The Panther Creek varsity football team (Frisco, TX) will host a playoff game against Alvarado (TX) on Thursday, November 21, at 7:00 PM at the Ford Center at The Star. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, specifically the 2024 Football Conference 4A Division 1 tournament.

Panther Creek vs Alvarado Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Panther Creek vs Alvarado
When: Thursday, November 21, 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: Panther Creek vs Alvarado

As the football season heads toward the playoffs, two teams are setting the bar for excellence in their respective divisions: Alvarado and Panther Creek. Both teams have had impressive seasons, posting near-perfect records, but their paths to success have been shaped by different styles of play and key individual performances.

Team Overview and Records

Alvarado (24-25) enters the week with an undefeated 11-0 record. In district play, the team has been dominant, finishing 5-0, with both home and away victories. The Alvarado offense has been unstoppable, averaging 59.5 points per game, while its defense has been equally formidable, allowing just 226 points on the season. Their ability to put up huge numbers is reflected in their impressive total yardage average of 596.5 yards per game.

Panther Creek (24-25), while not undefeated, boasts a strong 10-1 record. Their district performance of 5-1 is solid, and they have shown resilience, particularly in away games, with a 5-0 road record. Panther Creek’s offense is no slouch either, averaging 33.8 points per game, but they fall short of Alvarado’s total yardage, putting up 439.3 yards per game.

Both teams have demonstrated consistency against common opponents, with Alvarado and Panther Creek both posting a 2-0 record when facing teams like Lake Worth and Kennedale. This shared success against common rivals suggests that both teams are capable of competing at the highest levels of Texas high school football.

Key Team Statistics

Alvarado’s Strengths:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 314.6, a testament to their powerful ground game, led by star rusher Demarcus Belton, who averages 150.4 yards per game.
• Passing Yards Per Game: 281.8, with quarterback Cardea Collier orchestrating a high-flying passing attack, averaging 274.7 yards per game.
• Total Yards Per Game: 596.5, an impressive figure that highlights their balanced offense, able to mix the run and pass effectively.
• Points Per Game: 59.4, which is the highest in the comparison, showcasing their ability to dominate games offensively.

Panther Creek’s Strengths:

• Passing Yards Per Game: 284.0, edging out Alvarado in this category, thanks to Graylyn Fry, who averages 274.5 yards per game.
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 284.0, where Jalen Lott has been the go-to target, averaging 99.5 yards per game.
• Points Per Game: 33.8, reflecting their efficient offense, although they score significantly less than Alvarado.

Individual Standouts

• Alvarado:
  • Demarcus Belton: 150.4 rushing yards per game.
  • Cardea Collier: 274.7 passing yards per game and 381.3 total yards per game.
  • Lance Sansom: 84.0 receiving yards per game.
  • Logan Woolard: 11.2 tackles per game, anchoring the defense.
  • Anthony Frias: 1.0 sacks per game, providing pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
• Panther Creek:
  • Graylyn Fry: 274.5 passing yards per game, leading the offense.
  • Jalen Lott: 99.5 receiving yards per game, a top target in the passing game.
  • Sentel Simpson: 63.0 rushing yards per game, a solid contributor to the ground attack.

Comparing Offense and Defense

Looking at the overall statistics, Alvarado’s offense stands out with their high-scoring and versatile approach. Their ability to generate both passing and rushing yards at an elite level allows them to adjust to any opponent, and their defense has been equally efficient, allowing less than 20 points per game on average.

In contrast, Panther Creek has a balanced but less explosive offense. Their passing game, led by Fry, has been the focal point, but they have not been able to match Alvarado’s offensive firepower. Their defense has been more moderate in terms of total tackles and sacks, and while they have been solid, it is clear that they will face a tough challenge if they are to overcome the juggernaut that is Alvarado.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

Both teams have faced the same opponents in Lake Worth and Kennedale, with Alvarado emerging victorious with commanding wins (56-7 and 42-7), while Panther Creek also enjoyed comfortable victories (55-10 and 42-3). These results show that both teams are capable of handling their business against quality opponents, setting the stage for a thrilling potential postseason matchup.

Looking Ahead

With both teams dominating in their respective districts and carrying momentum into the playoffs, the stage is set for an exciting showdown. While Alvarado’s potent offense may give them the upper hand, Panther Creek’s resilient play and balanced attack should not be underestimated.

As these teams prepare for the postseason, one thing is certain: both are poised for deep playoff runs and will be teams to watch closely as the season concludes. Whether Alvarado’s overwhelming offensive prowess or Panther Creek’s steady, calculated play will prevail is the big question that fans are eager to see answered.