The Olton Mustangs (5-5, TX) varsity football team will host a playoff game against the Sunray Bobcats (10-0, TX) on Thursday, November 14 at 4:00 PM. The matchup will take place at Happy State Bank Stadium in Canyon. This game is part of the “2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – Conference 2A Division 1” tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Olton vs Sunray
When: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – Conference 2A Division 1
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Game preview: Olton vs Sunray

As the season progresses, high school football fans are in for an exciting matchup between the undefeated Sunray Bobcats and the competitive Olton Mustangs. With Sunray boasting an unblemished 10-0 record and Olton sitting at an even 5-5, this showdown promises to be an intriguing test of resilience and determination.

Season Highlights and Standings

Sunray has emerged as a powerhouse this year, dominating both district and non-district opponents with a flawless 10-0 overall record and a 5-0 district mark. They have been equally impressive whether playing at home (6-0) or away (4-0), showcasing consistency and tenacity. Their high-octane offense has racked up 426 points this season, while their defense has held opponents to just 140, contributing to a perfect 1.000 winning percentage.

In contrast, Olton enters the game with a 5-5 overall record and a 2-3 district standing. Though they have faced challenges, the Mustangs have demonstrated toughness, especially in close matchups. They are 3-2 at home and 2-3 away, reflecting a .500 overall winning percentage and a .400 district winning mark. Despite some setbacks, Olton has managed to accumulate 230 points while conceding 199, a testament to their fighting spirit.

Scoring Patterns and Averages

Analyzing both teams’ scoring trends provides insight into how this matchup could unfold:

• Sunray: The Bobcats are known for their explosive offense, averaging 42.6 points per game. They frequently set the tone early, averaging 10.3 points in the first quarter and a dominant 15.2 in the second. Their momentum often carries through the second half, with averages of 10.2 points in the third and 7.3 in the fourth quarter.
• Olton: The Mustangs have averaged 23.0 points per game, showing more modest offensive production. They often build up steam in the second quarter, scoring an average of 9.9 points, but tend to struggle in the second half, averaging just 2.0 points in the third and 2.9 in the fourth.

Keys to Victory

• For Sunray: The Bobcats will aim to maintain their offensive dominance, leveraging their fast starts to put pressure on Olton early. Their defense, which has been stout all season, must continue to stifle opponents and capitalize on any mistakes.
• For Olton: The Mustangs will need a strong defensive effort to contain Sunray’s relentless attack. Offensively, they must find ways to sustain drives and put points on the board, especially in the second half where they have struggled. Playing with discipline and minimizing turnovers will be crucial to keep the game close.

What to Expect

Sunray’s perfect record and high-scoring offense make them the favorites heading into this game, but Olton has shown resilience and the ability to keep games competitive. If the Mustangs can disrupt Sunray’s rhythm and find ways to score consistently, an upset could be in the making. However, with the Bobcats firing on all cylinders, they remain a formidable challenge for any opponent.

Fans can anticipate an intense battle as Sunray looks to keep their perfect season alive, while Olton aims to make a statement and end their season on a high note. Football enthusiasts won’t want to miss this high-stakes encounter.