The Taylor (TX) varsity football team will host Somerset (TX) for a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 PM at House Park. This game is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, Conference 4A Division 1 tournament.

Somerset vs Taylor Football Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Somerset vs Taylor
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Watch here:Watch here

Game preview: Somerset vs Taylor

This week, two highly competitive high school football teams, Somerset and Taylor, face off in an exciting matchup that promises to deliver thrilling action on the field. Both teams have had their fair share of highs and lows during the season, but their individual strengths make this game a must-watch. Here’s a breakdown of their rankings, records, and key stats heading into the game:

Somerset’s Strong Season So Far

Somerset enters the game with an impressive 8-2 record, making them a formidable opponent. Their district record of 4-2 shows their consistency in league play, and their home record of 4-1 proves they can dominate on their turf. With 345 points scored this season, Somerset has shown they can put up big numbers, averaging 34.5 points per game.

Key to Somerset’s success has been their balanced offense. They average 126.6 rushing yards per game, led by John Alvarez, who is a standout with 92.7 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Kaleb Flores is also a big contributor, averaging 150.1 passing yards per game. Together, these players help Somerset achieve 246.7 total yards per game.

Despite allowing 234 points throughout the season, their defense has remained solid, with players like Logan Salazar contributing key receiving yards and helping the team keep their opponents at bay.

Taylor’s Steady Playoff Push

Taylor, with a 5-5 overall record, has had a more up-and-down season. Their 5-1 district record, however, signals a strong push within their league. Taylor has been particularly strong in district matchups, with a remarkable 83.3% district win percentage. The team has scored 367 points this season, averaging 36.7 points per game—almost 2 more than Somerset.

The Bulldogs have been explosive offensively, with standout performances from Andrias Fisher, who averages 101.3 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Eli Laurence, with 175.8 passing yards per game, has also been crucial to Taylor’s high-scoring offense. Their offense averages 345 total yards per game, nearly 100 yards more than Somerset’s.

On defense, Stephen Rogers leads the team with 8.3 tackles per game, while Caleb Whitehead adds pressure with 0.7 sacks per game. Though Taylor has struggled more on the road with a 2-3 away record, their district success and strong home performance make them a team to watch.

Stat Comparison: Offense vs. Defense

Both teams bring contrasting offensive strengths to the table. Somerset is more balanced, with solid rushing and passing yards. In comparison, Taylor leans heavily on their passing game with 196.6 passing yards per game, a significant edge over Somerset’s 120.1 passing yards per game. On the ground, Taylor also holds the advantage with 148.4 rushing yards per game, compared to Somerset’s 126.6.

When it comes to total yards per game, Taylor leads with 345.0, compared to Somerset’s 246.7. However, Somerset’s defense has been efficient in limiting big plays, allowing 234 points this season, whereas Taylor has given up 251.

Team Leaders

Somerset’s leading rusher, John Alvarez, will look to exploit Taylor’s defense, while Kaleb Flores’s 150.1 passing yards per game will be key in keeping the defense guessing. On the receiving end, Logan Salazar has been a reliable target with 42.8 yards per game.

For Taylor, all eyes will be on Andrias Fisher, who averages over 100 rushing yards per game, and Eli Laurence, whose 175.8 passing yards per game make him one of the top quarterbacks in the league. Damien Calico has also been a key receiver, averaging 91.1 yards per game.

The Matchup: A Battle of Strengths

This game promises to be a clash of styles: Somerset’s balanced offense and strong defense versus Taylor’s explosive passing game and high-scoring offense. Both teams have proven their ability to score big, but the game will likely come down to which defense can make the big stops when it matters most.

Somerset’s strong home record gives them an edge, but Taylor’s powerful district play shows they won’t be an easy opponent. With the stakes high, this is a game fans won’t want to miss.

Kickoff: The game is expected to be intense, with both teams needing a win to either maintain or improve their playoff positioning. Whether it’s Somerset’s precision or Taylor’s power that prevails, one thing’s for sure—this high school football game will be one to remember!