The Stephenville (TX) varsity football team will face West Plains (Amarillo, TX) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, December 6 at 7:00 PM at Astound Broadband Stadium in Midland, TX. This matchup is part of the “2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 4A D1” tournament.
Stephenville vs West Plains Game Info:
What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Stephenville vs West Plains
When: Friday, December 6, 2024
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 4A D1
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: Stephenville vs West Plains
As West Plains (10-3) and Stephenville (12-1) prepare to face off, the numbers paint a picture of two high-performing teams in Texas high school football. Both are coming off successful seasons, with impressive district records and notable victories against common opponents. Here’s a breakdown of the match-up:
Rankings and Records
- West Plains comes into this contest with an overall record of 10-3, including a flawless 5-0 in district play. They have been strong both at home (3-1) and on neutral ground (4-0), showcasing versatility across venues. Their offensive performance has been solid, with 515 points for and 308 against.
- Stephenville, on the other hand, has a remarkable 12-1 record and a perfect 4-0 in district competition. Undefeated at home (7-0), they boast a high-scoring offense, having accumulated 598 points while holding opponents to just 194. Their road performances have also been impressive with a 5-1 record.
Team Scoring Averages
- West Plains averages 39.6 points per game, with their strongest performances in the first two quarters, scoring 10.3 in the first and 13.1 in the second. They tend to slow down in the later quarters.
- Stephenville is a little more dominant, averaging 46 points per game. Like West Plains, their first half is where they excel, putting up 14.3 points in the first and 16.2 in the second quarter.
Statistical Comparison
Offensively, both teams show balance between their rushing and passing games, but Stephenville holds a slight edge in passing yards per game.
- West Plains: 438.0 total yards per game (198.2 rushing, 239.8 passing).
- Stephenville: 431.3 total yards per game (189.8 rushing, 241.5 passing).
Defensively, both teams are nearly identical in tackles per game, but Stephenville boasts a stronger pass rush with 3.5 sacks per game compared to West Plains’ 1.1.
Key Players
Both teams feature standout players:
- West Plains:
- Slade Russell leads the team with 113.1 rushing yards per game.
- Reid Macon shines as the quarterback, averaging 230.8 passing yards per game and 268.2 total yards per game.
- Kane White-Tinsley has been their top receiver with 67.4 receiving yards per game.
- Stephenville:
- Sawyer Wilkerson is the team’s top rusher, slightly edging out Russell with 116.6 yards per game.
- Ryan Gafford quarterbacks the team with 220.8 passing yards per game.
- Tristian Gentry is a standout receiver, averaging 134.4 receiving yards per game, making him a key target for Gafford.
Common Opponents
Both teams are undefeated (4-0) against shared opponents like Randall, Hereford, Brownwood, and Lampasas. The margin of victory, however, slightly favors Stephenville, particularly in their dominant 47-7 win over Randall compared to West Plains’ 43-21 win.
Final Thoughts
This match-up promises to be a high-scoring affair, with two evenly matched offenses and solid defenses. The slight statistical edge in passing and sacks might give Stephenville the advantage, but West Plains has shown resilience, particularly in neutral venues where they remain undefeated.
With both teams coming in hot from playoff success, this game could come down to which team can execute in the clutch and make the most of their opportunities. Fans should expect a thrilling contest between two of Texas’ top football programs.