The Pine Tree (Longview, TX) varsity football team is playing a neutral-site playoff game against Stafford (TX) today at 7:30 PM. The game will take place at Bruce Field in Athens, TX, as part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, Conference 4A Division 1 tournament.
Pine Tree vs Stafford Game Info:
What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Pine Tree vs Stafford
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 4A D1
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Game preview: Pine Tree vs Stafford
As the high school football season progresses, two Texas teams—Stafford and Pine Tree—stand out for their impressive performances, both in district and overall competition. With contrasting records and statistics, the upcoming face-off between these two teams is one to watch.
Team Overview and Records
Stafford (24-25) enters the matchup with a solid overall record of 7-4, including a 4-1 district performance. They have shown resilience, with 4-1 at home and a 2-3 record away. Despite a close overall scoring margin, the team has a respectable win percentage of .636 and .800 in district play. They’ve scored 179 points and allowed 181, showing a defense-heavy approach to their games.
Pine Tree (24-25), on the other hand, has been in dominant form this season, boasting an impressive 10-1 record. They’ve excelled in district play with a 5-1 mark and have been perfect at home and on the road, with a 5-0 away record. With a high win percentage of .909 and .833 in district play, Pine Tree has outscored their opponents 291-183, showcasing their offensive strength.
Offensive and Defensive Analysis
While Stafford has leaned on a more balanced approach, their scoring per quarter tells the story of their gameplay. They average 16.3 points per game with a strong 7.0 points in the first quarter, but their offense drops off significantly after halftime. They average just 3.7 points in the second quarter and 2.3 in the third. Their top playmakers include running back Dillan Tatum, with 30.8 rushing yards per game, quarterback Zachary Brown, who racks up 102.0 passing yards per game, and receiver Ja’yir Nelson, who has 36.3 receiving yards per game.
Pine Tree’s offense, by comparison, has been prolific, with an average of 26.5 points per game. They’re strong across all quarters, averaging 7.4 points in the first, 5.0 in the second, 6.0 in the third, and 6.6 in the fourth. Their offensive efficiency has been a key to their success, as they dominate their opponents in both the running and passing game. Their scoring leader, though unnamed in the statistics, has been effective across the field, balancing their offense and ensuring that they consistently post strong numbers.
Key Players and Stats
In Stafford’s lineup, running back Dillan Tatum is a standout, averaging 30.8 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Zachary Brown has been a dual threat, contributing 102.0 passing yards per game and a solid 117.4 total yards per game. On the defensive side, linebacker Jeremiah Bazile leads the team with 7.0 tackles per game, while Emmanuel Osom has chipped in with 0.9 sacks per game.
Pine Tree’s offensive leaders remain a force to be reckoned with, continuing to drive the team’s high-scoring averages. Although the detailed stats for their rushing, passing, and receiving leaders are not provided, the team’s overall scoring prowess and defensive efficiency are evident in their remarkable performance this season.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The teams have not faced each other this season yet, but given their performances, it’s safe to assume this will be an exciting and hard-fought battle. Stafford’s defense will need to step up to contain Pine Tree’s high-powered offense, while Pine Tree must remain vigilant to handle Stafford’s capable playmakers.
Playoff Implications
Both teams are playoff-bound, with Pine Tree’s 1-0 playoff record signaling their strength in postseason games. Stafford also holds a 1-0 record in playoff games, though they will need to overcome the challenge posed by Pine Tree in what is expected to be a high-stakes matchup.
Conclusion
This clash between Stafford and Pine Tree promises to be a thrilling contest. Stafford will need to capitalize on their defense and early-game success, while Pine Tree’s offensive firepower could prove too much for them to handle. With both teams on a trajectory toward the playoffs, the result of this game could shape their postseason prospects. Fans can expect a well-rounded, competitive game as these two teams battle for supremacy in Texas high school football.
