On Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 7:30 PM, the Lyford Bulldogs (6-4, TX) varsity football team will face off against the undefeated Edna Cowboys (10-0, TX) in a neutral-site playoff game. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, Conference 3A Division 1 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Lyford vs Edna
When: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 3A D1
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Game preview: Lyford vs Edna

As the 2024-2025 Texas high school football season progresses, the Edna Cowboys have emerged as one of the most dominant teams in their district, showcasing a perfect record that sets them apart from their competitors. Meanwhile, the Lyford Bulldogs have shown resilience but have struggled to maintain consistency. Here’s a detailed comparison of both teams based on their current standings, stats, and key players.

Edna Cowboys: Unbeaten and Unstoppable

Edna has posted a flawless 10-0 record so far in the 2024-2025 season. The Cowboys have yet to lose a single game, finishing their district play with a 7-0 record and a perfect 5-0 both at home and on the road. With an astonishing win percentage of 1.000, Edna’s offense and defense have been nearly untouchable, outscoring their opponents 455 to 112. Their overall performance places them at the top of the Texas rankings, with a dominant position in both district and state standings.

Key to Edna’s success has been their balanced offensive attack. With an average of 192.3 rushing yards per game and 63.1 passing yards, their offense has been efficient in all facets. Adrian Chavez has been a standout performer for the Cowboys, leading the team with 68.9 rushing yards per game, 16.2 receiving yards per game, and 95.8 total yards per game. Additionally, Chavez has been responsible for 5.6 points per game, cementing his role as one of the top offensive threats in the state. The team’s defense has also been exceptional, with Aiden Rubalcaba recording an average of 6.4 tackles per game and Alejandro Tijerina contributing 0.8 sacks per game.

Lyford Bulldogs: A Mixed Season

Lyford, on the other hand, has had a more challenging season, with a 6-4 record. The Bulldogs ended their district play with a 4-3 record, showcasing some promise, but their inconsistency has been evident in their performance on both sides of the ball. In contrast to Edna’s explosive offense, Lyford has struggled to put up points, averaging only 19.2 per game. Their scoring has been spread thin across all four quarters, with their first quarter production at just 3.0 points per game and a modest 2.0 points in the fourth.

Despite their offensive struggles, Lyford has found some success through the air and on the ground. With 51.7 passing yards per game and 20.4 rushing yards per game, they have managed to move the ball effectively at times. The Bulldogs have relied heavily on their quarterback, with passing yards led by their signal caller averaging 49.5 yards per game. The team’s defense has shown moments of strength, with key players like linebacker Aiden Rubalcaba continuing to make big tackles.

Offensive and Defensive Comparisons

• Rushing Yards: Edna outpaces Lyford significantly in the rushing department, with 192.3 rushing yards per game compared to Lyford’s 20.4. This shows Edna’s dominance on the ground, with Adrian Chavez leading the charge.
• Passing Yards: Lyford edges out Edna in passing yards per game, with 51.7 to Edna’s 49.5. While this is a small difference, it illustrates Lyford’s attempt to diversify their offense.
• Total Yards: Edna also holds the advantage in total yards per game, averaging 255.4 compared to Lyford’s 192.3. This is a significant gap, highlighting Edna’s ability to move the ball effectively through both the air and on the ground.
• Defense: Edna’s defense has been dominant, recording an average of 50.7 tackles per game and 2.0 sacks per game. Lyford, by comparison, averages only 2.7 tackles per game from their top tackler and 0.2 sacks per game.

The Key Players: Chavez and Gonzales

For Edna, Adrian Chavez has been the star of the season. Not only does he lead in rushing yards, but he also contributes significantly in receiving and total yardage. His dual-threat capability makes him one of the most dangerous players in the state. Meanwhile, Ryan Gonzales, with 49.5 passing yards per game, continues to be a reliable arm for the Cowboys.

For Lyford, quarterback Ryan Gonzales has been the key figure, contributing a solid 51.7 passing yards per game. Although Lyford’s offense has struggled, Gonzales’ leadership continues to keep the team competitive.

Looking Ahead

Edna’s undefeated season has placed them as clear favorites in their district and state division, with their relentless offense and tight defense making them a tough opponent for any team. Lyford, while showing flashes of promise, will need to build more consistency in both their offensive and defensive units as they head into the latter half of the season.

With their eye on postseason play, Edna is poised for a deep run, while Lyford will need to make adjustments to elevate their performance in the final stretch of the season. The contrast between these two teams—one surging forward with perfection and the other fighting to find its rhythm—makes for an exciting matchup as the season unfolds.