The Stephenville (TX) varsity football team will host a playoff game against Hereford (TX) on Thursday, November 21, at 6:00 PM at Shotwell Stadium in Abilene. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships for the Football Conference 4A Division 1 tournament.

Stephenville vs Hereford Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Stephenville vs Hereford
When: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 4A D1
Watch here:Watch here

Game preview: Stephenville vs Hereford

This week’s game between Hereford and Stephenville promises to be a thrilling contest, pitting two Texas high school football teams with impressive records and contrasting strengths against each other. As playoff aspirations intensify, both teams look to leverage their distinct offensive and defensive strategies in a highly anticipated showdown.

Team Overview

Hereford (8-3, 3-2 District)

• State Division Rank: 31
• Section Rank: 365
• Overall Rank: 97

Hereford has had a solid season with an 8-3 record overall and a 3-2 performance in district play. The Whitefaces have shown resilience, especially at home, where they are undefeated at 6-0. Their offensive production has been steady, averaging 32.1 points per game, with a balanced attack that has leaned slightly more toward the air. However, they’ve struggled more on the road, recording a 2-3 away record.

Stephenville (10-1, 4-0 District)

• State Division Rank: 3
• Section Rank: 46
• Overall Rank: 17

Stephenville comes in as the favorite with a stellar 10-1 overall record, having gone undefeated in district play (4-0) and maintaining an unblemished home record of 5-0. The Yellow Jackets have been an offensive juggernaut, scoring an average of 46.9 points per game while conceding only 180 points across the season. Their dominance is evident in their total yardage, which stands at 426.1 yards per game.

Scoring Trends and Quarter Breakdown

Hereford’s scoring averages show a strong second quarter, where they put up 10.3 points on average, but they often start and finish slowly. Their fourth-quarter performance has left room for opponents to mount comebacks. Stephenville, by contrast, jumps out quickly, averaging 14.3 points in the first quarter and peaking in the second with 16.2 points. While their fourth-quarter scoring drops to 5.9, the Yellow Jackets’ early explosiveness often puts games out of reach.

Statistical Comparison

• Rushing Attack: Hereford averages 138.8 rushing yards per game, led by #21 Brylyn Lopez, who has been a consistent force with 129.4 yards per game. However, Stephenville’s more potent ground game, featuring Sawyer Wilkerson’s 113.7 rushing yards per game, posts 190.1 yards overall.
• Passing Game: Both teams have formidable quarterbacks. Hereford’s Kalub Ramirez throws for 198.0 yards per game, while Stephenville’s Ryan Gafford surpasses that with 211.5 yards. The receiving corps advantage goes to Stephenville, with Tristian Gentry leading at 116.1 yards per game.
• Defensive Edge: Stephenville holds a clear defensive advantage, averaging 80.3 tackles per game compared to Hereford’s 52.2. The Yellow Jackets also excel at putting pressure on the quarterback, averaging 3.6 sacks per game, while Hereford only manages 0.8.

Key Players to Watch

Hereford

• Brylyn Lopez (#21, RB): With 129.4 rushing yards per game, Lopez will be pivotal in establishing the run and controlling the clock.
• Kalub Ramirez (#1, QB): He averages 198.0 passing yards per game and will need to be accurate to outmaneuver Stephenville’s defense.
• Eli Arredondo (#40, LB): A defensive anchor with 11.1 tackles per game, Arredondo will have to step up to contain Stephenville’s high-powered offense.

Stephenville

• Ryan Gafford (#2, QB): The Yellow Jackets’ signal-caller leads the offense, throwing for 211.5 yards per game and spreading the ball effectively.
• Sawyer Wilkerson (#0, RB): A versatile back, Wilkerson’s ability to find gaps and break tackles makes him a constant threat, averaging 10.9 points per game.
• Hudson Butchee (#45, LB): With 11.6 tackles per game, Butchee will be instrumental in shutting down Hereford’s ground game.

The Outlook

Stephenville’s offensive firepower and defensive strength make them a formidable opponent. Their consistency across all facets of the game, particularly their ability to pressure quarterbacks and stop the run, gives them a clear edge. However, if Hereford can control the tempo, establish their run game, and limit early mistakes, they could keep it close and potentially pull off an upset.

This matchup promises excitement, with both teams seeking to make a statement as the playoffs loom. Can Hereford’s balanced attack challenge Stephenville’s dominance, or will the Yellow Jackets continue their rampage? All eyes will be on this thrilling Texas showdown.