The Liberty-Eylau varsity football team (Texarkana, TX) will host a home playoff game against Pilot Point (TX) on Thursday, November 21 at 7:00 PM at Tyler-Rose Stadium. This game is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships in the 2024 Football Conference 3A Division 1 tournament.

Liberty-Eylau vs Pilot Point Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Liberty-Eylau vs Pilot Point
When: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 3A D1
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Game preview: Liberty-Eylau vs Pilot Point

As the season progresses, two high school football teams—Pilot Point and Liberty-Eylau—stand out with contrasting records and statistics, creating an intriguing matchup for fans and analysts alike.

Team Overview

Pilot Point (4-7 overall, 3-3 district) enters the game with a record of 4 wins and 7 losses, struggling to find consistency both at home (1-4) and on the road (3-3). Their offensive and defensive stats indicate a team that has had its ups and downs throughout the season. The Bearcats have averaged 30.2 points per game but allowed a near-equal 29.9 points, making their games high-scoring affairs. Despite their overall record, they are still in the hunt with a 3-3 district record, a testament to their competitive spirit.

On the other side, Liberty-Eylau has been a powerhouse in the district, finishing with an impressive 9-2 overall record and a near-perfect 6-0 district performance. The Leopards have dominated their opponents with a robust offense that has scored an average of 45.4 points per game. Liberty-Eylau’s defense has also been formidable, allowing just 28.6 points per contest, and they’ve proven themselves particularly strong on the road with a 3-2 record.

Offensive Breakdown

The offensive production of both teams tells the story of their success and struggles:

• Pilot Point has a well-rounded offense, primarily powered by the rushing game with 221 yards per game. Led by Arian Taylor, who averages 110.2 rushing yards per game, Pilot Point’s ground game is a significant factor. Through the air, Trip Baysinger has been a key contributor, with an average of 228.8 passing yards per game. In total, Pilot Point racks up 461.8 yards per game, a solid number, but it hasn’t translated into more wins this season.
• Liberty-Eylau, on the other hand, is an offensive juggernaut, averaging 499 total yards per game. The Leopards rely heavily on both their rushing attack and aerial assault, combining for a balanced offensive output. They average 240.8 rushing yards per game and a hefty 234.2 passing yards per game. Quarterback Trip Baysinger has been a standout player, totaling 302.9 yards per game, making him a dual-threat on both the ground and in the air.

Defensive and Special Teams Comparison

While Pilot Point’s defense has had its issues, allowing 332 points throughout the season, Liberty-Eylau’s defense has been more stingy, allowing just 286 points. The Pilot Point defense averages 86.5 tackles per game, but the team has struggled with pass rush, averaging only 0.5 sacks per game. Maliki Stephens is the team’s leader in tackles (10.8 tackles per game) and sacks (0.2 sacks per game), showcasing his importance to the defense.

In contrast, Liberty-Eylau’s defense has been more effective at getting to the quarterback, applying consistent pressure and containing opposing offenses. However, it’s their ability to shut down scoring opportunities that makes them dangerous, as they’re allowing far fewer points than their opponents.

Key Players to Watch

• Pilot Point: Dequane Prevo has been one of the team’s primary offensive weapons, contributing 133.2 receiving yards per game and averaging 12.7 points per game. He’ll be crucial for Pilot Point’s chances in this matchup.
• Liberty-Eylau: With Trip Baysinger leading the offense, Liberty-Eylau has been explosive. His ability to both pass and rush for big yards makes him a dynamic player to watch. The Leopards also have a strong defensive backbone with Maliki Stephens, who has consistently racked up tackles.

Game Prediction

As both teams head into this clash, it’s clear that Liberty-Eylau holds the upper hand in most categories. With a higher overall and district win percentage, coupled with their potent offense and strong defense, they enter the game as heavy favorites. However, Pilot Point’s ability to compete in high-scoring affairs and their balanced attack could provide some challenges for the Leopards, especially if they can minimize mistakes and control the clock with their running game.

While Pilot Point will undoubtedly bring their best effort, Liberty-Eylau’s offense and near-perfect district record suggest they will likely come out on top. This promises to be an exciting matchup with plenty of action and potential playoff implications on the line.

Conclusion

With Liberty-Eylau boasting a dominant season and Pilot Point fighting for respectability, this game is shaping up to be a critical contest. As both teams look to finish the regular season strong, their clash will be one to watch closely. Will the powerhouse offense of Liberty-Eylau continue its dominance, or will Pilot Point rise to the occasion and pull off an upset?