The Midland (TX) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against Pebble Hills (El Paso, TX) on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM. This game is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 6A Division 2 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Midland vs Pebble Hills
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Football Conference 6A Division 2
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Game preview: Midland vs Pebble Hills

As the 2024 high school football season enters its final stretch, the Pebble Hills Spartans and the Midland Bulldogs are set to face off in a thrilling playoff matchup on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM in a neutral site game. This showdown promises to be an intense contest, with both teams boasting strong records and unique strengths.

Team Records and Rankings

• Pebble Hills Spartans (5-5, 4-2 District): The Spartans have had a balanced season, finishing with a .500 win percentage overall. They enter the game with a solid 4-2 district record and have been competitive in both home and away games, posting a 3-3 record at home and 2-2 on the road. With a potent offense scoring 36 points per game, Pebble Hills will be looking to carry that momentum into the postseason.
• Midland Bulldogs (7-3, 3-2 District): Midland, with a 7-3 overall record, has had a slightly stronger season, thanks to their impressive away form (4-0) and a solid 3-2 district record. Their offense has been high-powered, averaging 40.3 points per game, and their stout defense will be key in limiting Pebble Hills’ scoring.

Previous Encounter

In their last meeting earlier this season, Midland emerged victorious in a non-conference game on September 6, winning 28-23. The game was a hard-fought battle, with Midland taking control in the second quarter and maintaining a slight lead throughout. Despite a strong performance from Pebble Hills, who scored 10 points in the second quarter, Midland’s offense and defense held firm in the final stages of the game.

Team Comparison and Stats

• Offensive Breakdown:
  • Pebble Hills excels in rushing with 246.4 yards per game, led by standout running back Zereian Quarles, who has rushed for 176.8 yards per game.
  • Midland has an even more potent rushing attack, averaging a staggering 415.6 yards per game, with Elijah McCoy leading the charge at 188.2 yards per game.
  • While Pebble Hills holds a slight edge in passing yards with 120.0 per game, Midland has had more success overall, with 442.3 total yards per game compared to Pebble Hills’ 366.4.
• Defensive Breakdown:
  • Both teams have solid defenses, with Pebble Hills averaging 90.1 tackles per game. Dorian Jaramillo leads the defense with 13.7 tackles per game.
  • Midland has also shown defensive strength, with 75.8 tackles per game, and Julian Williams leads the Bulldogs with 11.4 tackles per game.
  • Both teams have been effective at applying pressure on the quarterback, with Pebble Hills averaging 2.4 sacks per game and Midland slightly behind with 2.1 sacks per game.
• Key Players to Watch:
  • Pebble Hills: Zereian Quarles, a dual threat who leads both the rushing and total yards categories, and Joe Fernandez, the team’s quarterback, will need to step up in this high-pressure game.
  • Midland: Elijah McCoy, the Bulldogs’ star running back, and quarterback Stroman Bridges, will be pivotal in leading Midland’s powerful offense.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced Montwood this season, with each earning decisive victories. Pebble Hills defeated Montwood 38-7 on October 11, while Midland posted a dominant 69-13 win over the same team on September 20. These victories highlight the teams’ offensive capabilities, although Midland’s margin of victory was significantly larger.

Looking Ahead

As both teams enter this highly anticipated playoff game, it’s clear that they bring strengths to the table in different areas. Midland’s explosive offense will go up against Pebble Hills’ well-balanced attack and resilient defense. The outcome of this game could hinge on which team is able to execute their game plan more effectively and maintain consistency over four quarters.

With a trip to the next round of the playoffs on the line, this neutral-site clash between Pebble Hills and Midland is one that football fans will not want to miss. The game is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 PM on November 15, and both teams will be hungry for victory as they vie for a place in the postseason.