The Midlothian (TX) varsity football team will host Lake Belton (Temple, TX) in a home playoff game today at 7 p.m. for the Bi-District Championship. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 5A Division 1 tournament.

Midlothian vs Lake Belton Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Midlothian vs Lake Belton
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 5A D1
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Game preview: Midlothian vs Lake Belton

As the high school football season intensifies, two powerhouse teams from the Lone Star State are making waves with impressive records and standout players. Lake Belton and Midlothian, both boasting strong performances this season, will clash in what promises to be an electrifying matchup.

Team Overview

Lake Belton (7-3 overall, 5-2 district) enters the game with a solid winning record. The team has excelled offensively, averaging 32.6 points per game with a balanced attack that features a dynamic rushing game and efficient passing. Quarterback Maverik Maddux has been a key contributor, throwing for an average of 172.4 yards per game, while running back Zyien Dupree leads the ground game with 103.3 rushing yards per contest. The defense, led by Gavin Owens (10.0 tackles per game), has been formidable, allowing just 304 points on the season.

Midlothian (8-2 overall, 5-1 district) has also been a dominant force on the field, scoring an impressive 34.8 points per game. The Panthers are known for their strong offensive line and a well-rounded attack. Beau Wendel has been their star running back, rushing for an average of 84.2 yards per game, while quarterback Brendyn Jackson has thrown for 95.1 yards per game. Midlothian’s defense, with players like Jaxon Salzman and Jacob Cheek, is known for its resilience, holding opponents to 310 points this season.

Head-to-Head Comparison

• Scoring Efficiency: Midlothian’s offense is more potent in the latter stages of the game, particularly in the second half, where they score an average of 25.5 points in the final two quarters. Lake Belton, on the other hand, is more balanced throughout the game, with consistent scoring across each quarter.
• Rushing Game: Midlothian has the edge in rushing yards, averaging 271.4 yards per game compared to Lake Belton’s 209.2. Both teams have standout running backs, with Dupree leading Lake Belton and Wendel carrying the load for Midlothian.
• Passing Attack: Lake Belton’s passing game is more prolific, with Maddux throwing for nearly 170 yards per game, while Midlothian’s passing game averages just 95.1 yards per game. However, Midlothian’s ability to control the clock with its ground game often makes the need for a high passing output less critical.
• Defensive Strength: Lake Belton has the edge in tackles per game (84.1), compared to Midlothian’s 48.2. The defense of Lake Belton, with players like Owens and Roland, will need to step up to slow down Midlothian’s powerful running attack.

Key Players to Watch

• Lake Belton:
  • Zyien Dupree (RB): A key contributor in the rushing attack, Dupree is crucial to the team’s ground game.
  • Maverik Maddux (QB): The quarterback is the engine behind the offense, providing both passing and rushing threats.
  • Gavin Owens (LB): The team’s leading tackler will play a critical role in stopping Midlothian’s potent running backs.
• Midlothian:
  • Beau Wendel (RB): A standout in the rushing game, Wendel’s ability to control the clock will be crucial to the Panthers’ success.
  • Brendyn Jackson (QB): Though less involved in the passing game, Jackson’s leadership will be essential for orchestrating the offense.
  • Jaxon Salzman (LB): Midlothian’s top tackler will be key in slowing down Lake Belton’s high-scoring offense.

The Path to Victory

For Lake Belton, the formula for victory lies in maintaining a balanced offensive attack, with Maddux efficiently distributing the ball to both the passing and rushing units. Defensively, the team will need to focus on limiting Midlothian’s run game and making key stops in the second half when Midlothian tends to pick up the pace.

On the other hand, Midlothian will rely on its strong rushing attack to control the game’s tempo. If Wendel and Jackson can break through Lake Belton’s defensive line, the Panthers could wear down the opposition and take advantage of their powerful second-half scoring.

Conclusion

This matchup between Lake Belton and Midlothian is a classic showdown between two high-scoring, hard-hitting teams with contrasting styles. Lake Belton brings a well-rounded offense and a tenacious defense, while Midlothian thrives on its potent rushing attack and second-half offensive surge. With both teams on impressive runs this season, fans can expect a thrilling contest that could go down to the wire.