The Mission Veterans Memorial varsity football team from Mission, TX, will face off against Edcouch-Elsa from Edcouch, TX, in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 15 at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, under the 2024 Football Conference 5A Division 2 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Mission Veterans Memorial vs Edcouch-Elsa
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Football Conference 5A Division 2
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Game preview: Mission Veterans Memorial vs Edcouch-Elsa

November 15, 2024 – As playoff action approaches, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Edcouch-Elsa Yellow Jackets and the Mission Veterans Memorial Patriots. The two Texas-based high school football teams are set to face off on neutral ground this Friday at 7 p.m., each eager to make a postseason statement. Here’s an in-depth preview of the upcoming showdown.

Team Overview & Season Performance

Edcouch-Elsa Yellow Jackets
The Yellow Jackets have had a stellar season, boasting an impressive overall record of 8-2 and a perfect 5-0 district mark. They’ve been dominant, particularly on defense, which has allowed them to maintain a .800 win percentage and achieve a 1.000 district win percentage. Their offense has been explosive, outscoring opponents 255-130 over the course of the season.

Their only two losses came outside of district play, but their home and away records reflect their overall consistency: 5-1 at home and 3-1 on the road. Their last game against Mission Veterans Memorial on September 6 was a resounding 39-12 victory, signaling their clear upper hand heading into this playoff clash.

Mission Veterans Memorial Patriots
On the other side, the Patriots have struggled, finishing the regular season with a 2-8 overall record and a 1-3 district mark. With a win percentage of just .200 and a district win percentage of .250, their season has been marked by challenges. They’ve managed 175 points for and have given up 256 points, underscoring their difficulties on both sides of the ball.

While their record may suggest an uphill battle, the Patriots have key playmakers who can change the game’s momentum if given the chance. Their away record of 1-5 does raise concerns, but playoff games often inspire surprising performances.

Scoring & Statistical Comparisons

The Yellow Jackets’ offensive strategy is unique: while they average just 2.3 points in each of the first three quarters, they turn on the afterburners in the fourth, where they average an explosive 22 points. By contrast, the Patriots start stronger, averaging 7 points in both the first and third quarters but have yet to score in the fourth quarter this season.

The total yardage statistics are closer than expected. Edcouch-Elsa averages 278.2 yards per game compared to Mission Veterans Memorial’s 285.4. However, their styles are different: Edcouch-Elsa leans on a powerful ground game, averaging 194.2 rushing yards, while Mission Veterans Memorial favors the air, racking up 206.0 passing yards per game.

Key Players to Watch

Edcouch-Elsa Yellow Jackets

• Elijah Trevino (#4): A dual-threat playmaker, Trevino leads the team in multiple categories. He averages 75.9 rushing yards, 78.8 passing yards, and contributes 157.6 total yards per game. His 5.4 points per game also make him a key offensive threat.
• Troy Barco (#32): The defensive anchor, Barco averages 15 tackles per game, crucial for stopping Mission Veterans Memorial’s aerial attack.
• Gaven Rodriguez (#15): A consistent presence on defense, Rodriguez leads the team with 0.9 sacks per game.

Mission Veterans Memorial Patriots

• Roman Reyna (#17): The standout quarterback, Reyna has been the focal point of the offense, averaging 192.3 passing yards and 200 total yards per game.
• Robert Sharpe (#3): A reliable receiver, Sharpe contributes 62.6 receiving yards per game and will be pivotal for the Patriots’ passing game.
• Aiden Uribe (#23): The defensive standout, Uribe racks up 17.2 tackles per game, making him a force to reckon with.

Matchup Insights

Edcouch-Elsa enters the game as the favorite, particularly after their commanding win in the regular season. The Yellow Jackets’ defense and rushing attack are likely to put pressure on the Patriots early, especially if they can neutralize Reyna’s passing. Meanwhile, Mission Veterans Memorial will need to capitalize on any early opportunities and try to establish a lead before Edcouch-Elsa’s explosive fourth-quarter offense takes over.

Final Thoughts

This playoff clash has all the makings of a thrilling high school football matchup. While Edcouch-Elsa has momentum and a more balanced team, Mission Veterans Memorial could spring a surprise if their playmakers deliver. Both squads are set to give everything on the field, making this a game fans won’t want to miss.