The West Mesquite Varsity Football Team will host a home playoff game against McKinney North on Friday, November 15 at 7:00 PM at Memorial Stadium in Mesquite, TX. This game is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, 5A Division 1 tournament.

McKinney North vs West Mesquite Football Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: McKinney North vs West Mesquite
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
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Game preview: McKinney North vs West Mesquite

The stage is set for an exciting clash in Texas high school football as McKinney North faces off against West Mesquite in what promises to be a thrilling matchup. With contrasting records and styles of play, this game will showcase the strength and resilience of two competitive teams.

Team Overview

McKinney North enters this game with a .500 record overall (5-5) and a 5-3 district record. Despite being evenly split at home (3-2) and away (2-3), they have shown resilience with a strong offense that averages 33.9 points per game. Their total yards per game stand at 346.7, and they lead the team in rushing with Greg Ard contributing an impressive 166.2 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Brooks Nelson has added 136.4 passing yards per game, helping keep the offense balanced. However, their defense will need to step up, with an average of 52.1 tackles per game and 1.2 sacks per game to handle a powerhouse opponent like West Mesquite.

On the other side, West Mesquite has been dominant all season, going undefeated with a perfect 10-0 record. They swept through district play with an 8-0 record, and their offense has been nothing short of spectacular, averaging 44.6 points per game. Their team is a well-oiled machine, racking up a staggering 446 total points in the season. Though their exact rushing and passing yards are not specified, they have excelled across the board, particularly in controlling the game with high offensive and defensive efficiency. With a defense allowing just 99 points across the season, West Mesquite has shown a tough, disciplined approach to every game.

Key Matchup: Offense vs. Defense

McKinney North will rely heavily on the playmaking abilities of running back Greg Ard, who averages 166.2 rushing yards per game and is also contributing to their offensive balance with a total of 185.3 yards per game. The team will also look to quarterback Brooks Nelson to find success in the passing game, though they face a tough challenge in shutting down a West Mesquite defense that allows an average of just 9.9 points per game.

West Mesquite’s offense is led by an explosive attack that has averaged 446 total yards per game. They have put up impressive numbers across all quarters, but particularly in the first half, where they dominate with 16.3 points in the first quarter and 18.3 in the second quarter. Their balanced scoring is a testament to their ability to control the tempo of the game and maintain pressure throughout. With a perfect record, they will look to extend their dominance on both sides of the ball.

Players to Watch

For McKinney North, the spotlight is on Greg Ard, who leads the team in rushing and total yards. His ability to control the ground game will be pivotal in keeping West Mesquite’s offense off the field. Brooks Nelson, the quarterback, will need to remain calm under pressure and connect with his receivers, particularly Kameron Powell, who leads the team with 67 receiving yards per game.

West Mesquite’s well-rounded squad will feature strong performances from players across the field. Their defense will be tough to break, with Kamden Cole, who averages 0.7 sacks per game, playing a key role in disrupting McKinney North’s offensive rhythm. With an explosive offense, West Mesquite will also rely on their strong passing game and rushing capabilities to maintain control.

The Bottom Line

McKinney North will have their work cut out for them as they face the undefeated West Mesquite. While McKinney North has shown promise, particularly on offense, West Mesquite’s perfect record and balanced attack make them the team to beat. The game will likely come down to McKinney North’s ability to disrupt West Mesquite’s offense while capitalizing on any potential weaknesses in their defense. On the other hand, West Mesquite will be looking to continue their dominant run and secure another statement victory before the playoffs.

As the game kicks off, all eyes will be on the dynamic playmakers and the intense strategies on display, promising a highly anticipated matchup between two of Texas’ top teams.