The Port Neches-Groves varsity football team from Port Neches, TX, will host a home playoff game against Hallsville, TX, on Friday, November 15 at 7 p.m. at Port Neches-Groves High School. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships for the Conference 5A Division 2 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Port Neches-Groves vs Hallsville
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: Port Neches-Groves vs Hallsville

The upcoming high school football game between Hallsville and Port Neches-Groves promises to be an intriguing matchup, featuring two teams with significantly different seasons thus far. Here’s an in-depth look at the numbers, strengths, and key players that set the stage for this clash.

Team Overview and Rankings

Hallsville comes into the game with a 4-6 overall record and a .400 win percentage. Their district record stands at 3-3, showcasing an average season with a balanced mix of victories and defeats. Offensively, the Bobcats have scored 252 points while conceding 275, highlighting a need for greater consistency on defense.

On the other hand, Port Neches-Groves boasts an impressive 9-1 record, giving them a strong .900 win percentage. The Indians have been dominant in district play, holding a 6-1 record and showcasing a well-rounded team that scores efficiently while maintaining a tight defense. Their offensive output stands at 401 points, with their defense conceding only 215 points, indicating a solid balance between both sides of the ball.

Scoring Averages

A breakdown of team scoring averages reveals key insights:

• Hallsville: The Bobcats average 25.2 points per game, with their most productive quarter being the third, where they score an average of 8.3 points. Despite a decent offensive push in the second half, their early-game scoring lags behind.
• Port Neches-Groves: The Indians, in contrast, have a more explosive offense, averaging 40.1 points per game. They start strong, posting 12.9 and 13.9 points on average in the first and second quarters, respectively, setting a formidable tone early in games.

Statistical Comparison

Port Neches-Groves holds the advantage in almost every statistical category, though detailed figures for rushing, passing, and receiving yards per game for the Indians are not provided. Hallsville, however, averages:

• Rushing Yards: 24.8 per game
• Passing Yards: 17.0 per game
• Receiving Yards: 7.2 per game
• Total Yards: 41.8 per game
• Points Per Game: 1.8

These numbers indicate that Hallsville’s offense has struggled to generate substantial yardage or high-scoring outputs, something they must improve to compete effectively.

Key Players to Watch

For Hallsville, the standout player is #6 Ja’cayden Bolden, who leads in multiple categories. Bolden has been the heart of the Bobcats’ offense, averaging 223 rushing yards per game, 248 total yards per game, and an impressive 18 points per game. Quarterback #2 Josh Seal has contributed with 145 passing yards per game, while #15 Coulter Evans adds 40 receiving yards per game.

Port Neches-Groves’ player statistics weren’t provided, but given their overall success, it’s evident they have a cohesive unit capable of making big plays on both sides of the ball.

Record Breakdown

Hallsville’s season has been marked by inconsistency. They are 3-3 in league play and have struggled on the road with a 2-4 away record. However, they have been more competitive at home, holding a 2-2 record. In contrast, Port Neches-Groves is undefeated at home (4-1) and flawless on the road with a perfect 5-0 record, showcasing their adaptability and strength in various settings.

Conclusion

The statistics paint a clear picture: Port Neches-Groves enters the matchup as the heavy favorite, given their dominant season and explosive offense. Hallsville will need a stellar performance from Ja’cayden Bolden and the entire squad to challenge the Indians and pull off an upset. This game will test whether Hallsville can rise to the occasion or if Port Neches-Groves will continue their impressive run.