, averaging 9.2 tackles per game and contributing to the team’s sack total.
La Vernia’s stat leaders are slightly behind Kilgore’s in terms of averages, but they still boast solid performances:
- Keegan Hajek leads with 69.9 passing yards per game
- Logan Maytum averages 60.5 receiving yards per game
- On defense, La Vernia relies on a team effort with 34.1 tackles per game and 0.2 sacks per game, similar to Kilgore’s sack rate.
Record Breakdown
When comparing their overall records, both teams are remarkably similar:
- Kilgore: 12-2 overall, 5-1 in league play, 3-1 non-league.
- La Vernia: 11-3 overall, 3-2 in league play, 4-1 non-league.
Both teams have excelled in the playoffs, with each going 4-0. However, Kilgore has the edge at home, with a 6-1 record, while La Vernia dominates away from home, going 7-0 in away games.
What to Watch For
In what could be a close and competitive game, Kilgore’s balanced scoring and strong defense will clash with La Vernia’s high-powered rushing attack. Key matchups to watch include Kilgore’s defense, led by Dedric Williams, against La Vernia’s running game, spearheaded by their 310.2 rushing yards per game.
If La Vernia can get ahead early with their explosive second quarter, they could put Kilgore on the defensive. However, Kilgore’s consistency across all four quarters, combined with their edge in the passing game, could be the deciding factor.
Final Thoughts
Both Kilgore and La Vernia have proven themselves as top contenders in Texas high school football, and their head-to-head meeting promises to be an exciting showcase of talent, strategy, and heart. With Kilgore slightly edging La Vernia in several key metrics, the game will likely come down to the wire, with turnovers, defensive stops, and big plays determining the victor.
