The Newton (TX) varsity football team will play a home playoff game against West Rusk (New London, TX) on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM at Diboll High School. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships for the 2024 Football Conference 3A Division 2 tournament.
Here’s what you need to know:
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 football season draws to a close, the clash between West Rusk and Newton stands out as a compelling matchup. The two Texas teams are heading in different directions, with Newton riding high on an impressive run, while West Rusk looks to finish the season strong despite some setbacks. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their season performances and key comparisons.
Season Performance Overview
West Rusk (4-6 Overall, 3-3 District)
The West Rusk Raiders have had a challenging season, posting a 4-6 overall record with a .400 win percentage. Their district record of 3-3 shows they are competitive but have faced tough opponents. With 263 points scored and 295 points allowed, their games have typically been hard-fought. Their performance has been hampered by inconsistency, both at home and on the road, where they’ve gone 2-3 in each category.
- Key Player: Cole Jackson
- Rushing Yards Per Game: 62.7
- Tackles Per Game: 10.3
- Points Per Game: 6.7
Cole Jackson has been a standout performer for West Rusk, contributing both offensively and defensively. His consistent rushing yards and solid tackle stats show his importance to the team. However, the Raiders will need more support from their passing game to balance out their offense.
Newton (7-3 Overall, 6-0 District)
On the other side, Newton has had a remarkable season, finishing 7-3 overall and perfect with a 6-0 district record. The Eagles have been dominant in their district, with a perfect district win percentage of 1.000. Their offense has been high-powered, scoring 442 points while allowing just 196, a testament to their strong defense as well as explosive offensive play.
- Key Player: Judson Dotson
- Total Yards Per Game: 131.4
Judson Dotson has been the driving force behind Newton’s offensive success, racking up yards on both the ground and in the air. His total yards per game lead the team and highlight his ability to make plays in multiple areas.
- Total Yards Per Game: 131.4
Team Scoring Breakdown
West Rusk and Newton have had starkly different scoring patterns throughout the season. West Rusk has struggled to score consistently, averaging just 26.3 points per game, with most of their points coming in the fourth quarter (3.5 points per quarter). In contrast, Newton has been a scoring machine, averaging 44.2 points per game, with the bulk of their offense coming in the first quarter (46.0 points).
Stat Comparison
- Rushing Yards:
- West Rusk averages 184.2 yards per game on the ground, led by Cole Jackson.
- Newton, however, has no listed rushing statistics, indicating they might rely more on the air game or a balanced approach.
- Passing and Receiving:
- West Rusk has a strong passing game, averaging 123.7 yards per game, with Troy Hunley leading the way with 99.7 yards per game.
- Newton’s passing game appears more balanced, though the exact numbers aren’t listed, reflecting their ability to mix up their offense.
- Defense:
- West Rusk has averaged 71.2 tackles per game, led by Cole Jackson with 10.3 tackles per game.
- Newton’s defensive numbers are not detailed but appear strong given their record.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced Tatum this season, but with different outcomes. West Rusk lost to Tatum 54-21, while Newton narrowly defeated Tatum 32-30. This shows that Newton has had a stronger performance against common opponents, adding to their impressive record.
Record Breakdown
| Category | West Rusk | Newton |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 4-6 | 7-3 |
| District Record | 3-3 | 6-0 |
| Home Record | 2-3 | 4-1 |
| Away Record | 2-3 | 3-2 |
| Non-District Record | 1-3 | 1-3 |
Newton has had a far more successful season in both district play and against non-district teams, while West Rusk has struggled to find consistency.
Conclusion
While both teams have their strengths, Newton enters this game as the favorite, riding an undefeated district record and a potent offense. West Rusk, however, will look to close out their season strong, relying on the leadership of Cole Jackson and their ability to turn their fourth-quarter performances into a more complete game. This matchup promises to be a crucial one for both teams, as Newton aims to continue their dominance, and West Rusk looks to finish on a high note.
