The Marion (TX) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Goliad (TX) on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM at Matador Stadium in Seguin, TX. This game is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships for the 2024 Football Conference 3A Division 1 tournament.

Marion vs Goliad Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Marion vs Goliad
When: Friday, November 22, 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: Marion vs Goliad

As the football season progresses, two teams from Texas, Goliad and Marion, present contrasting journeys, with Goliad shining as a dominant force in their district and Marion striving to find consistency. Here’s a breakdown of both teams’ performances, stats, and standout players throughout the 2024-2025 season.

Goliad’s Standout Performance

With a strong 9-2 overall record and an impressive 6-1 district record, Goliad has proven itself to be one of the top contenders in its section. The team excels on both sides of the ball, averaging 41.6 points per game, with notable strength in scoring across all four quarters: 10.5 points in the first, 15.5 in the second, 8.5 in the third, and 10.3 in the fourth. Goliad’s ability to maintain offensive pressure throughout the game has contributed to their winning percentage of .818.

Offensively, the Goliad Tigers are particularly potent. Led by senior quarterback Kade Pape, who averages 158.5 passing yards per game, the Tigers’ offense racked up 313.1 total yards per game, including 169 rushing yards. Christian Sanchez leads the rushing attack with 123.8 yards per game, while Jack Wells has been a reliable target in the receiving game, averaging 40.7 yards per game. This offensive depth allows Goliad to maintain an average of 29.3 points per game. On defense, Hadley Mote stands out with an average of 11.2 tackles per game, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.

Marion’s Struggles and Resilience

Marion, with a 5-6 overall record and 3-2 district standing, has faced challenges this season. Their scoring average of 30.3 points per game is respectable, but they struggle to maintain consistent offensive output across all four quarters, scoring just 4.3 points in the first and fourth quarters. The Bulldogs’ defense has also been under pressure, as they give up an average of 275 points over the course of the season.

Marion’s offensive production is led by quarterback Kade Pape’s counterpart, who averages 51.2 passing yards per game. Despite a solid rushing game, which accumulates 169 yards per game, their overall offensive efficiency needs improvement. Players like Jack Wells, who has 17.3 receiving yards per game, and their total offensive unit, generating 144.1 yards per game through the air, have potential but need to build more consistency.

On defense, Marion is still finding its footing, with an average of just 2.7 tackles per game from their top player. The team’s sack production is also minimal, averaging just 0.2 per game, which puts additional pressure on the secondary and the overall defensive strategy.

Head-to-Head and Playoff Potential

Looking at head-to-head matchups, Goliad holds a clear advantage, with an overall record of 9-2 compared to Marion’s 5-6. Both teams boast strong home records (4-1 for Goliad and 3-2 for Marion), but Goliad’s performance in neutral-site games, with a 1-0 record, further highlights their postseason readiness. Marion has room to improve, particularly in road games, where they have a 2-4 record.

Key Players and Impact

• Christian Sanchez (Goliad): The #22-ranked player in rushing yards per game, with 123.8 yards per game, Sanchez is pivotal to Goliad’s offensive success. His 9.3 points per game reflect his importance in both the running and scoring game.
• Kade Pape (Goliad): Averaging 158.5 passing yards per game, Pape is a key leader in the air attack, and his ability to spread the ball effectively has been a big factor in Goliad’s offensive output.
• Hadley Mote (Goliad): A top defensive player with 11.2 tackles per game, Mote is the backbone of the defense, contributing significantly to Goliad’s ability to limit opposing teams’ offensive output.
• Marion’s Offensive Contributors: While not as statistically dominant, Marion’s team has potential with players like Jack Wells, who averages 17.3 receiving yards per game, and the steady rushing attack. Their ability to capitalize on these key players will be crucial for any success moving forward.

Conclusion

Goliad’s superior overall performance, particularly in district play, and its strong offensive and defensive units put them in a prime position for postseason success. Marion, on the other hand, faces several challenges that need to be addressed if they hope to turn their season around. Consistency, especially in the first and fourth quarters, will be key for the Bulldogs as they look to build on their strengths and potentially become a more formidable opponent in future matchups.