The New Diana (Diana, TX) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against New Waverly (TX) on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM at the Tomato Bowl. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, Conference 3A Division 2 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: New Diana vs New Waverly
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 3A D2
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Game preview: New Diana vs New Waverly

As the 2024-2025 football season progresses, two teams stand out for their contrasting performances: New Waverly and New Diana, both from Texas. With one team thriving undefeated and the other striving for improvement, this matchup promises to be a spectacle of strength and strategy. Here’s a breakdown of their current records, statistics, and what to expect as the season unfolds.

Team Overview:

New Waverly has faced its share of challenges this season, recording a 4-6 overall record. They sit at 3-3 in district play, which highlights their competitive spirit but also indicates a need for consistency. On average, they score 19.9 points per game, with a notable dip in their performance during the first and fourth quarters.

In contrast, New Diana is on an undefeated streak with a perfect 10-0 record. Their dominance in district play is reflected in their 6-0 league standing, showing a complete mastery of their opponents. Averaging a staggering 59.4 points per game, New Diana’s offense is explosive, scoring in all four quarters with no signs of slowing down.

Team Scoring Averages:

• New Waverly:
  • Q1: 3.5
  • Q2: 6.8
  • Q3: 4.0
  • Q4: 3.5
  • Final: 19.9
• New Diana:
  • Q1: 19.8
  • Q2: 17.4
  • Q3: 12.6
  • Q4: 11.3
  • Final: 59.4

New Diana’s offensive juggernaut is evident, especially in the first half of their games. They outscore their opponents early, setting the tone for a high-scoring affair, while New Waverly struggles to put up significant numbers early on.

Statistical Comparison:

• Rushing Yards Per Game:
  • New Waverly: Not listed
  • New Diana: 285.5
• Passing Yards Per Game:
  • New Waverly: 207.7
  • New Diana: 207.7
• Total Yards Per Game:
  • New Waverly: 493.2
  • New Diana: 493.2
• Tackles Per Game:
  • New Waverly: 75.5
  • New Diana: 75.5
• Sacks Per Game:
  • New Waverly: 2.1
  • New Diana: 2.1
• Points Per Game:
  • New Waverly: 19.9
  • New Diana: 59.4

While both teams show similar numbers in passing yards and total yards per game, New Diana’s ability to dominate on the ground, with an impressive 285.5 rushing yards per game, stands out as a key differentiator. Meanwhile, New Waverly’s total yardage comes from a more balanced offensive strategy, but their lower points per game underscore their struggles to close out games.

Team Leaders:

• New Waverly:
  • Rushing Yards Per Game: Dejuan Johnson – 116.0
  • Passing Yards Per Game: Dejuan Johnson – 195.1
  • Receiving Yards Per Game: Jaiydyn Johnson – 89.2
  • Total Yards Per Game: Dejuan Johnson – 311.1
  • Tackles Per Game: Angel Ruiz – 9.3
  • Sacks Per Game: Ayden Hamilton – 0.6
  • Points Per Game: Jaiydyn Johnson – 15.2
• New Diana:
  • Rushing Yards Per Game: 285.5
  • Passing Yards Per Game: 207.7
  • Receiving Yards Per Game: 207.7
  • Total Yards Per Game: 493.2
  • Tackles Per Game: 75.5
  • Sacks Per Game: 2.1
  • Points Per Game: 59.4

New Waverly’s offensive leader, Dejuan Johnson, has been crucial in their passing game, while Jaiydyn Johnson stands out in receiving yards and points per game. However, New Diana’s complete team effort shines through with their well-rounded offensive attack, showcasing their prowess in both passing and rushing.

Record Breakdown:

New Diana has been virtually unstoppable at home and away, with a perfect 5-0 record in both settings. Meanwhile, New Waverly’s struggles on the road (1-4) and their overall inconsistency have kept them from competing for a top spot in their district.

Conclusion:

As New Waverly faces off against the undefeated New Diana, it’s clear that both teams have their strengths. New Diana’s powerful offense, which scores nearly 60 points per game, will be a challenge for New Waverly’s defense, which has allowed 253 points this season. Meanwhile, New Waverly will rely on standout players like Dejuan and Jaiydyn Johnson to spark their offense and potentially spoil New Diana’s perfect season.

For New Waverly, it’s about finding consistency and stepping up in big moments, while New Diana will look to maintain their dominance as they head into the playoff push. Whatever the outcome, this matchup will be one to watch, as it showcases two teams on very different trajectories this season.