The Marshall (TX) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against South Oak Cliff (Dallas, TX) on Friday, November 29, at 7:00 PM at Tyler-Rose Stadium. This game is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, 5A Division 2 tournament.

Marshall vs South Oak Cliff Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Marshall vs South Oak Cliff
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 5A D2
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Marshall vs South Oak Cliff

As the high school football season progresses, two Texas powerhouses, South Oak Cliff and Marshall, have established themselves as formidable contenders. With impressive records and high-scoring offenses, both teams are ready to make a deep run in the postseason. Let’s take a closer look at their performance, stats, and their head-to-head matchups.

Season Overview

Both South Oak Cliff and Marshall boast identical overall records of 10-2, showing their dominance in the Texas high school football scene. South Oak Cliff has been perfect in district play, going 7-0, while Marshall has only dropped one district game, finishing 5-1 in their league. Both teams also displayed resilience in non-district games, with South Oak Cliff posting a 1-2 record and Marshall earning a 3-1 record.

Team Scoring and Offensive Stats

Both teams have shown they can put up points, but their offensive styles differ slightly.

• South Oak Cliff averages 38.8 points per game, led by standout performer Mikail Trotter, who racks up 66.8 rushing yards per game. The offense is diverse, with Carter Kopecky throwing for 142.8 yards per game, and Jaylen Moore contributing 40.1 receiving yards per game. The team has been efficient on offense, with their best quarter being the first (15.8 points), but they struggle a bit in the fourth (3.8 points).
• Marshall, on the other hand, puts up 36.1 points per game. The team’s offense revolves around Semaj Gatson, who leads the team with 112.7 rushing yards per game. Alton Henderson has also been a key contributor, throwing for 109.2 passing yards per game. Marshall’s strength is their second and third quarters, where they average 11.4 and 11.9 points, respectively, and they tend to close games strong with 8.9 points in the final quarter.

Defensive Comparisons

Both teams have strong defenses that have helped them maintain their impressive records, with South Oak Cliff averaging 53.9 tackles per game and Marshall slightly ahead at 63.7 tackles per game. When it comes to rushing yards, South Oak Cliff has been slightly more dominant, allowing 189.9 yards per game compared to Marshall’s 287.5. In pass defense, Marshall has been more effective, allowing just 109.2 yards per game compared to South Oak Cliff’s 155.3.

Both teams also have effective sack production, with South Oak Cliff’s Kamauryn Morgan contributing 0.7 sacks per game, and Marshall’s Jayden Cooks producing 0.9 sacks per game.

Key Players to Watch

• South Oak Cliff:
  • Mikail Trotter (RB): With 66.8 rushing yards per game, Trotter is a key force in their ground game.
  • Carter Kopecky (QB): The team’s leader in passing yards, with 142.8 per game, Kopecky is crucial to the offense.
  • Jaylen Moore (WR): With 40.1 receiving yards per game, Moore provides a solid target for the passing game.
• Marshall:
  • Semaj Gatson (RB): Leading the team with 112.7 rushing yards per game, Gatson is a workhorse in the backfield.
  • Alton Henderson (QB): With 109.2 passing yards per game, Henderson leads the aerial attack for Marshall.
  • Raijon Sims (WR): With 57.9 receiving yards per game, Sims adds a dynamic element to the receiving corps.

Common Opponents

One of the most telling matchups for both teams was their games against Longview. South Oak Cliff managed a thrilling 45-44 victory over Longview on September 13, 2024, while Marshall fell to the same opponent 42-7 just a week earlier on September 6. This result highlights South Oak Cliff’s ability to close out tight games, while Marshall’s loss to Longview could be a point of reflection as they head into tougher matchups.

Head-to-Head Record

Although the two teams have not faced each other yet this season, they have been dominant in their own right. South Oak Cliff is undefeated in neutral-site games (1-0) and has a perfect playoff record (2-0). Marshall has been strong on the road (5-1) and also boasts a solid 2-0 record in the playoffs.

Looking Ahead

With both teams having only lost twice this season, the potential for a deep playoff run is high. The matchup between South Oak Cliff and Marshall, if it happens, will be one to watch closely, as both teams have shown explosive offense, solid defense, and exceptional leadership on the field. Whether it’s South Oak Cliff’s high-powered offense or Marshall’s balanced attack, expect a thrilling contest between two of Texas’s best high school football programs.

As we move deeper into the postseason, these two teams will undoubtedly be contenders to watch, each with their eyes set on the state championship.