The Lovejoy High School (Lucas, TX) varsity football team will host Del Valle (El Paso, TX) for a home playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM at Astound Broadband Stadium. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 5A Division 2 tournament.

Lovejoy vs Del Valle Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Lovejoy vs Del Valle
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 5A D2
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Game preview: Lovejoy vs Del Valle

As the high school football season nears its climax, two standout teams—Del Valle and Lovejoy—have risen to the top in their respective districts. This article dives into the team records, statistical comparisons, and individual performances that make these teams formidable contenders.

Del Valle: Dominating with Perfection

Del Valle’s 2024-25 campaign has been nothing short of remarkable, finishing the regular season undefeated with a perfect 10-0 record. Dominating their district with an 8-0 mark, they have displayed a blend of explosive offense and stifling defense. On the field, the team has outscored their opponents 508-132, showcasing a remarkable offensive efficiency with an average of 41.6 points per game. Their defense has also been strong, limiting their opponents to an average of just 13.2 points per game.

Key performers for Del Valle include:

• Shelton Fuller (#10), with 45.3 rushing yards per game
• Jake Fette (#1), leading the team with 235 passing yards per game
• Ryu Nunez (#2), an integral part of the receiving game with 52.9 yards per game
• Mateo Santibanez (#33), anchoring the defense with 11.9 tackles per game

Their offensive success is not limited to a single phase of the game. Del Valle averages 161.3 rushing yards per game and 229.1 passing yards per game. With an impressive 390.4 total yards per game, they are a well-rounded team capable of adjusting to any style of play.

Lovejoy: A Season of Promise

Lovejoy, while not perfect, has been a dominant force in their district with an 8-3 overall record, including a solid 7-1 district record. Their offensive output has been potent, scoring 563 points while allowing 244. They average 51.2 points per game, just slightly edging out Del Valle in scoring. However, Lovejoy has shown vulnerabilities, particularly in games on the road, where they are 4-1 compared to their perfect 5-0 home record.

Key players for Lovejoy include:

• Ben Adams (#7), leading the team with 97.1 rushing yards per game
• Jacob Richard Janecek (#4), a dual-threat quarterback with 214.5 passing yards per game
• Daylan McCutcheon (#11), a key receiver with 84.8 yards per game
• Owen Magee (#23), contributing 13.1 tackles per game on defense

Lovejoy has also displayed a balanced offensive attack, with 213.8 rushing yards per game and 229.7 passing yards per game. Their 443.5 total yards per game puts them on par with Del Valle in terms of offensive output. In addition, the defense is highly productive, with 95.4 tackles per game and an average of 2.3 sacks per game, which indicates a strong presence in the backfield.

Team Comparison: Strengths and Weaknesses

The comparison between Del Valle and Lovejoy highlights two teams with similar offensive production but differing defensive philosophies. Both teams excel at moving the ball, with Del Valle averaging 390.4 total yards per game and Lovejoy at 443.5. While Del Valle’s defensive unit allows just 132 points on the season, Lovejoy’s defense has been more generous, allowing 244 points. This indicates that Del Valle has a more dominant overall defense, potentially giving them an edge in high-pressure situations.

However, Lovejoy has shown resilience, especially in their district, with only one district loss on their record. Their ability to score quickly and frequently means that they can keep pace with any team in the state.

Record Breakdown and Head-to-Head

• Del Valle boasts a perfect 10-0 record, dominating both at home (5-0) and away (5-0), and securing a 1-0 playoff record.
• Lovejoy, on the other hand, comes in with an 8-3 record, including a solid 7-1 district mark. They are 4-1 away and have a 3-2 neutral record, with a single win in the playoffs.

Interestingly, both teams share an unblemished record in non-league play, which reflects their overall preparedness for postseason competition.

Individual Standouts

In terms of individual performance, Del Valle’s Jake Fette is a major threat in both the passing and rushing game, contributing 278.7 total yards per game. Fette is complemented by his receiving corps, including Ryu Nunez, who is a reliable target for big plays.

For Lovejoy, Ben Adams leads the rushing attack with 97.1 yards per game, and Jacob Richard Janecek has been a standout at quarterback, throwing for over 200 yards per game and keeping defenses honest with his dual-threat capabilities.

Final Thoughts

As both teams prepare for the postseason, the matchups ahead will reveal which squad’s strengths are most formidable. Del Valle’s undefeated season speaks volumes about their consistency and dominance, but Lovejoy’s balanced offense and tough defense could prove to be a formidable challenge. Both teams will need to stay sharp in every phase of the game to secure their playoff success, with Del Valle relying on their defensive prowess and Lovejoy looking to outscore their opponents with explosive plays.

In the end, this battle of elite Texas high school teams promises to be a thrilling spectacle for fans and a clash of two of the state’s most dynamic football programs.