The Pearland (TX) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Fort Bend Travis (Richmond, TX) today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, Conference 6A Division 1 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Pearland vs Fort Bend Travis
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, Conference 6A Division 1
Watch here:Watch here

Game preview: Pearland vs Fort Bend Travis

As the 2024-2025 football season winds down, Fort Bend Travis and Pearland are two teams showcasing diverse playing styles and performances that have set the stage for an exciting matchup. With contrasting records and impressive statistics, this game promises to be a clash of styles, strengths, and strategies.

Team Records and Overview

Fort Bend Travis has a balanced overall record of 5-5, with a strong district performance of 5-2. However, the team has struggled slightly on the road, with a 2-3 home record compared to a 3-2 record when playing away. Their overall win percentage stands at .500, with a district win rate of .714. The team has scored 242 points this season but has allowed 283, reflecting the challenges they’ve faced in key matchups.

On the other hand, Pearland enters the game with an impressive 8-2 record, including a dominant 7-1 district performance. Their away record is equally strong, with a 4-1 record on the road, which highlights their ability to perform well in hostile environments. With a .800 win percentage overall and an .875 district win rate, Pearland has been a formidable force this season, outscoring opponents 431 to 124.

Scoring and Offensive Firepower

Fort Bend Travis averages 24.2 points per game, with a relatively consistent offensive output across quarters: 7.8 in the first, 9.5 in the second, 5.3 in the third, and 6.9 in the fourth. This indicates a balanced attack but a noticeable dip in scoring as games progress.

In contrast, Pearland has been explosive on offense, averaging 43.1 points per game. Their scoring is more dynamic, with 7.8 points in the first quarter, 14.1 in the second, 6.1 in the third, and 10.0 in the fourth. This offensive surge, particularly in the second quarter, has been a key component of their success.

Team Stat Comparison

When it comes to total yardage, Fort Bend Travis averages 195.9 yards per game, with 98.1 rushing yards and 97.8 passing yards per game. Despite relatively balanced offensive production, the team has struggled to gain significant yardage consistently.

On the other hand, Pearland excels in total yardage, averaging 378.8 yards per game, with 217.4 rushing yards and 161.4 passing yards. This powerful offense gives them a clear advantage in terms of ball movement and scoring opportunities.

Defensively, Fort Bend Travis averages just 2.8 tackles per game, while Pearland’s defense is much more active, with 68.0 tackles per game. Pearland also leads in sacks, averaging 2.9 per game, compared to Fort Bend Travis’ 0.4. This defensive strength has been a key factor in their dominance this season.

Key Players to Watch

For Fort Bend Travis, standout player Ayodeji Akinrinmade leads the rushing game with an average of 53.9 yards per game. Quarterback Eian Baker has been critical in the passing game, averaging 98.8 yards per game. The receiving corps is led by Emile George, with 51.0 receiving yards per game, and David Brewer IV, who has contributed 5.3 points per game.

Pearland’s offense is spearheaded by Tate Chisolm, who averages 95.5 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Jake Westmoreland has been exceptional, averaging 139.7 passing yards per game, and Jordan Hernandez has been a reliable receiver, averaging 90.8 yards per game. On defense, Anthony Deleon has contributed 7.3 tackles per game, and Jaylen Stewart has been the primary sack leader with 0.7 per game.

Head-to-Head Breakdown

Both teams have a solid in-state performance record, with Fort Bend Travis standing at 5-5 and Pearland at 8-2. The matchups between the teams this season have shown that while Fort Bend Travis has been competitive, their inability to capitalize on big moments may play a role in this game’s outcome.

For Pearland, their only losses came early in the season, and since then, they’ve proven themselves a near-unstoppable force. Their consistency, particularly in district play, has been unmatched, with a 7-1 district record.

Conclusion

This matchup between Fort Bend Travis and Pearland features contrasting styles and strengths. Fort Bend Travis will rely on a balanced offensive approach and a defensive strategy to slow down Pearland’s dynamic attack. However, Pearland’s ability to control the game with their high-scoring offense and aggressive defense may prove too much for Fort Bend Travis to handle.

As both teams look to finish the season strong, this game will likely be a defining moment for both, with Pearland aiming to continue their dominant run and Fort Bend Travis hoping to pull off an upset on their home turf.