On Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 7:30 PM, the Sweeny Bulldogs (5-5, TX) varsity football team will face off against the West Orange-Stark Mustangs (8-2, Orange, TX) in a neutral playoff game at Randall Reed Stadium. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – Conference 4A Division 2 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Sweeny vs West Orange-Stark
When: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 4A D2
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Game preview: Sweeny vs West Orange-Stark

As the 2024 football season heats up, the matchup between West Orange-Stark and Sweeny promises to be an exciting clash, with both teams entering the contest with intriguing statistics and contrasting styles of play.

Team Overview

West Orange-Stark comes into the game with a solid record of 8-2, boasting a .800 win percentage in both overall play and district competition. With a dominant offense that has scored an average of 36.2 points per game, they are a force to be reckoned with. Their offense is heavily led by Cayden Jones, who stands out with impressive rushing stats, averaging 209.3 yards per game and 15 touchdowns. The team’s defense has allowed just 188 points across 10 games, an average of just 18.8 points per game.

On the other side, Sweeny holds a .500 win percentage at 5-5 overall, with a stronger district record of 4-2. While their offense has been potent, averaging 39.9 points per game, they also give up more points (298 in total), reflecting some vulnerabilities on defense. Their star quarterback, Lane Cole, has been impressive, racking up 51.7 passing yards per game. Aidan Garcia has also contributed with 37 receiving yards per game, making them a well-balanced team, but they’ve struggled in certain aspects, especially on the road.

Team Scoring and Offensive Breakdown

West Orange-Stark’s Offensive Production
West Orange-Stark’s scoring is spread out fairly evenly throughout the game, starting strong in the first two quarters (11.2 points in the first, 12.2 in the second), but they tend to slow down slightly in the second half, averaging only 8.0 points in the third quarter and 6.8 in the fourth. Despite this, they have the potential to put up huge numbers, thanks to their efficient running game.

Sweeny’s Explosive Start
Sweeny, in contrast, has a more explosive first half, averaging 20.2 points in the first quarter alone. However, they tend to lose steam in the second half, with the offense averaging just 8.0 in the second, 3.9 in the third, and 4.3 in the fourth. Their high-scoring first half has often kept them in the game, but they will need to maintain that momentum for four quarters if they hope to knock off West Orange-Stark.

Key Players to Watch

Cayden Jones (West Orange-Stark)
Jones is the driving force behind the offense, leading the team with 209.3 rushing yards per game. His ability to control the clock and wear down defenses will be crucial in this game. His strong performance on both sides of the ball is a key reason for the team’s success this season.

Lane Cole (Sweeny)
Cole has been the catalyst for Sweeny’s offensive success, averaging 51.7 passing yards per game. His ability to connect with Aidan Garcia, who leads the receiving corps with 37 yards per game, will be critical in stretching the field and keeping the West Orange-Stark defense honest.

Game Prediction

Given the overall balance and depth of West Orange-Stark, they enter this game as the favorite. With a potent offense led by Cayden Jones and a solid defense, they have the tools to contain Sweeny’s explosive offense. However, Sweeny’s quick start and aerial attack could pose problems, especially if they can capitalize on early opportunities. This game will likely come down to whether Sweeny can maintain their offensive pace and whether West Orange-Stark can keep control of the game with their ground game and defense.

Both teams have shown they can win in different ways this season, making this a potentially thrilling matchup with playoff implications.