The Paradise (TX) varsity football team will face Malakoff (TX) in a neutral playoff game today at 7 p.m. at The Star in Frisco. This game is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, specifically the 2024 Football Conference 3A Division 1 tournament.
Paradise vs Malakoff Game Info:
What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Paradise vs Malakoff
When: Thursday, December 12, 2024
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 3A D1
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: Paradise vs Malakoff
The 2024-2025 football season has brought about an exciting matchup between two standout Texas teams: Malakoff and Paradise. Both squads have dominated their respective leagues and emerged as formidable contenders, each showcasing impressive statistics and strong team dynamics. This article dives into the rankings, team comparisons, and standout performances that set these teams apart.
Team Overview and Record Breakdown
Malakoff Panthers (24-25):
With a perfect 14-0 overall record, the Malakoff Panthers have proven to be a force to be reckoned with in Texas high school football. They have maintained an unblemished 6-0 district record and have won every game, whether at home (7-0), away (6-0), or neutral sites (1-0). Malakoff’s offense is a high-powered machine, with a remarkable 690 points scored and only 141 points allowed. Their consistency and dominance across all aspects of the game make them one of the top teams in the state.
Paradise Panthers (24-25):
Paradise has also had an impressive season with a 12-2 record, finishing with a 6-0 district record. They have excelled at home (5-1) and away (5-1), with a strong playoff run of 4-0. Although their overall points scored (460) and points allowed (154) don’t rival Malakoff’s, their defense is still formidable. With a win percentage of .857 and perfect district play, Paradise is certainly a strong contender in this matchup.
Offensive Powerhouses
When it comes to scoring, Malakoff dominates in comparison to Paradise. Averaging 49.3 points per game, Malakoff consistently puts up big numbers across all four quarters. Their scoring breakdown is impressive, averaging 16.1 points in the first quarter, 15.7 in the second, 10.1 in the third, and 7.3 in the fourth. This high-scoring offense is bolstered by strong rushing and passing games.
In contrast, Paradise averages 32.9 points per game, with their highest output coming in the second quarter (10.7 points). While their offense is potent, they face a tougher challenge when up against Malakoff’s well-rounded attack.
Statistical Comparison: Key Performance Areas
Rushing Yards:
Malakoff averages 283.3 rushing yards per game, led by Jason Tennyson, who racked up 118.8 yards per game. Paradise, on the other hand, averages 230.2 rushing yards per game, with Luke Brown leading the charge at 62.5 yards per game. Both teams excel on the ground, but Malakoff has a significant edge in this category.
Passing Yards:
While Malakoff leads in rushing, they also perform well in the air with 182.6 passing yards per game. Mike Jones has been a standout, accumulating 174.5 passing yards per game. Paradise has a solid passing game as well, averaging 154.9 yards, with Ayden Olalde leading with 122.0 yards per game.
Total Yards:
Malakoff again outpaces Paradise with 465.9 total yards per game compared to Paradise’s 385.1 yards. Mike Jones has been pivotal in Malakoff’s offensive success, with a total of 245.5 yards per game. Paradise’s Ayden Olalde isn’t far behind with 178.5 total yards per game.
Defense and Team Leaders
Defensively, Malakoff has had an impressive showing with 60.6 tackles per game. However, stats like sacks are not listed, which might indicate a lack of significant penetration into the opposing backfield. On the other hand, Paradise’s defensive stats are also not as available, but they still stand out for their ability to keep opponents under control with only 154 points allowed across the season.
Key players for Malakoff include Jason Tennyson, who averages 11.3 points per game, and Parker Poteete, who has contributed significantly on both offense and defense. For Paradise, standout players include Ayden Olalde, who contributes 178.5 total yards per game and Logan Lampley, who averages 42.6 receiving yards per game.
Head-to-Head Comparison and Looking Ahead
As for a head-to-head comparison, neither team has faced off in the current season, but with both teams performing well in their districts and having an impressive playoff presence, this matchup promises to be an intense one. Malakoff has an undefeated record, while Paradise’s 12-2 mark highlights their strong season.
Both teams have managed to dominate in their districts and have showcased impressive offensive and defensive stats. This game will likely come down to which team can capitalize on its strengths — Malakoff’s explosive scoring offense or Paradise’s balanced attack and tough defense.
Conclusion
Malakoff and Paradise stand as two of the top teams in Texas, with their dominant records and impressive performances this season. While Malakoff is the clear favorite with its perfect record and offensive firepower, Paradise should not be underestimated. With a talented squad and the ability to control the game in various areas, the Paradise Panthers will look to challenge Malakoff in what could be one of the most exciting matchups of the season. Fans can expect an action-packed game full of big plays and standout performances from some of the state’s best athletes.
