The Marshall (TX) varsity football team will host Montgomery (TX) for a playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, specifically the 2024 Football Conference 5A Division 2 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Marshall vs Montgomery
When: Friday, November 15, 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: Marshall vs Montgomery

As the Texas high school football season continues to unfold, two teams have stood out for their impressive performances: the Montgomery Bears and the Marshall Mavericks. Both teams have put up stellar records and are now headed into the final stretch of the season with high expectations. Let’s take a closer look at the teams’ stats, strengths, and their head-to-head potential.

Overall Performance

Both Montgomery and Marshall share identical overall records of 8-2, with an .800 win percentage. However, the teams have performed slightly differently within their districts. Montgomery holds a 5-2 district record, while Marshall has been even more dominant with a 5-1 district record, marking an .833 district win percentage. This shows Marshall’s solid footing within their district, as they only have one loss.

Scoring and Offensive Breakdown

Montgomery averages 45.0 points per game, significantly outperforming Marshall’s 37.7 points per game. However, the Bears are more spread out in their scoring, with a fairly balanced approach across the quarters: 9.0 in Q1, 14.4 in Q2, 10.1 in Q3, and 10.3 in Q4. Marshall, on the other hand, has more variance, especially in the fourth quarter, where they score just 7.6 points per game.

When it comes to total yardage, Montgomery averages 443.7 yards per game, while Marshall follows closely with 410.9 yards per game. The teams are nearly identical in terms of offensive production but have different strengths in how they rack up yards. Montgomery relies more on the passing game with 156.0 passing yards per game, while Marshall’s 291.4 rushing yards per game leads the charge. Both teams excel in offensive balance, but Montgomery’s passing game might give them an edge in matchups where aerial attacks dominate.

Defensive Standings

On the defensive side, Montgomery has a slight edge in terms of tackles per game, with 77.1 tackles per game compared to Marshall’s 64.9 tackles per game. This indicates a more aggressive and active defense from the Bears, though Marshall is not far behind. The sack totals are close, with Montgomery averaging 2.0 sacks per game and Marshall slightly ahead with 2.4 sacks per game.

Both teams have shown resilience defensively, but Montgomery’s ability to generate tackles consistently might help them stifle any explosive plays from Marshall’s powerful rushing game.

Individual Standouts

Both teams boast impressive individual performances. Montgomery’s Reggie Williams is a standout, leading the team with 106.2 rushing yards per game, along with 95.8 passing yards per game. His 208.4 total yards per game is pivotal in their high-powered offense. For Marshall, Semaj Gatson is a force to be reckoned with, leading the Mavericks in rushing with 117.3 yards per game and contributing greatly to the team’s success.

Montgomery’s Talan Shavers is their top receiver, with 52.0 receiving yards per game, but Marshall’s Raijon Sims has been dominant, with 62.1 receiving yards per game. Both teams rely on their star players to make big plays, and this will likely be a key factor in the upcoming matchup.

Record Breakdown and Game Locations

Looking at the team’s records by location, both teams have shown equal strength at home, with each boasting a 4-1 home record. Both teams also have a 4-1 record on the road, highlighting their ability to perform both at home and away from their familiar surroundings. Neither team has faced neutral-site games or playoff action yet, but their current records suggest they are on track for post-season appearances.

Conclusion

As both teams enter the latter part of their seasons with identical records and impressive stats, the Montgomery Bears and Marshall Mavericks are setting up to be two of the top teams in Texas high school football. Montgomery’s balanced attack, led by Reggie Williams and a stout defense, will challenge Marshall’s dominant rushing game and strong individual performances. With both teams seemingly destined for success in the playoffs, the showdown between these two will be one for the history books.

Stay tuned, as this season could very well be the start of a rivalry that will echo for years to come in Texas high school football.