The Sacred Heart (Hallettsville, TX) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Central Texas Christian (Temple, TX) on Friday, November 22 at 7:00 PM in Giddings. This matchup is part of the TAPPS 2024 High School Football Playoff – TAPPS Division IV tournament.

Sacred Heart vs Central Texas Christian Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Sacred Heart vs Central Texas Christian
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: TAPPS 2024 High School Football Playoff – TAPPS Division IV
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Game preview: Sacred Heart vs Central Texas Christian

The stage is set for an exciting playoff matchup between the Central Texas Christian (CTC) football team and Sacred Heart as they face off in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This game promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams bring their unique strengths to the field.

Season Overview and Records

Central Texas Christian (Temple, TX) has enjoyed a highly successful season, with an impressive 9-1 overall record and a strong 4-1 district performance. The team has been dominant at home, winning all six of their home games, and they are 3-1 on the road. Their overall win percentage stands at a stellar .900, while their district win percentage is .800. Central Texas Christian has scored a total of 341 points while allowing only 109, a testament to their well-rounded team performance.

Sacred Heart (Hallettsville, TX), on the other hand, has had a solid but more challenging season. With a 6-4 overall record and a 3-2 district record, they’ve shown resilience but have struggled a bit in away games (3-2), as compared to their .600 district win percentage. Despite being outscored 203 to 247 across the season, Sacred Heart has demonstrated an ability to fight through tough situations and come out on top in key matchups.

Head-to-Head Recap

Earlier this month, these two teams met in a thrilling overtime game on November 1, which saw Central Texas Christian edge out Sacred Heart 26-20. After a strong start from Sacred Heart, who led early, Central Texas Christian came from behind, scoring late to force overtime and eventually secure the victory. Sacred Heart’s offense struggled in the second half, while Central Texas Christian’s balanced attack and clutch plays were key in their comeback.

Statistical Breakdown

Central Texas Christian’s offense has been potent this season, averaging 34.1 points per game. Their scoring is spread fairly evenly, with notable performances in the first and second quarters, averaging 13.7 and 12.3 points respectively. However, they have struggled to maintain consistent scoring in the second half, especially in the third and fourth quarters, where they average just over 5 points per quarter. Key players such as Austin Evans (94.4 rushing yards per game) and Cooper Smith (127.3 passing yards per game) have been crucial to their high-scoring offense.

Sacred Heart, scoring an average of 24.7 points per game, has had more of a balanced but less explosive offense. Their scoring drops off significantly in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they have averaged just 2.2 points per game. Despite this, they have been able to find success with playmakers stepping up in crucial moments, especially in the earlier stages of games.

Key Players to Watch

• Austin Evans of Central Texas Christian has been an exceptional running back, accumulating 94.4 yards per game and contributing 8.4 points per game.
• Cooper Smith, a dynamic passer, has thrown for 127.3 yards per game and has led the team with 128.3 total yards per game.
• For Sacred Heart, Gabriel Logsdon II leads the team in tackles per game with 7.2, while the offense will look to get significant contributions from their running and passing game to compete.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced several common opponents this season, with Central Texas Christian and Sacred Heart posting identical 3-1 records against those teams. For instance, both squads defeated Rosehill Christian by large margins, with Central Texas Christian winning 49-6 and Sacred Heart securing a 41-13 victory. The teams also both lost to Brazos Christian, though Sacred Heart’s loss was more decisive at 36-7.

Playoff Implications

This game is crucial for both teams, as it could determine their path to further playoff success. Central Texas Christian will look to continue their dominant season, while Sacred Heart hopes to avenge their previous overtime loss and keep their playoff dreams alive. The winner will have the opportunity to advance to the next round and continue their pursuit of a state championship.

Final Thoughts

The upcoming playoff game between Central Texas Christian and Sacred Heart promises to be an intense battle, with both teams eager to prove themselves. Central Texas Christian’s strong offensive attack and perfect home record give them the edge, but Sacred Heart’s resilience and ability to pull off surprises make them a formidable opponent. Fans can expect a competitive game filled with big plays, strategic adjustments, and a fierce desire to win as both teams fight for a shot at the next round of playoffs.