The Santa Maria Cougars (8-2, TX) varsity football team will face off against the Weimar Wildcats (6-4, TX) in a neutral playoff game on Thursday, November 14, at 7 p.m. The game will take place at Odem High School’s Owl Stadium. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, Conference 2A Division 1 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Santa Maria vs Weimar
When: Thursday, November 14, 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: Santa Maria vs Weimar

In an upcoming high-stakes Texas football showdown, Weimar (6-4) faces Santa Maria (8-2) in a matchup that could shape the rest of their seasons. Both teams have posted impressive records, but the game promises to be a clash of differing styles and strengths.

Team Rankings and Recent Form

Weimar, ranked 588th in Texas and 277th in their division, has battled to a solid 6-4 overall record, including a strong 5-1 district performance and a 4-1 record at home. Their win percentage sits at .600, with a dominant .833 mark in district play. Weimar has accumulated 317 points for (PF) and 215 points against (PA) this season, highlighting a productive offense and a reasonably sturdy defense.

Santa Maria, meanwhile, holds the higher rankings: 920th in Texas and 443rd in the division, with an overall record of 8-2 and a district tally of 4-2. They boast an even more formidable offense, scoring 376 points while conceding 230. Their home and away records both shine at 4-1, underscoring their adaptability and consistency.

Offensive and Defensive Breakdowns

Team Scoring Averages:
Weimar tends to get off to a modest start, averaging 5.3 points in the first quarter and peaking at 6.3 points in the second before trailing off significantly. In contrast, Santa Maria opens more aggressively, scoring an average of 7.2 points in the first quarter and sustaining momentum through the second (9.7) and third (10.8), finishing strong in the fourth with 6.2 points. This offensive consistency gives Santa Maria a distinct scoring advantage.

Yardage and Defensive Metrics:
Santa Maria averages 212.2 rushing yards per game and 105.3 passing yards, reflecting a balanced offensive strategy that racks up an average of 317.5 total yards. Their defense supports this with 52.6 tackles per game and 1.6 sacks, helping them control the line of scrimmage.

Weimar will need to be wary of Santa Maria’s offensive firepower. Their own strength comes from a standout rushing game, led by Daniel Martinez, who averages 150.8 rushing yards and contributes 15.4 points per game. Weimar’s passing and receiving yardage numbers are lower, which could pose a challenge against Santa Maria’s balanced attack.

Key Players to Watch

• Weimar’s Daniel Martinez is the engine of their offense, amassing an impressive 150.8 rushing yards per game and averaging 186.7 total yards. He’s also the team’s primary scoring threat.
• Santa Maria’s Miguel Alaniz, averaging 104.8 passing yards per game, drives their aerial attack, while Luis Otero’s 65.1 receiving yards per game provide a crucial target. Defensively, Andre De la Rosa’s 7.0 tackles per game lead Santa Maria’s efforts to stifle opponents.

Comparing Strengths

Weimar’s greatest asset lies in their rushing game, powered by Martinez, which could control the tempo if they establish early dominance. However, their scoring drops off sharply in the second half, which could be problematic against a Santa Maria team that excels as the game progresses.

Santa Maria’s balanced attack and higher average points per game (37.6) make them a well-rounded opponent. Their offensive sustainability, from the first to the final whistle, could be the deciding factor.

Final Thoughts

The Weimar vs. Santa Maria matchup is more than a typical game; it’s a collision of styles and a test of endurance. Weimar’s home field advantage and efficient rushing offense will be put to the test against Santa Maria’s diverse and consistent scoring machine. Fans can expect a thrilling contest where every play counts, and the outcome could hinge on key defensive stops and the ability of both teams to execute under pressure.

Who will emerge victorious? With Santa Maria’s high-powered offense and Weimar’s ground game prowess, this matchup promises to be a spectacle of Texas football at its finest.