The Lubbock Titans (Lubbock, TX) varsity football team will face Harvest Christian Academy (Bartonville, TX) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 1:30 PM. This matchup is part of the “TAIAO 2024 Football Championships – Division II” tournament.

Lubbock Titans vs Harvest Christian Academy Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Lubbock Titans vs Harvest Christian Academy
When: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Bracket: TAIAO 2024 Football Championships – Division II
Time: 1:30 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Lubbock Titans vs Harvest Christian Academy

The 2024-25 football season has showcased impressive performances, with Harvest Christian Academy (HCA) and Lubbock Titans emerging as formidable contenders. Both teams have exhibited grit, skill, and resilience, setting the stage for a highly anticipated matchup. Here’s a breakdown of their season statistics, strengths, and what to expect as these two programs collide.

Team Overview and Rankings

• Harvest Christian Academy (HCA) holds a national ranking of 308, placing them 87th in Texas and top-ranked in their division. They boast an impressive 8-4 overall record with a dominant 5-0 home performance and a .667 winning percentage.
• Lubbock Titans are ranked 446th nationally, 113th in Texas, and 59th in their section. Despite a slightly lower ranking, they’ve posted a solid 6-4 overall record and remain unbeaten at home (3-0). Their .600 win percentage is bolstered by a perfect 1.000 district record.

Offensive Firepower

Both teams have potent offenses, but HCA has a statistical edge.

• Points Per Game (PPG):
  • HCA: 44.8
  • Lubbock Titans: 40.5

HCA’s ability to score consistently across all four quarters is noteworthy, averaging 14.0 points in Q1 and peaking at 16.0 in Q2. In contrast, the Titans rely heavily on their first-quarter offense, averaging 14.4 points but tapering off to 6.8 in Q4.

• Total Yards Per Game:
  • HCA: 339.9
  • Lubbock Titans: 319.7

HCA’s balanced attack is highlighted by their 184.3 passing yards and 155.6 rushing yards per game, while the Titans excel on the ground with 204.0 rushing yards per game but lag in passing (115.7).

Key Players to Watch

• HCA:
  • Brody Ticknor (#2): A dynamic dual-threat quarterback, averaging 180.0 passing yards and 210.8 total yards per game.
  • Landon Reeves (#38): The heartbeat of HCA’s offense and defense, contributing 71.4 rushing yards, 66.6 receiving yards, and 8.1 tackles per game. His 16.5 points per game reflect his scoring prowess.
• Lubbock Titans:
  • Korbin Schmidt (#5): Titans’ offensive centerpiece, leading with 143.4 rushing yards and 239.3 total yards per game. His dual-threat capability could pose problems for HCA’s defense.
  • Caleb Smith (#23): Defensive stalwart, averaging 11.7 tackles per game, ensuring the Titans stay competitive in close contests.

Defense and Key Matchups

Defensively, HCA holds an edge in sacks (1.0 per game) and tackles per game (46.0) compared to the Titans’ 0.2 sacks and 43.5 tackles. The Titans’ ability to disrupt HCA’s potent offense will hinge on Caleb Smith’s leadership and Jonathan Osborn’s defensive tenacity.

Prediction and Analysis

HCA enters this matchup as the slight favorite, thanks to a more balanced offensive attack and superior passing game. However, the Titans’ ground game, led by Korbin Schmidt, is a wildcard that could swing the game in their favor if they control the clock and tempo. Expect a high-scoring affair with momentum shifts hinging on key turnovers and red-zone efficiency.

Prediction:
HCA 45, Lubbock Titans 38