The Needville (TX) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against Kilgore (TX) on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships in the 4A Division 1 tournament.

Needville vs Kilgore Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Needville vs Kilgore
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 4A D1
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Game preview: Needville vs Kilgore

As the high school football season progresses, two teams that have caught the attention of many are the Kilgore Bulldogs and the Needville Bluejays. Both teams have posted impressive records and show strong performances across various key statistics, but how do they compare?

Kilgore Bulldogs (24-25 Season Overview)

The Kilgore Bulldogs have had an impressive season, posting a 9-2 overall record. Their district performance is just as strong, with a 5-1 record, reflecting their dominance on both home and away fields. Kilgore’s offense has been a key factor in their success, with an average of 36.1 points per game, fueled by their effective rushing and passing game.

• Overall Record: 9-2
• District Record: 5-1
• Home Record: 5-1
• Away Record: 4-1
• Win %: .818
• District Win %: .833
• Total Points For (PF): 397
• Total Points Against (PA): 151

Kilgore excels on both sides of the ball, with standout individual performances leading the way. Senior running back Kobie Campbell, for example, leads the team with 114.9 rushing yards per game and 9.8 points per game. Meanwhile, quarterback Cameron Hall has been stellar, throwing for 122.5 passing yards per game and accumulating 149.9 total yards per game.

Needville Bluejays (24-25 Season Overview)

Needville, with a 7-4 overall record, has also had a solid season, finishing 4-1 in district play. Their record, though slightly behind Kilgore’s, shows their ability to compete at a high level, especially in district games. Despite facing some challenges away from home, Needville has been effective in the passing game, with an average of 124.7 passing yards per game.

• Overall Record: 7-4
• District Record: 4-1
• Home Record: 4-1
• Away Record: 2-3
• Neutral Record: 1-0
• Win %: .636
• District Win %: .800
• Total Points For (PF): 355
• Total Points Against (PA): 299

Offensively, Needville has averaged 32.3 points per game, with a strong first-half performance (10.5 points per game in Q1 and 11.5 points in Q2), though their scoring tends to dip in the second half. The Bluejays rely heavily on their offense to carry them through games, and individual leaders like Braydn Gilliam (39.3 receiving yards per game) and quarterback Cameron Hall (149.9 total yards per game) are crucial to their success.

Team Stat Comparison

While both teams are formidable opponents, their stat lines reveal differences in style and strengths:

• Rushing Yards Per Game:
  • Kilgore: 227.7 yards
  • Needville: 227.7 yards
• Passing Yards Per Game:
  • Kilgore: 124.7 yards
  • Needville: 124.7 yards
• Total Yards Per Game:
  • Kilgore: 352.5 yards
  • Needville: 352.5 yards
• Points Per Game:
  • Kilgore: 36.1 points
  • Needville: 32.3 points

Both teams are well-balanced, with strong rushing attacks and effective passing games. However, Kilgore’s defense has been particularly strong, allowing only 151 points for the season, compared to Needville’s 299 points allowed.

Key Players and Performances

Kilgore’s star player is undoubtedly Kobie Campbell, who leads the team in both rushing yards and points per game. His 9.8 points per game, combined with his 114.9 rushing yards per game, make him a significant force on offense. Additionally, linebacker Colton Butler has been crucial on the defensive side, recording 8.8 tackles per game.

Needville’s standout performers include quarterback Cameron Hall and wide receiver Braydn Gilliam. Hall has thrown for 122.5 yards per game, while Gilliam has led the team with 39.3 receiving yards per game. On defense, Needville is led by linebacker Leo Garcia, with 0.9 sacks per game.

Home and Away Performance

Kilgore has been strong both at home and away, maintaining a 5-1 record at home and a 4-1 record on the road. Needville, on the other hand, has been more dominant at home (4-1) but has struggled on the road (2-3). However, both teams have been nearly flawless in neutral-site games, with Needville posting a 1-0 record and Kilgore having a 1-0 playoff record.

Head-to-Head and Playoff Outlook

Although these two teams haven’t faced each other this season, their individual performances suggest an exciting potential matchup. In playoff scenarios, both teams have shown resilience, with Kilgore boasting a perfect 1-0 playoff record, while Needville is also 1-0 in postseason play.

Conclusion

Kilgore and Needville have both had successful seasons with unique strengths. Kilgore’s defense and balanced offense have propelled them to a 9-2 record, while Needville’s potent first-half offense has helped them achieve a 7-4 record. As the season continues, both teams remain strong contenders, with Kilgore’s overall dominance in district play and Needville’s ability to compete against tough opponents standing out. Fans can expect a thrilling finish to the season as both teams aim for playoff success.