The Steele (Cibolo, TX) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against Vandegrift (Austin, TX) on Friday, November 29, at 3 p.m. at the Alamodome in San Antonio. This matchup is part of the “2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 6A D2” tournament.

Steele vs Vandegrift Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Steele vs Vandegrift
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 6A D2
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Game preview: Steele vs Vandegrift

As the high school football season draws closer to the playoffs, two powerhouse teams from Texas—Vandegrift and Steele—stand out in the 2024-2025 campaign. Both teams have shown exceptional performance on the field, with identical 11-1 records. However, their paths to success have been marked by different strengths and standout players. Let’s break down the comparison between these two teams to see what makes them such formidable contenders.

Team Overview

Vandegrift (11-1, 8-0 District) has dominated their district with a perfect league record. The team has been explosive offensively, scoring an average of 42.5 points per game, and defensively, they’ve allowed just 137 points all season. Their balanced offensive attack, led by QB Miles Teodecki, has made them a force to reckon with. Despite their offensive prowess, they’ve shown some vulnerability in terms of their passing yards and tackles per game, but their efficiency in all areas has allowed them to thrive.

On the other hand, Steele (11-1, 6-0 District) has been equally impressive. With a strong all-around game, they average 55.8 points per game, the highest among the two teams, and they dominate on both sides of the ball, amassing 469.3 total yards per game. Steele’s defense has been a key contributor, averaging 79 tackles per game, a higher mark than Vandegrift’s. Quarterback Chad Warner and wide receiver Royal Capell have been the driving forces of Steele’s offense, leading their team to an unbeaten district record and a high point differential.

Key Statistics and Matchups

In terms of scoring averages, both teams have been consistent across all four quarters, with Vandegrift posting solid numbers in the first two quarters, while Steele maintains a more even distribution throughout the game. Steele’s higher scoring average per game can be attributed to their fast start and ability to sustain drives.

Offensive Breakdown:

• Rushing yards per game: Steele leads with 201.0, while Vandegrift averages 164.5. Both teams can establish the run, but Steele’s power game may give them an advantage in controlling the clock.
• Passing yards per game: Steele has a notable edge here, with 268.3 yards compared to Vandegrift’s 191.4. Steele’s passing attack, led by Warner, is potent and could stretch Vandegrift’s defense.
• Total yards per game: Steele leads with a substantial 469.3 yards, while Vandegrift records 355.9 yards. This difference highlights Steele’s superior overall offensive performance.

Defensive Breakdown:

• Steele also excels in tackles per game, averaging 79.0, compared to Vandegrift’s 61.4. Steele’s defense is more aggressive, able to stifle opposing offenses and create turnovers.
• Sacks per game: Steele edges Vandegrift here too, with 1.8 sacks compared to 2.3 for Vandegrift, though both defenses are capable of applying pressure.

Team Leaders

Key players have propelled both teams to their dominant records. For Vandegrift, quarterback Miles Teodecki leads the charge, averaging 191.4 total yards per game. He’s complemented by running back Griffin Gorrebeeck, who has rushed for 123.0 yards per game. On defense, Adam Scott leads the team with 5.4 tackles per game.

Steele’s star player is Chad Warner, whose 250.8 passing yards per game are a testament to his ability to lead the offense through the air. Alongside him, Royal Capell has been a consistent weapon in the receiving game, posting 102.8 yards per game. Steele’s defensive standout is Demarcus Smith, averaging 9.7 tackles per game, helping anchor their defense.

Record Breakdown

Both teams have been virtually unstoppable in district play, with perfect records—Vandegrift at 8-0 and Steele at 6-0. When it comes to non-district games, both teams have suffered one loss each, but they have rebounded well. Steele’s success on the road (5-0 away record) has been a highlight of their season, while Vandegrift’s performance in neutral-site games (2-0) shows their ability to perform in high-stakes environments.

Playoff Prospects

As both teams head into the postseason with impressive records, the question becomes: Which team will continue their journey to the state finals? Steele’s balanced offensive attack and stout defense give them an edge in most categories. However, Vandegrift’s ability to control the tempo of the game with a fast start and suffocating defense could give them the upper hand, particularly if they can disrupt Steele’s passing game.

With both teams standing at 11-1, the stakes are high. A matchup between these two could very well decide who takes home the state championship. Football fans are in for an exciting postseason as these two Texas titans clash for supremacy.

Conclusion

Vandegrift and Steele have both earned their place among the elite in Texas high school football. With their near-identical records, stellar individual performances, and well-rounded teams, any fan would be lucky to witness this showdown. As they prepare for the playoff battle, one thing is for sure—only one team will remain standing in the quest for the state title.