The Newton (TX) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against West Rusk (New London, TX) today at 7 p.m. at Diboll High School. This game is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, 3A Division 2 tournament.

Newton vs West Rusk Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Newton vs West Rusk
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: Newton vs West Rusk

As the 2024-2025 football season progresses, fans and analysts alike are closely watching two high school teams, West Rusk and Newton, as they gear up for important matchups. While both schools have seen varied success, their paths this season reflect different challenges and triumphs. Let’s take a closer look at the rankings, records, and key statistics for both teams.

Team Overview

• West Rusk: The West Rusk Eagles have faced a mixed season so far with an overall record of 4-6, including a 3-3 mark within district play. They’ve struggled somewhat at home with a 2-3 record but have managed a similar performance on the road (2-3). The team has scored 263 points but given up 295, indicating a team that can struggle defensively.
• Newton: The Newton Eagles, on the other hand, are sitting much more comfortably with a strong 7-3 overall record, and more impressively, a perfect 6-0 in district play. Newton has been dominant at home, boasting a 4-1 record, and has a solid 3-2 record on the road. They have scored 442 points, while allowing just 196, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive strength.

Scoring Averages

When it comes to scoring, there’s a noticeable disparity between the two teams:

• West Rusk has struggled to generate consistent scoring, averaging only 26.3 points per game. Their points are heavily concentrated in the fourth quarter, where they score 3.5 points on average. This could reflect a team that battles through adversity but struggles to put games away early.
• Newton, conversely, has been a powerhouse, averaging a remarkable 44.2 points per game. Their scoring is front-loaded, with 46.0 points in the first quarter alone. This suggests a team that comes out of the gate strong and puts pressure on opponents from the start.

Team Stat Comparison

A deeper dive into the team statistics reveals the following differences:

• Rushing Yards: West Rusk leads the rushing category with an average of 184.2 yards per game, with Cole Jackson (62.7 yards per game) leading the charge. Newton’s rushing stats are not specified, but the team has primarily relied on its potent passing and receiving game.
• Passing Yards: West Rusk averages 123.7 passing yards per game, with Troy Hunley leading the way with 99.7 yards per game. Newton’s passing yards aren’t detailed in the provided data, but their overall offensive balance seems to favor both the run and pass game, making them unpredictable for defenses.
• Total Yards: West Rusk puts up 307.9 total yards per game, while Newton appears to be a more balanced offensive machine, with an unspecified total yards average but notable performances in both rushing and passing.
• Defensive Metrics: In terms of tackles, West Rusk averages 71.2 tackles per game, with Cole Jackson contributing 10.3 tackles per game. This indicates a defense that is actively involved in stopping plays but could still be vulnerable at times. Newton, however, has been more effective in limiting opponents, with a defense that has yielded only 196 points on the season.

Team Leaders

• West Rusk:
  • Cole Jackson has been the standout player, leading the team in rushing (62.7 yards per game), tackles (10.3 per game), and points (6.7 per game). Jackson’s versatility has been key to the team’s performance.
  • Troy Hunley has been the top passer with 99.7 yards per game, while Jase Reasoner has been a key contributor in the receiving game, averaging 36.1 yards per game.
• Newton:
  • Judson Dotson has been the most significant contributor, leading the team with an impressive 131.4 total yards per game. His all-around performance is a key factor in Newton’s undefeated district record.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced Tatum, with West Rusk falling 54-21, while Newton managed to secure a hard-fought 32-30 victory. This result highlights Newton’s resilience against common opponents, while West Rusk’s performance shows they have room for improvement against top-tier competition.

Record Breakdown

• West Rusk:
  • Overall Record: 4-6
  • District Record: 3-3
  • Home Record: 2-3
  • Away Record: 2-3
• Newton:
  • Overall Record: 7-3
  • District Record: 6-0
  • Home Record: 4-1
  • Away Record: 3-2

While both teams have their strengths, Newton has been the more consistent performer, especially in district play, where they remain undefeated. West Rusk, despite their struggles, has shown resilience and potential, particularly in their strong rushing game and defensive efforts.

As these two teams continue their seasons, all eyes will be on whether West Rusk can overcome their inconsistencies and make a push in the playoffs, or if Newton will continue their dominance, both in district and beyond.