The South Oak Cliff varsity football team from Dallas, TX, will face the Port Neches-Groves team from Port Neches, TX, in a neutral playoff game on Friday, December 6 at 7 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships in the 5A Division 2 conference.
South Oak Cliff vs Port Neches-Groves Game Info:
What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: South Oak Cliff vs Port Neches-Groves
When: Friday, December 6, 2024
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 5A D2
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: South Oak Cliff vs Port Neches-Groves
As the 2024-2025 high school football season progresses, two formidable teams—Port Neches-Groves (12-1) and South Oak Cliff (11-2)—prepare for a much-anticipated showdown. Both teams are distinguished by their outstanding records, competitive district performances, and high-scoring offenses. Let’s break down the key statistics and comparisons that highlight this matchup.
Team Records and Rankings
Port Neches-Groves
- Overall Record: 12-1
- District Record: 6-1
- Home Record: 7-1
- Away Record: 5-0
- National Rank: 30
- State Division Rank: 5
Port Neches-Groves has shown dominance, especially at home, where they hold an impressive 7-1 record. Their only loss came within the district, but their overall winning percentage stands at a solid 92.3%. They’ve put up 517 points while allowing 284, demonstrating a strong offensive and defensive balance.
South Oak Cliff
- Overall Record: 11-2
- District Record: 7-0
- Home Record: 4-1
- Away Record: 6-1
- Neutral Record: 1-0
- National Rank: 10
- State Division Rank: 1
South Oak Cliff, ranked 10th nationally and first in the state division, has dominated their district with a perfect 7-0 record. They have scored 501 points while holding opponents to just 151, showcasing an impressive defense. They have proven tough to beat on the road and in neutral sites, going 6-1 and 1-0, respectively.
Scoring Averages Per Quarter
Both teams have potent offenses, but they differ in how they approach each game by quarter.
- Port Neches-Groves is most dangerous in the first and second quarters, averaging 12.3 and 14.1 points respectively, but their scoring drops in the second half (7.8 in Q3 and 6.5 in Q4).
- South Oak Cliff starts strong as well, averaging 15.8 points in Q1, but they slow down in Q2 (6.8), before picking up in Q3 (10.5), and finishing with fewer points in Q4 (3.8).
Final Scoring Averages:
- Port Neches-Groves: 39.8 points per game
- South Oak Cliff: 38.5 points per game
Team Stats Comparison
South Oak Cliff is a rushing powerhouse, averaging 195.6 rushing yards per game, while Port Neches-Groves focuses more on a balanced attack with a respectable 343.2 total yards per game. However, the passing game for Port Neches-Groves is key, with quarterback Carter Kopecky averaging 147.6 passing yards per game.
Key Comparisons:
- Rushing Yards: South Oak Cliff 195.6
- Passing Yards: Port Neches-Groves 147.6
- Total Yards: Port Neches-Groves 343.2
- Points Per Game: Port Neches-Groves 36.1
Individual Standouts
For Port Neches-Groves, Carter Kopecky leads the team, contributing both in passing (134.9 yards per game) and total yards (155.3 yards per game). Jayden Shelton shines on defense with 9.6 tackles per game, while Damond Williams is the top scorer with 7.6 points per game.
South Oak Cliff is led by Mikail Trotter, who racks up 71.1 rushing yards per game. Their offense is highly efficient in the rushing attack, and their defense has been instrumental in maintaining their low points against average.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced Huntsville this season, with Port Neches-Groves pulling off a narrow 24-21 victory, while South Oak Cliff dismantled Huntsville with a decisive 38-7 win. This shows South Oak Cliff’s capability to dominate on both sides of the ball.
Conclusion
This matchup between Port Neches-Groves and South Oak Cliff promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams displaying strengths on offense and defense. While Port Neches-Groves boasts a balanced offensive approach and home-field dominance, South Oak Cliff’s rushing attack and stifling defense make them formidable opponents. With their perfect district records on the line, this game will likely come down to which team can execute better and limit mistakes.
Both teams are battle-tested and ready for what promises to be one of the most exciting high school football games of the season. Will Port Neches-Groves’ offensive versatility prevail, or will South Oak Cliff’s powerhouse rushing game and defensive prowess carry the day? We’ll soon find out!
