The Grace Classical Christian Academy (Granbury, TX) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against the West Texas Tornadoes (Slaton, TX) today at 11 a.m. This game is part of the “TAIAO 2024 Football Championships – Division III” tournament.

West Texas Tornadoes vs Grace Classical Christian Academy Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: West Texas Tornadoes vs Grace Classical Christian Academy
When: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Bracket: TAIAO 2024 Football Championships – Division III
Time: 11:00 a.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: West Texas Tornadoes vs Grace Classical Christian Academy

The 2024-2025 football season has seen the West Texas Tornadoes and the Grace Classical Christian Academy (GCCA) navigate different paths, with varying levels of success and unique statistics shaping their respective campaigns. Here’s a breakdown of their performance, statistics, and key comparisons.

West Texas Tornadoes (24-25 Season)

The West Texas Tornadoes finished the season with an overall record of 6-4. They performed impressively in district play, remaining undefeated with a perfect 1-0 record. Their overall performance, bolstered by a solid 4-4 record away from home, has been marked by a strong offensive output, averaging 47.5 points per game—far above their opponents’ typical output.

• Offensive Strength: The Tornadoes’ offense has been one of the most potent in their division. Led by quarterback Hunter Strickland and running back Isaac Kelly, West Texas averaged 324.9 total yards per game, with an even split between rushing (152.9 YPG) and passing (172.0 YPG). Kelly has particularly stood out, averaging 78.8 rushing yards per game and 45.8 receiving yards per game. Strickland, with 89.6 passing yards per game, has also contributed significantly to the Tornadoes’ scoring efforts.
• Defensive Presence: On defense, the Tornadoes averaged 37.6 tackles per game, led by Warren Strickland with 8.5 tackles per game. Though their sack numbers were modest at 0.7 per game, their defensive resilience has been a key factor in their success.
• Key Performers:
  • Isaac Kelly: 78.8 rushing yards per game, 45.8 receiving yards per game
  • Hunter Strickland: 89.6 passing yards per game, 133.5 total yards per game

GCCA (24-25 Season)

Grace Classical Christian Academy’s season was more challenging, with a 5-7 overall record. GCCA struggled particularly in their district games, posting a 1-2 record, and also faced challenges on the road, where they went 1-4. Despite these setbacks, they did manage to secure a strong 3-0 record in neutral-site games.

• Offensive Breakdown: GCCA’s offense, averaging 240 total yards per game, struggled with passing but was effective in rushing, totaling 168.3 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Jones Bryce has been a key player for GCCA, amassing 175.5 total yards per game. However, their passing game has been limited, averaging just 71.7 yards per game.
• Defensive Struggles: Defensively, GCCA averaged 32.8 tackles per game, with Jones Bryce leading with 10.0 tackles per game. The team has had difficulty pressuring opposing quarterbacks, averaging 0.0 sacks per game, a stat that reflects some of their defensive inefficiencies.
• Key Performers:
  • Keith Wyatt: 97.0 rushing yards per game
  • Jones Bryce: 175.5 total yards per game, 10.0 tackles per game

Team Comparison

When comparing the West Texas Tornadoes and GCCA, several key statistics highlight their differences.

• Scoring: The Tornadoes outscore GCCA significantly, with 47.5 points per game compared to 18.9. This is a testament to their offensive firepower and their ability to capitalize on their playmaking abilities.
• Rushing and Passing: West Texas has a more balanced offensive approach, excelling in both rushing and passing, while GCCA leans heavily on their running game, averaging 168.3 rushing yards per game compared to just 71.7 passing yards.
• Defensive Comparison: While the Tornadoes have a higher number of tackles per game (37.6 vs. 32.8), they also excel in forcing turnovers and creating pressures, whereas GCCA has struggled in this department, posting no sacks this season.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced off against Texas Wind, with both coming up short in their respective matchups. The West Texas Tornadoes were defeated 80-52 on the road on September 14, 2024, while GCCA lost 54-26 to the same opponent on August 30, 2024.

Playoff and Home/Away Performances

• Playoff Strength: The West Texas Tornadoes have proven their resilience in neutral-site games, posting a 3-0 record. This is a critical strength as they move into postseason play. GCCA, however, has struggled with their away games, finishing 1-4 in such matchups.
• Home/Away Stats: The Tornadoes have shown their dominance on neutral grounds (3-0), while GCCA also has a perfect neutral site record (3-0).

Conclusion

The West Texas Tornadoes have demonstrated solid all-around play, combining a potent offense with a resilient defense to secure a successful season. In contrast, GCCA has faced challenges in both offensive and defensive execution, resulting in a losing season despite some standout individual performances. Moving forward, both teams will need to focus on their weaknesses, especially on defense for GCCA, while the Tornadoes may seek to fine-tune their overall strategy to improve consistency.