The Liberty Hill High School varsity football team will host a playoff game against Sam Houston High School from San Antonio on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m. at Liberty Hill High School. This game is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, competing in the 5A Division 2 bracket.

Sam Houston vs Liberty Football Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Sam Houston vs Liberty
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m.
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Game preview: Sam Houston vs Liberty

This Friday night, Liberty Hill High and Sam Houston High face off in a high-stakes football matchup that brings together two well-matched teams, each with different strengths and strategies. Liberty Hill enters the game with a strong season record of 8-2, while Sam Houston stands at 5-5. Here’s a closer look at the numbers and players who could make the difference.

Team Overview and Records

Liberty Hill ranks 178th nationally, showcasing a powerful season in their state division with an impressive district record of 6-1 and an overall 8-2, a winning percentage of .800. Their winning approach has been built on an explosive offense, averaging an astounding 52.5 points per game and scoring a total of 525 points across the season.

Sam Houston, while ranked lower at 845 nationally, still has plenty of potential to make an impact. With a 5-5 overall record and a 4-2 record within their district, they have shown resilience and adaptability. Their offense averages 23.9 points per game, and while they may not be the highest-scoring team, they rely on a balanced approach, with 239 points scored this season.

Scoring Averages by Quarter

The first quarter might set the stage for Liberty Hill to gain an early lead, as they average 14 points in the opening quarter compared to Sam Houston’s 4 points. Liberty Hill is known to bring the heat in the third quarter, averaging 21.5 points, while Sam Houston sees their best quarter in the third as well with a 10-point average. To stay competitive, Sam Houston will need to counter Liberty Hill’s explosive starts and keep the game close going into the later quarters.

Offensive and Defensive Comparisons

Liberty Hill’s offensive dominance centers on their rushing game, averaging an incredible 467.1 rushing yards per game compared to Sam Houston’s 162.7. Liberty Hill’s pass game is modest, averaging just 30 passing yards per game, but they more than compensate with ground power. Sam Houston, meanwhile, maintains a more balanced offensive approach, averaging 162 passing yards per game.

Defensively, Liberty Hill has a slight edge in tackles, with 68.1 tackles per game compared to Sam Houston’s 52.3. Liberty Hill also excels at creating defensive pressure, averaging 2.6 sacks per game, while Sam Houston tallies 1.8.

Key Players to Watch

• Sam Houston: Quarterback Mivieon Franklin (#15) is pivotal, averaging 162.2 passing yards and contributing significantly to Sam Houston’s offense. Wide receiver Damann Goode (#4) is another top performer, averaging 68.8 receiving yards per game and scoring an average of 7.6 points per game.
• Liberty Hill: Running back Kyle May (#9) is the powerhouse for Liberty Hill, averaging 136.2 rushing yards per game and scoring 14.4 points per game. Defender Garrett Lindgren (#10) leads the defense with an average of 10.4 tackles per game, while Eli Walker (#28) applies pressure in the backfield with 1 sack per game.

Record Breakdown and Predictions

Liberty Hill has a spotless home record at 5-0, which could serve as an advantage if they bring their home-game momentum. Sam Houston has a tougher track record on the road, standing at 3-2. Both teams have yet to play in the playoffs or in neutral settings this season, making this an intriguing matchup in unfamiliar territory.

Liberty Hill’s high-octane offense and disciplined defense give them an edge on paper, but Sam Houston’s balanced offense could keep them competitive if they execute well and prevent an early lead from Liberty Hill. Expect a fierce battle with Liberty Hill’s running game and Sam Houston’s passing game in the spotlight, as each team fights for victory.