The Randall Raiders (9-1) varsity football team from Amarillo, TX, will host a playoff game against the Ysleta Indians (8-2) from El Paso, TX, on Thursday, November 14 at 6 PM. The game will take place at Hobbs High School and is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, specifically the Football Conference 4A Division 1 tournament.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Randall vs Ysleta
When: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, specifically the Football Conference 4A Division 1
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Game preview: Randall vs Ysleta
As the 2024-25 high school football season progresses, two teams from Texas are catching everyone’s attention with their impressive records and explosive offenses: Ysleta and Randall. Both schools have proven themselves to be formidable forces in their respective districts, but their paths to success have been distinct.
Ysleta: A Strong and Steady Performer
The Ysleta Indians have put together an impressive 8-2 overall record so far, with a 6-2 mark in district play. Their success has been built on solid fundamentals, combining a high-powered offense with a disciplined defense. With 425 total points scored and just 199 points allowed, Ysleta has been a balanced and efficient team throughout the season.
One of Ysleta’s key strengths is their ability to put up big numbers early in games. They average 15.8 points in the first quarter and 15.2 in the second, demonstrating their ability to come out strong in the opening half. While their third and fourth quarters see a slight drop in scoring, they continue to grind out victories, averaging 4.3 points in the third and 6.0 points in the final frame. This ability to maintain pressure on their opponents, even late in games, has been a key factor in their success.
Randall: A Dominant Force in Texas High School Football
Randall’s 9-1 record is nothing short of impressive, with their lone loss coming in district play. The Raiders have been dominant both at home and on the road, posting an undefeated 5-0 record at home and a 4-1 mark away. Scoring 387 points and allowing only 194, Randall has been a powerhouse on both sides of the ball.
Randall’s offensive approach has been just as balanced as Ysleta’s, but their scoring tends to increase as the game progresses. They average just 9.4 points in the first quarter but make up for it with an impressive 11.8 points in the second quarter. After halftime, the Raiders continue to apply pressure, scoring 5.4 points in the third and an impressive 11.2 in the fourth. Randall’s ability to finish games strong has made them a tough opponent to defeat.
Key Matchup: Scoring and Defense
In terms of scoring, Ysleta has been slightly more explosive overall, averaging 42.5 points per game compared to Randall’s 38.7. However, Randall has been more consistent in their overall game management, particularly in the second half of games. The teams’ defenses have also been strong, with Ysleta allowing 199 points on the season (just under 20 points per game) and Randall giving up only 194 (about 19.4 points per game).
Both teams have demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout the season, but it is clear that Randall has a slight edge when it comes to dominating opponents late in games, especially in the second and fourth quarters.
Looking Ahead
As both teams prepare for the final stretch of the season, their paths to the playoffs could be shaped by the outcomes of future matchups. Ysleta and Randall both have the tools to go deep, but with Randall’s higher win percentage (.900) and their ability to turn it on in the second half, they could have the advantage in the postseason.
It will be interesting to see how these two teams, both with strong offensive and defensive units, fare as they push toward the playoffs. One thing is certain: whether it’s Ysleta’s early-game dominance or Randall’s late-game firepower, fans can expect some exciting football as these two teams battle for supremacy.
