The Midlothian Heritage (Midlothian, TX) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against Marshall (TX) on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships in the 2024 Football Conference 5A Division 2 tournament.
Midlothian Heritage vs Marshall Game Info:
What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Midlothian Heritage vs Marshall
When: Friday, November 22, 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: Midlothian Heritage vs Marshall
The high school football season has been a thrilling ride, and as the playoffs approach, two standout teams from Texas are ready to face off: Marshall and Midlothian Heritage. Both teams have made strong impressions this season, each boasting impressive records and eye-popping stats. Here’s a breakdown of the teams’ performances, their leaders, and what fans can expect from this exciting matchup.
Team Overview
Marshall enters this matchup with a strong overall record of 9-2, with an undefeated home record of 5-1 in district play. The team has averaged 37.5 points per game, a solid total that ranks them as a high-scoring contender. Their offense is led by dynamic playmakers like Semaj Gatson, who has rushed for an average of 123.8 yards per game, and Alton Henderson, who has thrown for 117.9 passing yards per game. Marshall’s well-rounded offense is complemented by their defense, which has allowed only 169 points this season. They’re particularly strong in tackles, averaging 64 per game, and have posted 2.6 sacks per game.
On the other side, Midlothian Heritage carries an 8-3 record into the game. With an undefeated district record of 7-0, they’ve proven their dominance within their league, and their offensive unit has been equally impressive, averaging 41.5 points per game. Their rushing game is led by Za’ko Davis, who averages 105.4 yards per game, while quarterback Carter Rutenbar has been a standout, passing for an average of 177.8 yards per game. Heritage also boasts a balanced attack, accumulating 442 total yards per game. On defense, the team averages 60.1 tackles per game and has posted 1.7 sacks per game.
Offensive and Defensive Breakdown
When comparing both teams’ offensive output, Midlothian Heritage slightly outpaces Marshall in total yards per game (442.0 vs. 417.8), and their scoring average of 41.5 points per game edges out Marshall’s 36.5. Midlothian Heritage has a more potent passing game, with Rutenbar leading the way with 177.8 yards per game compared to Marshall’s 117.9 passing yards per game. However, Marshall has been the stronger team on the ground, averaging 299.9 rushing yards per game, significantly ahead of Midlothian Heritage’s 240.3.
Defensively, both teams have shown strong performances, but Marshall has been slightly better in terms of tackles, averaging 64 per game compared to Heritage’s 60.1. Marshall’s defense has allowed only 169 points, whereas Heritage has given up 230 points this season.
Key Players to Watch
For Marshall, all eyes will be on Semaj Gatson, whose explosive running ability has been a major factor in their success. With 123.8 rushing yards per game, Gatson is the centerpiece of the offense. Quarterback Alton Henderson will also be key, as he looks to exploit Midlothian Heritage’s defense with his 117.9 passing yards per game.
On the Midlothian Heritage side, quarterback Carter Rutenbar’s ability to throw the ball accurately and efficiently has been vital to their success. Rutenbar averages an impressive 177.8 passing yards per game, making him a dual-threat. Meanwhile, running back Za’ko Davis leads the charge on the ground with 105.4 rushing yards per game. Heritage’s defense will rely on players like Jayden Moore, who is averaging 7.4 tackles per game.
Head-to-Head Comparison
When it comes to head-to-head matchups, both teams have faced a common opponent: Texas. Marshall played them on October 11, 2024, but came up just short in a thrilling 43-42 loss. Midlothian Heritage, on the other hand, played Texas earlier in the season on September 13, 2024, and was defeated 51-13. Both teams have shown resilience despite these tough losses, and this game will be crucial for both in terms of their playoff aspirations.
Playoff Potential
Both teams have had success in the postseason. Marshall has an undefeated playoff record of 1-0 this year, while Midlothian Heritage is also 1-0 in the playoffs. These strong records indicate that both teams are more than capable of advancing deep into the postseason.
Final Thoughts
This matchup between Marshall and Midlothian Heritage promises to be an exciting one. Both teams have explosive offenses, solid defenses, and key players who can make game-changing plays. With Marshall’s rushing attack and Midlothian Heritage’s potent passing game, fans can expect a fast-paced, high-scoring affair. It will be interesting to see which team can impose their will and claim the victory in what could be a playoff preview.
In the end, this game will not only test their skills but also their ability to execute under pressure. The stakes are high, and the fans will certainly be in for a treat when these two Texas powerhouses clash.
