The Sunnyvale (TX) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against Van (TX) on Friday, November 29, at 2:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships in the 4A Division 2 tournament.

Sunnyvale vs Van Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Sunnyvale vs Van
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 4A D2
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Sunnyvale vs Van

As the Texas high school football season enters its final stages, the upcoming neutral-site playoff game between Van (TX) and Sunnyvale (TX) on Friday, November 29, promises to be a thrilling matchup. Both teams come into the game with identical 9-3 records and a series of impressive performances throughout the season. However, a closer look at the two teams reveals distinct styles and strengths, setting the stage for a highly anticipated contest.

Regular Season Recap: Van vs. Sunnyvale

Van (24-25) finished the regular season with a solid 9-3 record. The team posted a 3-2 mark in district play, making a strong statement with a perfect 6-0 home record. However, Van struggled a bit on the road, finishing 2-3 in away games. Despite their challenges on the road, they proved resilient, scoring an average of 37.2 points per game while allowing 48.5 points, a statistic that will need to be addressed in the postseason.

Sunnyvale (24-25), also with a 9-3 record, had an even more dominant district performance, finishing 5-0 in league play and securing a perfect 6-0 record at home. Their overall performance on the road (2-2) and neutral sites (1-0) also bodes well for this matchup. The team posted an impressive average of 38.3 points per game, while allowing only 23.2 points, a defense-heavy stat that highlights their balanced and disciplined approach to the game.

Team Strengths and Key Players

Both teams feature standout players who have made significant contributions throughout the season.

Van’s Key Players:

• Austin Moffatt (97.5 rushing yards per game) leads the team’s offensive attack.
• Jaxon Moffatt (190.6 passing yards per game) has been a reliable quarterback for Van, contributing to the team’s passing game.
• Caden Rowe (92.1 receiving yards per game) has been a key target for Jaxon, showcasing a versatile offense capable of both rushing and passing.

On defense, Alyric Brown (tackles per game: 10.6) has been a standout, making crucial plays in the middle of the field. Van’s ability to control the ball and convert on offense has been one of their most potent weapons, averaging 318 total yards per game.

Sunnyvale’s Key Players:

• Cayson Maupin (221.4 passing yards per game) has been a dynamic leader in the passing game.
• Joshua Mcdill (65.0 receiving yards per game) is Maupin’s primary target, providing consistent yardage and big plays.
• On the ground, Cade Andrews (43.2 rushing yards per game) has been a consistent threat, helping balance the offense.

Defensively, Alyric Brown (10.6 tackles per game) has led the charge for Sunnyvale, offering a strong defensive presence. Their defense, allowing only 232 points this season, will be key to slowing down Van’s high-scoring offense.

Head-to-Head Matchup: September 2024

In their earlier meeting on September 20, 2024, Van emerged victorious in a hard-fought game, defeating Sunnyvale 28-14. Despite being a low-scoring affair in the second half, Van’s offense was able to pull away with a 14-point surge in the third quarter. The game saw a strong showing by Van in the running and passing game, with the defense holding strong in the final quarter to preserve the lead.

Statistical Comparison

Here’s a closer look at the team statistics heading into the postseason matchup:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Van averages 161.9 rushing yards per game, while Sunnyvale trails slightly with 142.9.
• Passing Yards Per Game: Sunnyvale holds an edge here, with 225.4 passing yards per game compared to Van’s 156.1.
• Total Yards Per Game: Sunnyvale leads in total yardage, averaging 368.3 yards per game, while Van totals 318.0 yards per game.
• Points Per Game: Both teams are relatively close in scoring, with Van averaging 36.8 points per game and Sunnyvale averaging 38.3.

Common Opponents

When looking at common opponents, the teams have had mixed results. Van lost to Gilmer and Pleasant Grove, while Sunnyvale secured a victory over Gilmer but also fell to Pleasant Grove. These results show that both teams have faced stiff competition, though Sunnyvale’s win over Gilmer stands out.

Playoff Outlook

With both teams boasting 9-3 records, Friday’s playoff game will be a pivotal moment in the season. Van will look to build on their previous win over Sunnyvale, but Sunnyvale’s perfect district record and strong defensive play make them formidable opponents.

In conclusion, this game will likely be a battle of offensive firepower versus defensive stability. With both teams averaging nearly 37 points per game and defenses that can stifle opponents, expect a competitive and hard-hitting contest. Fans of both teams will no doubt be looking forward to this exciting matchup as the road to the state championship continues.2