The Port Neches-Groves (Port Neches, TX) varsity football team will play a home playoff game against Texas (Texarkana, TX) on Friday, November 29, at 7:00 PM at Northwestern State University. This game is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, Conference 5A Division 2 tournament.

Port Neches-Groves vs Texas Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Port Neches-Groves vs Texas
When: Friday, November 29, 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 Texas

The 2024-25 Texas high school football season has seen some intense competition, and two standout teams are set to face off in what promises to be an exhilarating matchup: the Texas team (12-0) and Port Neches-Groves (11-1). Both teams have demonstrated impressive performances throughout the season, with Texas finishing undefeated and Port Neches-Groves suffering only one loss.

Season Overview and Key Records

Texas has been nothing short of dominant this season, maintaining a perfect 12-0 record. With a stellar 6-0 district performance, the team has displayed consistency both at home (5-0) and on the road (7-0). They lead the state with an impressive average of 49.4 points per game, significantly outscoring opponents with a total of 600 points against 244 points allowed. Their offensive strength is complemented by a solid defensive unit, making them a formidable force in the playoffs.

In comparison, Port Neches-Groves has a strong 11-1 record, with a nearly perfect district performance of 6-1. The team’s offense has been efficient, averaging 40.5 points per game, with 486 total points scored across the season. However, their only loss came against Nederland, a game where they fell short in a tough 24-21 defeat. Despite this setback, Port Neches-Groves has proven resilient and is ready to challenge Texas in what will be a critical matchup.

Team Scoring and Statistical Breakdown

Texas has an edge in scoring across all four quarters. The team averages 21.3 points in the first quarter and maintains a solid 16.3 points in the second. However, the second half is where Texas can struggle slightly, scoring 3.5 in the third and 6.5 in the fourth. In contrast, Port Neches-Groves averages 12.3 points in the first quarter, 14.1 in the second, and 7.8 in the third. While both teams show balanced scoring in the first half, Texas has the ability to take control early.

When it comes to total yards per game, Texas leads with 509.8 yards, thanks to their balanced attack of 268.7 rushing yards and 241.2 passing yards per game. Port Neches-Groves, while formidable, does not have comparable rushing stats but has found success through the air, averaging 240.8 receiving yards per game.

Key Players and Standout Performances

• Javari Johnson, the star running back for Texas, has been exceptional, averaging 116.9 rushing yards per game.
• David Potter, the quarterback, has thrown for 237.4 passing yards per game, with a total of 253.6 yards per game overall.
• Tradarian Ball, who leads the team in receiving with 72.1 yards per game and scoring 11.5 points per game, has been a key contributor in both the air and on the scoreboard.

On the other hand, Port Neches-Groves has leaned heavily on their passing game, with standout players contributing to both receiving and total yardage. Despite Texas having more offensive firepower, Port Neches-Groves is known for its ability to execute when needed.

Common Opponents and Head-to-Head Performance

Both teams have faced off against common opponents, but Texas has the edge in their head-to-head matchups. Texas defeated Hallsville 56-0 and Nederland 56-14, while Port Neches-Groves won against Hallsville 43-20 but lost to Nederland 24-21. This demonstrates Texas’s ability to dominate both at home and away, while Port Neches-Groves has had more mixed results against similar competition.

The Road Ahead: Playoff Implications

Looking ahead, the playoff implications for both teams are significant. Texas heads into the game undefeated and as a top contender, while Port Neches-Groves has the challenge of bouncing back from their only loss to push past a team with superior offensive statistics. With the matchup set to be a battle of wills, Texas will rely on its flawless record and explosive offense, while Port Neches-Groves will look to capitalize on their resilience and ability to win big games.

In conclusion, this game is shaping up to be a clash of two of the state’s most formidable football teams. With Texas’s unbeaten record and high-scoring offense, and Port Neches-Groves’s resilience and balanced play, fans are in for a thrilling showdown that will likely determine the future trajectory of the playoffs for both squads.