The Monterey Plainsmen (6-4) from Lubbock, TX will host the Bel Air Highlanders (0-10) from El Paso, TX in a playoff game on Thursday, November 14, at 6:30 p.m. at Lowrey Field. This game is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, Conference 5A Division 1 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Monterey vs Bel Air
When: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, Conference 5A Division 1
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Game preview: Monterey vs Bel Air

As the high school football season progresses, the teams of Bel Air and Monterey stand in stark contrast in terms of their overall records, performance, and statistics. Let’s break down how both teams have fared so far this season, highlighting key differences and insights.

Team Records and Performance

Bel Air:

• Overall Record: 0-10
• District Record: 0-6
• Home Record: 0-5
• Away Record: 0-5
• Win Percentage: .000
• District Win Percentage: .000
• Points For: 140
• Points Against: 457

Bel Air has struggled throughout the season, failing to secure a win. Their defense has allowed a high number of points (457), contributing to their 0-10 record. The team has yet to find success on the road or at home, with no wins across their 10-game schedule.

Monterey:

• Overall Record: 6-4
• District Record: 5-1
• Home Record: 3-1
• Away Record: 3-3
• Win Percentage: .600
• District Win Percentage: .833
• Points For: 426
• Points Against: 254

Monterey, on the other hand, has enjoyed a much more successful season. With a 6-4 overall record, including a 5-1 district record, the team has demonstrated strength both at home and on the road. Their offense has scored 426 points, while their defense has limited opponents to just 254, giving them a competitive edge throughout the season.

Scoring Averages

• Bel Air: Scoring an average of only 14 points per game, Bel Air has had difficulty finding the end zone consistently, contributing to their struggles throughout the season.
• Monterey: In contrast, Monterey boasts an impressive average of 42.6 points per game, with a strong first and fourth-quarter performance. Their scoring breakdown by quarters includes:
  • Q1: 13.2
  • Q2: 12.0
  • Q3: 5.6
  • Q4: 14.6

This balance in scoring throughout the game helps maintain their offensive pressure and allows them to build or extend leads as the game progresses.

Key Team Stats

While both teams have some standout individuals, the contrast in their statistics is evident:

• Rushing Yards Per Game:
  • Bel Air: 120.4
  • Monterey: Not specified
• Passing Yards Per Game:
  • Bel Air: 117.4
  • Monterey: Not specified
• Receiving Yards Per Game:
  • Bel Air: 123.3
  • Monterey: Not specified
• Total Yards Per Game:
  • Bel Air: 237.8
  • Monterey: Not specified

Bel Air is more balanced across their passing, rushing, and receiving game, but it hasn’t translated into victories. Monterey, meanwhile, has had success with a higher points per game total (42.6), although specific yardage figures are missing from the stats for their offense.

Team Leaders

• Bel Air:
  • Bernie Martinez: 116 rushing yards per game
  • Angel Dominguez: 116.6 passing yards per game
  • Emmanuel Hernandez: 34.6 receiving yards per game
• Monterey:
  • Angel Dominguez: 149.9 total yards per game
  • Jayden Blair: 8.8 tackles per game, 0.9 sacks per game
  • Bernie Martinez (Bel Air): 4.0 points per game

Both teams feature some standout individual performances. For Bel Air, Martinez has been a consistent performer, but it hasn’t been enough to secure wins. Monterey, meanwhile, excels not only in the offensive department but also on defense, with Blair contributing significantly in tackles and sacks.

Conclusion

In summary, Monterey has clearly outperformed Bel Air in nearly every facet of the game this season. With a strong district record and an overall winning percentage of .600, Monterey is a force to be reckoned with. On the other hand, Bel Air has had a challenging season, marked by an inability to win, resulting in a difficult 0-10 record. The difference in their scoring averages and team stats illustrates the gap in performance between the two teams.