The Sunnyvale (TX) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Gilmer (TX) on Thursday, November 21, at 7:00 PM at Sulphur Springs. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, in the 2024 Football Conference 4A Division 2 tournament.

Sunnyvale vs Gilmer Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Sunnyvale vs Gilmer
When: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 4A D2
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Game preview: Sunnyvale vs Gilmer

The Gilmer Buckeyes and Sunnyvale Raiders are both 8-3 teams heading into a highly anticipated matchup, each carrying a mix of impressive victories and tough losses throughout the season. With a strong competitive edge and distinctive styles of play, this game is set to showcase two powerhouse teams from Texas high school football. Here’s a breakdown of the teams’ performances, key players, and comparison of statistics heading into the contest.

Team Records & Rankings

Both teams boast identical overall records of 8-3, but their paths to this point have been marked by differences in district play and performance against common opponents.

• Gilmer (24-25): The Buckeyes, ranked 79th in the state, finished 4-1 in district play with an overall record of 8-3. Their offensive firepower has been a driving factor, with 586 points scored across the season.
• Sunnyvale (24-25): Ranked 188th overall, the Raiders had a perfect 5-0 district record, with an 8-3 overall finish. With a balanced offensive approach, they accumulated 433 points this season.

Scoring Averages

• Gilmer: Known for its explosive offensive attack, the Buckeyes average 53.3 points per game, with impressive scoring distribution across all quarters—15.5 points in the first, 19 in the second, and maintaining momentum with 15.7 points in the third and fourth quarters.
• Sunnyvale: The Raiders have a more balanced but lower-scoring offense, averaging 39.4 points per game. Their offense peaks in the third quarter, with 12.6 points, but drops off in the fourth with just 5.5 points.

Team Stat Comparison

In terms of overall yardage, the two teams show remarkable similarities, but there are subtle differences in their strengths.

• Rushing Yards: Gilmer leads in rushing yards per game (181.3) compared to Sunnyvale’s 148.5.
• Passing Yards: Sunnyvale excels in the air with 232.2 passing yards per game, while Gilmer averages 213.8.
• Total Yards: Gilmer averages 395.1 total yards per game, just slightly ahead of Sunnyvale’s 380.6 yards.
• Tackles: Sunnyvale boasts a stronger defense with 100.7 tackles per game, while Gilmer averages 93.5.

Team Leaders

Both teams have standout players who have been pivotal to their success this season:

• Gilmer:
  • Trillyon Butler: With 80.0 rushing yards per game, Butler has been a workhorse for the Buckeyes.
  • Brady McCown: The quarterback has been efficient, averaging 186.6 passing yards per game and 193.9 total yards per game.
  • Tyler Hagler: A leader in defense with 8.7 tackles per game.
• Sunnyvale:
  • Aydin Brown: Leading in rushing yards for the Raiders, Brown averages 45.2 yards per game.
  • Cayson Maupin: The standout quarterback, Maupin averages 227.8 passing yards per game.
  • Alyric Brown: Defensively, Brown leads with 10.6 tackles per game, playing a crucial role in stopping the opposition.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced similar competition in the regular season, and their records against these opponents reveal some key insights:

• Gilmer: The Buckeyes posted a 1-1 record against common opponents. They defeated Van 36-14 and fell to Pleasant Grove 27-10.
• Sunnyvale: The Raiders struggled against common opponents, with an 0-2 record. They lost to Van 28-14 and Pleasant Grove 42-14.

Head-to-Head Record & Playoff Performance

• Gilmer has an edge in playoff performance, boasting a 1-0 record in postseason play this season. In comparison, Sunnyvale has yet to play a playoff game.
• Home vs. Away: Both teams perform well on their home turf. Gilmer has a 4-1 home record and 4-2 away, while Sunnyvale has an impressive 6-1 home record but has struggled slightly on the road with a 2-2 record.

Looking Ahead

As the Gilmer Buckeyes and Sunnyvale Raiders prepare to face off, both teams bring unique strengths to the table. Gilmer’s dynamic offense and strong rushing game contrast with Sunnyvale’s efficient passing attack and tougher defense. The outcome of this game will likely hinge on which team can impose their style of play, with Gilmer hoping to dominate with their running game and scoring power, while Sunnyvale will look to capitalize on their passing game and defensive edge.

This is a matchup that promises to deliver high-intensity football, with both teams having their eyes set on continuing their successful seasons. The Buckeyes may have the edge in experience against tougher opponents, but the Raiders’ perfect district record and balanced team could surprise.

Prediction: It’s expected to be a close contest, but Gilmer’s offensive depth and balanced defensive approach give them a slight edge in this showdown. The game will come down to key plays in the final minutes, making for an exciting and unpredictable finish.