The Navasota (TX) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Lindale (TX) today at 7:30 p.m. at Panther Stadium (Midway). This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 4A Division 1 tournament.

Navasota vs Lindale Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Navasota vs Lindale
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 4A D1
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Game preview: Navasota vs Lindale

As the 2024-25 Texas high school football season progresses, two teams stand out for their balanced play and competitive spirit: Lindale and Navasota. Both squads have finished their regular seasons with identical 6-5 records, setting the stage for a thrilling postseason clash that could tip in either team’s favor.

Team Overview

Lindale Eagles (6-5, 3-3 District) Lindale has had a solid campaign this season, demonstrating resilience with a winning record despite some tough losses. The team’s offense has been fairly consistent, averaging 24.8 points per game. Their rushing attack, led by Artavian Rutherford, has been a cornerstone of their success, with Rutherford contributing an impressive 110.9 rushing yards per game. The Eagles’ passing game has been dynamic as well, with Jace Jablonski leading the charge, averaging 159.3 passing yards per game.

On defense, Lindale is strong in tackling, with Jarrad Isaiah leading the team with 12 tackles per game. Their defensive unit has notched 1.6 sacks per game, putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. However, Lindale has had mixed results both at home (4-1) and away (2-4), with a 500 district record showing their battles within competitive conference matchups.

Navasota Rattlers (6-5, 3-2 District) Similarly, Navasota enters the postseason with an identical record of 6-5, but with a slightly more dominant district showing, finishing 3-2 in conference play. The Rattlers have excelled in scoring, averaging 31.3 points per game, slightly ahead of Lindale’s 24.8. Much of this success can be attributed to their balanced offense, with Jace Jablonski (the same name as Lindale’s QB) throwing for 159.3 passing yards per game, while Artavian Rutherford also shines on the ground for Navasota, contributing over 110 yards per game in rushing.

The Rattlers’ defense is also formidable, boasting a strong 64 tackles per game. Their defensive leaders, including Ashten Myles with 0.7 sacks per game, provide consistency in the trenches. Navasota’s away record (1-4) has been weaker compared to their home performance (4-1), but their 1-0 playoff record highlights their ability to perform in high-stakes situations.

Key Stat Comparison

Both teams bring explosive offenses and strong defensive units to the table. Here’s a breakdown of the key stats:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Lindale averages 150.8 yards, while Navasota posts a slightly higher 152.3 yards per game.
• Passing Yards Per Game: Lindale’s passing offense (152.3 yards) is comparable to Navasota’s aerial attack (155.1 yards).
• Total Yards Per Game: Lindale records 303.1 total yards per game, while Navasota averages 344.0 total yards.
• Points Per Game: Navasota’s 31.3 points per game marginally edges out Lindale’s 31.1 points per game.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

A look at the teams’ scoring by quarters provides further insights into their strategies:

• Lindale tends to start slow in the first quarter with 4.7 points per game, ramping up as the game goes on. Their strongest quarter is the second, with an average of 11.7 points.
• Navasota, on the other hand, comes out strong with 7.9 points in Q1, and their highest scoring period is also the second quarter, with 12.6 points per game.

However, Navasota has shown more consistency in the fourth quarter, averaging 10.3 points, while Lindale only puts up 5.7 points in the final period, which could be crucial in close contests.

Players to Watch

Both teams feature star players who have had standout seasons:

• Lindale’s leader, Artavian Rutherford, has been exceptional, with 110.9 rushing yards per game and 7.2 points per game. His contribution on the ground has been a vital part of Lindale’s offensive strategy.
• Navasota’s Daquan Pratt, a receiving standout, has averaged 57.7 yards per game, while quarterback Jace Jablonski has been pivotal with 159.3 passing yards per game, making him a key asset for the Rattlers.

Conclusion

Both Lindale and Navasota have displayed impressive seasons, with similar records but different paths to get there. Lindale has the edge at home, while Navasota excels on the road. This matchup promises to be a hard-fought battle with both teams bringing explosive offensive firepower and tenacious defenses.

With the postseason just around the corner, this could be the game where one team’s strengths finally shine through, and their playoff journey takes off. Fans of both teams are sure to be in for an exciting showdown as the stakes rise in Texas high school football.