The Smithson Valley varsity football team from Spring Branch, TX, will host a home playoff game against New Braunfels, TX, on Friday, November 29, at 11 a.m. at the Alamodome. This matchup is part of the “2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – Football Conference 5A Division 1” tournament.
Smithson Valley vs New Braunfels Game Info:
What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Smithson Valley vs New Braunfels
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 11:00 a.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 5A D1
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Game preview: Smithson Valley vs New Braunfels
As the high school football season heads into its crucial playoff stages, the New Braunfels (TX) and Smithson Valley (TX) teams are set to face off in an exciting matchup on Friday, November 29, at 11:00 a.m. Smithson Valley, coming off a victory in the previous meeting, will host New Braunfels in a high-stakes game that promises to be filled with intensity and strategy.
Team Overview
New Braunfels enters the game with an overall record of 9-3, having finished 5-2 in district play. The team has performed well at home, posting a 4-1 record, but faces a tough road ahead, with a 4-2 record away. The team has been effective on offense, scoring an average of 38.3 points per game, but they will need to improve on defense, having allowed 271 points this season.
Smithson Valley, boasting a 10-2 overall record, has had a stellar season, finishing 6-1 in district play. Their offense has been explosive, averaging 43.8 points per game, and their defense has been stingy, allowing just 126 points. Smithson Valley has dominated in nearly all aspects of the game, with standout performances both at home and away, including a strong 5-1 record on the road.
Previous Encounter
In their most recent matchup on October 25, Smithson Valley emerged victorious with a 29-18 win at New Braunfels. This result has given Smithson Valley a mental edge heading into the playoff game, as they will look to continue their dominant run against their district rivals.
Key Players
- New Braunfels:
- Brock Stewart – A standout running back, Stewart has been a key contributor, averaging 69.9 rushing yards per game.
- Clayton Namken – The quarterback has been solid, averaging 197.3 passing yards per game and 229.1 total yards per game.
- Cayden Mills – A dual-threat player, Mills leads the team with 100.4 receiving yards per game and scores an average of 8.2 points per game.
- Smithson Valley:
- Catcher Kyle – Known for his defensive prowess, Kyle has been a leader with an impressive 10.5 tackles per game.
- Clayton Namken – While New Braunfels also features a player by this name, Smithson Valley’s Clayton Namken has been pivotal in orchestrating the offense with solid passing and playmaking abilities.
Team Comparisons
Both teams have shown their dominance against common opponents, each holding a 6-1 record in their shared matchups this season. Key victories include wins over Madison, MacArthur, and Seguin for both schools. However, each team has suffered one loss against a common opponent, with New Braunfels falling to Pieper and Smithson Valley losing to Pieper as well.
The Road Ahead
As both teams approach this playoff showdown, the outcome will largely depend on which squad can execute more consistently on both sides of the ball. New Braunfels will need to tighten up their defense and continue their strong offensive performances if they hope to overcome the more well-rounded Smithson Valley team. Conversely, Smithson Valley’s balanced attack and stingy defense give them a distinct advantage heading into this playoff clash.
Final Thoughts
This is set to be a thrilling matchup, with New Braunfels looking to avenge their regular-season loss to Smithson Valley. Both teams have impressive records, but Smithson Valley’s high-scoring offense and strong defense make them the favorites in this game. With both teams evenly matched in many aspects, the key to victory will likely come down to execution under pressure. Fans can expect a high-energy game with plenty of action and drama as these two Texas high school football powerhouses face off in the postseason.
