The Sinton Pirates (10-0, TX) varsity football team will face off against the Grulla Gators (1-8, Rio Grande City, TX) in a neutral playoff game on Thursday, November 14 at 7:00 PM. This game is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, Conference 4A Division 2 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Sinton vs Grulla
When: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 4A D2
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Game preview: Sinton vs Grulla

As the 2024-2025 high school football season progresses, the Grulla Gators and the Sinton Pirates find themselves at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of performance and record. This contrast in their seasons sets the stage for a potentially exciting matchup as both teams look to make their mark.

Grulla Gators’ Struggles

The Grulla Gators have had a difficult season thus far, with a 1-8 overall record and a dismal 0-3 district performance. Despite their efforts, they’ve struggled in all facets of the game, particularly on offense. Grulla has managed to score only 47 points over nine games, averaging a mere 5.2 points per game, and they have allowed 262 points. Their inability to generate offense has been one of the main factors in their poor win percentage of .111.

Breaking down their scoring, Grulla averages just 0 points in the first quarter, a stark contrast to their second-half performances, where they tally 2.4 points per game in the fourth quarter. This shows a team that fights to the end but faces challenges early in games. Individually, Grulla’s standout player has been Quincy Bess, who leads the team with 151 rushing yards per game and 18.0 points per game. However, the team as a whole has struggled to match the offensive firepower of their opponents.

Sinton Pirates: A Dominant Force

In contrast, the Sinton Pirates have been perfect in the 2024-2025 season, with an impressive 10-0 record, including a flawless 4-0 district performance. The Pirates have not only excelled on offense, but their defense has been equally formidable, with an average of 38.7 points scored per game and only 152 points allowed. Their ability to control the ball and put up high scores has made them a dominant force in their division.

Offensively, Sinton has averaged 414.3 total yards per game, including 288.9 rushing yards per game. They’ve been particularly effective at passing the ball, with 125.4 yards per game in the air. The Pirates are led by quarterback Triston Handson, who has accumulated 210.4 total yards per game and 125.4 passing yards per game. The team also benefits from the performance of their defense, with Aiden Galvan contributing 9.7 tackles per game and Omar Vargas adding a sack per game.

Their scoring pattern reflects their offensive dominance, averaging 12.5 points in the first quarter, 6.3 points in the second, 9.5 in the third, and 8.9 in the fourth. Sinton’s well-rounded game plan allows them to consistently maintain control from start to finish, regardless of the situation.

Key Players to Watch

For Grulla, all eyes will be on Quincy Bess, whose ability to break through defenses will be crucial if the Gators hope to challenge Sinton. Bess leads the team in rushing yards per game, and his 18.0 points per game make him the focal point of their offense.

Sinton, on the other hand, has a wealth of talent. Quarterback Triston Handson, with his 210.4 total yards per game, and the defense led by Aiden Galvan, who tallies 9.7 tackles per game, are both key players to watch. The Pirates’ balanced attack has made them a difficult team to stop.

Looking Ahead

As Grulla prepares for this matchup against an undefeated Sinton team, they will need to find ways to generate more offense and capitalize on any mistakes the Pirates make. Meanwhile, Sinton will look to continue their dominant run and assert their superiority, both in district play and statewide.

The stark contrast in records and team statistics paints a clear picture of the upcoming contest. While Grulla has fought hard through a challenging season, Sinton appears poised to remain a powerhouse. For Grulla, it will be a test of resilience, while for Sinton, it will be a chance to continue their flawless streak.

As the season progresses, both teams will continue to fine-tune their strategies for the remainder of the year, but for now, Sinton remains the team to beat in this head-to-head showdown.