The Sinton (TX) varsity football team will face Salado (TX) in a neutral playoff game on Saturday, November 23, at 2:00 PM at Jerry Comalander Stadium. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Championships – 4A Division 2 Football Tournament.

Pflugerville vs Iowa Colony Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Sinton vs Salado
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 4A D2
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Game preview: Sinton vs Salado

The 2024-2025 football season has been an exciting one for both Salado and Sinton, two teams with strong records and impressive individual performances. As they prepare for a potential showdown, the comparison of their overall stats, individual leaders, and game performances reveals a thrilling matchup.

Team Performance Overview

Salado enters the game with a solid 7-4 overall record, with a 4-2 mark in district play. They have demonstrated resilience, winning 3 of their 5 home games and maintaining a strong road presence with a 3-2 record. Their offense has been efficient, scoring 393 points this season, with an average of 35.7 points per game. However, their defense has also been notable, allowing 312 points, which works out to an average of 28.4 points per game.

Sinton, on the other hand, has been perfect so far, sitting at 11-0, with a flawless 4-0 district record. Their offensive firepower is formidable, scoring 471 points this season, which translates to an average of 42.8 points per game. Defensively, they’ve been a wall, allowing only 152 points, averaging 13.8 points per game. Sinton’s dominance on both sides of the ball has them poised for a deep playoff run, with an unblemished record heading into the postseason.

Team Scoring Breakdown

Looking at how both teams score, Salado tends to explode in the second half, averaging 13.7 points in the third quarter and 11.5 in the fourth. Their first-half performance is steady, with 8.2 points in the first quarter and 9.0 points in the second. This second-half surge could be crucial if they are to challenge Sinton’s perfect record.

Sinton’s scoring is more evenly spread throughout the game, with 14.2 points in the first quarter, 8.7 in the second, and 8.7 in the third. Their fourth-quarter scoring drops slightly, with only 8.7 points, which suggests that their opponents may have opportunities to make a comeback if they can withstand Sinton’s early onslaught.

Statistical Comparison

When comparing the teams on paper, the numbers reveal where each team excels. Salado averages 184.3 rushing yards per game, a solid ground game led by standout rusher Lincoln Hossfeld, who averages 79.7 yards per game. In contrast, Sinton’s rushing attack is explosive, with 283.8 rushing yards per game. Derek Garcia leads this charge, averaging 129.6 rushing yards per game.

Through the air, Salado is the more balanced team, averaging 222.3 passing yards per game, led by Hossfeld, who also accounts for 207.7 passing yards per game. Sinton’s aerial game, though, is less central to their attack, with only 133.9 passing yards per game. Triston Handson, however, has been a dual threat, leading the team with 206.8 total yards per game.

Both teams have potent offenses, but Salado’s passing attack may need to be at its best to keep up with Sinton’s high-octane rushing game.

Individual Leaders

Salado’s key players include Hossfeld, who contributes heavily both as a rusher and a passer. His dual-threat ability makes him a constant danger on the field. Brendan Wilson is another standout for Salado, with 70.3 receiving yards per game, providing Hossfeld with a reliable target.

For Sinton, Triston Handson has been the engine driving their offense, contributing 206.8 total yards per game. He has also been a key scorer, putting up an average of 10.0 points per game. Running back Derek Garcia is another key player, leading the team with 129.6 rushing yards per game.

Defensively, Salado’s Damonte Foster leads the team with 13.0 tackles per game, while also contributing a sack. Sinton’s Aiden Galvan leads the defense with 9.7 tackles per game, and Omar Vargas is another defensive standout with 0.5 sacks per game.

Head-to-Head and Record Breakdown

Looking at the head-to-head records, Salado has had a strong showing in the postseason with a 1-0 record in playoff games, while Sinton has also been impressive in their playoff efforts, holding a perfect 1-0 record. The teams are well-matched in terms of their home and away performance, with Sinton undefeated both at home and away, while Salado has shown resilience in all environments.

Conclusion

As the season progresses, the matchup between Salado and Sinton will undoubtedly be a key highlight. With Sinton’s unbeaten record and powerful offense led by Handson and Garcia, they are the team to beat. However, Salado’s ability to strike in the second half and the versatility of Hossfeld could make for an exciting, unpredictable game. Both teams will need to play at their best, and if Salado can exploit any cracks in Sinton’s defense, they could potentially pull off an upset. Regardless of the outcome, this game will be one to watch for any fan of Texas high school football.