The San Saba (TX) varsity football team will face off against Crawford (TX) in a neutral playoff game today at 7 p.m. The matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, specifically within the 2024 Football Conference 2A Division 1 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: San Saba vs Crawford
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 2A D1
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Game preview: San Saba vs Crawford

As the high school football season draws closer to its conclusion, the matchup between the Crawford Pirates and the San Saba Armadillos promises to be a revealing contest. These two teams have taken very different paths throughout the 2024-25 season, and the game will be a pivotal test for both sides.

Team Overview

Crawford Pirates (2-8 Overall, 2-3 District)

• Rankings & Records: Crawford has endured a challenging season, holding a 2-8 overall record and 2-3 in district play. They currently rank 922nd in Texas, 254th in their section, and 65th in their state division.
• Performance Breakdown: The Pirates have struggled to secure victories, especially away from home, where they are winless at 0-3. However, they have shown some fight in district games, achieving a 40% district win percentage. Offensively, Crawford has scored a total of 184 points this season, while their defense has allowed 262 points.
• Scoring Trends: The Pirates’ scoring has been inconsistent, with their strongest quarter coming in the second, averaging 7.6 points. However, their production tends to drop in the third and fourth quarters, averaging 2.9 and 4.4 points, respectively, for an overall average of 18.4 points per game.

San Saba Armadillos (6-4 Overall, 3-2 District)

• Rankings & Records: San Saba’s season has been markedly better, with a 6-4 overall record and a solid 3-2 in district play. They are ranked higher at 679th in Texas, 322nd in their section, and 34th in their state division.
• Performance Breakdown: The Armadillos have had success both at home (4-3) and on the road (2-1), maintaining a balanced and effective approach. They boast a higher district win percentage of 60%. The team has put up an impressive 306 points this season while conceding only 217, showcasing their ability to score and defend effectively.
• Scoring Trends: San Saba averages 30.6 points per game, with a scoring pattern that emphasizes strong starts and consistent early pressure. Despite a lower output in the second and fourth quarters (2.3 and 2.0 points), they remain potent in the first and third quarters, each averaging 4.7 points.

Common Opponents and Game Results

Both Crawford and San Saba have faced Hamilton and Holland this season, with neither team securing a win against these common adversaries:

• Crawford’s Results: The Pirates suffered losses against Hamilton (38-22) on September 13 and against Holland (42-13) on September 27.
• San Saba’s Results: The Armadillos lost to Hamilton (40-21) on September 27 and narrowly fell to Holland (44-41) on November 1.

Despite these defeats, San Saba demonstrated a more competitive performance against Holland, indicating their ability to contend closely even in tough matchups.

Statistical Comparison and Keys to Victory

Crawford’s Keys:

• The Pirates need to focus on maintaining energy and scoring capability throughout the entire game. Their drop-off in scoring after halftime has cost them dearly.
• Defensively, Crawford must tighten up and limit big plays, especially in the first and third quarters, where San Saba tends to shine.

San Saba’s Keys:

• The Armadillos should leverage their strong start and capitalize on Crawford’s weaknesses in the third and fourth quarters.
• Maintaining discipline in defense will be crucial, as any lapse could give Crawford a chance to exploit gaps and turn the tide.

Final Thoughts

San Saba enters this matchup as the clear favorite, given their superior record and scoring ability. However, football can be unpredictable, and Crawford, with nothing to lose, might deliver a spirited performance. Fans can expect an exciting game, with both teams looking to end the season on a high note.