The Randolph (Universal City, TX) varsity football team will face Rio Hondo (TX) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, 2024 Football Conference 3A Division 1 tournament.

Randolph vs Rio Hondo Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Randolph vs Rio Hondo
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 3A D1
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Game preview: Randolph vs Rio Hondo

As the 2024-2025 football season progresses, two teams that have demonstrated impressive performances are Rio Hondo and Randolph, both finishing with a solid 9-2 record. While their statistics show a competitive edge, each team has unique characteristics that contribute to their success. Here’s an in-depth look at their performance, key players, and what sets them apart.

Overall Record and Performance

Both Rio Hondo and Randolph boast a strong 9-2 record for the season, with similar overall win percentages of .818. However, their journey to this point reflects different dynamics, especially within their respective districts.

• Rio Hondo: The team performed outstandingly in district play with a 6-1 record, winning all six of their home games (6-0) and splitting their away games with a 2-2 record. Their dominant home form highlights their strong local support and comfort playing on their turf.
• Randolph: Similarly, Randolph finished with a 3-2 district record, but it was their impressive 5-1 record in away games that stood out. While their home form was still solid (4-1), they showed resilience and adaptability on the road, giving them an edge in hostile environments.

Scoring and Offensive Output

Both teams have proven to be high-scoring, with Rio Hondo averaging 44.6 points per game and Randolph averaging 34.6 points per game. However, their offensive strategies differ in their approach to scoring.

• Rio Hondo: They have a remarkable second-half performance, particularly in the final quarter, where they average 14.0 points per game. Their balanced scoring includes 10.0 points in the third quarter and 3.5 in the second, showing their ability to adjust and capitalize as games progress.
• Randolph: Their offensive output is more consistent across quarters, with 13.0 points in the first quarter and a steady 9.2 points in the final quarter. While their second half is not as explosive as Rio Hondo’s, their ability to start strong gives them a competitive advantage early on.

Offensive and Defensive Comparisons

When it comes to total yardage, Rio Hondo and Randolph show distinct strengths in different areas.

• Rushing and Passing: Rio Hondo excels in rushing yards, averaging 160.4 yards per game, while Randolph relies more on the passing game with 185.5 yards per game. Rio Hondo’s ground game, led by key rusher Mario Lopez (101.6 yards per game), complements their scoring strategy, while Randolph’s quarterback, Ruben Atkinson, shows proficiency with 165.8 passing yards per game.
• Total Yards: Rio Hondo posts an impressive 345.9 total yards per game, a well-rounded offensive approach combining both rushing and passing, whereas Randolph averages a total of 345.9 yards per game, highlighting their balanced offensive play.

In terms of defense, Rio Hondo is slightly more aggressive, with 71.1 tackles per game, compared to Randolph’s average of 41.9 tackles. Rio Hondo also has a stronger pass-rush presence, with 3.5 sacks per game, which is a key factor in their ability to disrupt opposing offenses.

Individual Player Highlights

Both teams feature standout players who make significant contributions to their team’s success.

• Rio Hondo: Mario Lopez, with 101.6 rushing yards per game, is a key part of their offense, offering a powerful running game. Keyan Lopez has made a mark in multiple areas, including receiving yards (95.5 per game) and tackles (14.0 per game).
• Randolph: Ruben Atkinson shines as a dual-threat with 165.8 passing yards and 202.3 total yards per game. He has been instrumental in the team’s overall offensive success, while Keyan Lopez (from Rio Hondo) also shares the spotlight with 14.0 tackles per game.

Playoff and Head-to-Head Record

Both teams are undefeated in their playoff matchups, with each team securing a victory when it matters most. This shows that both Rio Hondo and Randolph are built for the postseason and have the mental toughness to compete at the highest level.

Conclusion

With identical 9-2 records, Rio Hondo and Randolph are two football teams on the rise, each with unique strengths. Rio Hondo’s powerful running game, exceptional defense, and ability to dominate in the second half make them a formidable opponent, while Randolph’s passing game, road prowess, and consistent scoring across all four quarters offer a different but equally effective strategy. As the season progresses and playoff berths are decided, both teams will likely continue to be forces to be reckoned with. Their ability to adapt to different challenges, both at home and on the road, will make their postseason runs intriguing to watch.