The Shelbyville (TX) varsity football team will play a home playoff game against Leon (Jewett, TX) on Friday, November 15 at 7 p.m. at Nacogdoches High School. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, Football Conference 2A Division 1 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Shelbyville vs Leon
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: Shelbyville vs Leon

As the 2024-2025 high school football season heats up, two Texas teams, Leon and Shelbyville, are preparing for a pivotal matchup. Both squads boast impressive records and have made statements on the field this season, but the numbers reveal some key differences in strengths and strategies.

Team Records and Rankings

Leon (6-4, 2-3 District) sits ranked 918th in the state and 252nd within their section. Their season has been a rollercoaster, with a solid home and away split, each sitting at 3-2. While their winning percentage of .600 showcases resilience, their district performance at .400 hints at struggles against stronger opponents. Offensively, they have scored 263 points, allowing 183.

Shelbyville, on the other hand, has had a more commanding season. With an 8-2 overall record and a stellar 4-1 performance in district play, they are ranked 397th in the state and 108th in their section. Shelbyville remains undefeated at home (5-0) and posts an impressive .800 district winning percentage. Their offensive firepower is evident, having racked up 447 points while conceding 352.

Offensive and Defensive Stats

Scoring Averages

Leon averages 26.3 points per game, with most of their scoring coming in the second quarter (9.9 points) and tapering off as the game progresses. Shelbyville, by contrast, is a high-octane offense, averaging 44.7 points per game. They start strong, scoring 15.3 points in the first quarter and dominate in the fourth with 17.7 points, a pattern that could pose challenges for Leon’s defense.

Total Yardage

The offensive yardage comparison is stark. Leon averages just 31.9 total yards per game, with a modest 19.5 rushing and 12.4 passing yards. In contrast, Shelbyville’s offense is a powerhouse, generating 478.9 yards per game, including 207.4 on the ground and a striking 271.5 through the air. Their balanced attack will test Leon’s defensive strategies.

Key Players to Watch

For Leon, Landon Thomas (#2) stands out, averaging 67 rushing yards per game and totaling 121 all-purpose yards. Quarterback Alex Galvan (#6) manages 70 passing yards per game, while Parker Veggeberg (#8) leads in receiving with 52 yards per game. Defensively, Leon’s unit will need to be aggressive and opportunistic to slow down Shelbyville’s relentless offense.

Shelbyville’s playmaker, Dj Barnes (#11), is a dual-threat sensation. He averages an astounding 145.3 rushing yards and 309.8 passing yards per game, contributing a jaw-dropping 455 total yards on average. Receivers like Geechie Mathis (#4) provide reliable targets, with 82.8 receiving yards per game. Defensive standout William Walden (#14) anchors the team with 9 tackles per game, and Andy Johnson (#6) contributes with 1 sack per contest.

Game Outlook

Leon’s defense will need to be at its peak to contain Shelbyville’s high-powered offense, especially in the first and fourth quarters, where Shelbyville thrives. The contrasting play styles—Leon’s more deliberate and balanced approach versus Shelbyville’s explosive and high-scoring offense—set up an intriguing clash.

With Shelbyville’s offense averaging 36.4 points per game and key contributors like Dj Barnes leading the charge, Leon’s defense will face one of its toughest tests this season. Yet, Leon has shown grit in close games, and if they can keep the score tight into the second half, they might have a shot at an upset.

Both teams understand the stakes of this matchup, with postseason aspirations and regional pride on the line. Will Shelbyville’s firepower overwhelm, or can Leon’s resilience carry them to a victory? Only time will tell, but it’s certain that fans are in for an exciting showdown.