The Pioneer varsity football team from Mission, TX, will face off against Lopez from Brownsville, TX, in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 15 at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships for Conference 5A Division 2.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Pioneer vs Lopez
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 5A D2
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Game preview: Pioneer vs Lopez

As Lopez and Pioneer prepare to face off in what promises to be an electrifying matchup, a close look at the numbers reveals two well-matched teams both vying to solidify their standings and make a statement. Both teams enter the contest with identical 7-3 overall records, but with some key differences in play styles and statistical strengths.

Season Overview & Standings

Lopez has a district record of 3-2, complemented by a home record of 3-1 and a solid 4-2 performance on the road. With a .700 win percentage overall and a .600 district percentage, they’ve outscored opponents 309 to 206. Their strong offensive capabilities, highlighted by quarterback Guadalupe Ramirez’s impressive passing yards, are evident.

Pioneer, on the other hand, has managed a slightly better district record at 3-1, winning three of four home games and posting a comparable 4-2 away performance. Their overall win percentage also sits at .700, with a stronger district win rate of .750. They’ve scored 235 points this season while conceding 194.

Scoring Patterns

Analyzing the teams’ scoring averages gives insight into potential game dynamics:

• Lopez averages 30.9 points per game, scoring consistently across all four quarters. They are particularly strong in the second quarter, where they average 12.4 points.
• Pioneer averages 23.5 points per game but shows a stark contrast in their scoring, heavily front-loaded with 12.4 points in the first quarter, before tapering off dramatically and failing to score in the fourth quarter.

These statistics suggest Lopez’s ability to maintain a steady offensive rhythm throughout the game, while Pioneer might rely on an early scoring burst.

Offensive and Defensive Comparisons

• Lopez boasts a high-powered offense, averaging 400.7 total yards per game. They rely on a balanced attack with 167.2 rushing yards and 233.5 passing yards. Guadalupe Ramirez leads the aerial assault with 223.8 passing yards per game, while Eddie Slovak adds 174.3 rushing yards.
• Pioneer is a run-heavy team, averaging 197.3 rushing yards per game, while their passing game trails significantly at 93.8 yards. William Goodloe plays a crucial dual role, averaging 80.1 rushing and 91.0 passing yards.

Defensively, Pioneer stands out with 61.2 tackles per game, well above Lopez’s 40.4. Pioneer also demonstrates a stronger pass rush, averaging 2.0 sacks per game compared to Lopez’s 0.6. Carlos Cantu, Lopez’s leading tackler with 17.0 per game, will need to be a defensive anchor, while Pioneer’s Marcos Rauda, with 7.7 tackles and 0.6 sacks per game, will be equally critical.

Key Players to Watch

For Lopez:

• Guadalupe Ramirez (#1): The quarterback averages 223.8 passing and 224.3 total yards per game.
• Eddie Slovak (#22): Dominates the ground game with 174.3 rushing yards per game.
• Gabriel Rios (#3): The go-to receiver, contributing 96.7 receiving yards and 10.0 points per game.

For Pioneer:

• William Goodloe (#10): The offensive workhorse, leading in both rushing (80.1 yards) and passing (91.0 yards).
• Matthew Maldonado (#16): Pioneer’s top receiver with 33.4 receiving yards per game.
• Ezra Perez (#20): The leading scorer, though with a modest 3.6 points per game.

Common Opponents & Game Implications

Both teams have convincingly defeated their common opponent, Porter. Lopez secured a 31-10 victory, while Pioneer delivered a 63-3 blowout. This sets the stage for an intriguing matchup where each team’s contrasting strengths will be tested.

Final Thoughts

The game will likely come down to Lopez’s ability to sustain offensive pressure against Pioneer’s staunch defense and whether Pioneer can maintain their early scoring momentum. With playoff hopes and district pride on the line, expect a thrilling encounter between two highly competitive teams.