The Paradise (TX) varsity football team will host Shallowater (TX) in a home playoff game on Friday, December 6, at 7:00 PM at Abilene Shotwell Stadium. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 3A D1 tournament.

Paradise vs Shallowater Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Paradise vs Shallowater
When: Friday, December 6, 2024
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 3A D1
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Paradise vs Shallowater

As the Texas high school football season progresses, two teams stand out for their impressive records and dominant performances: Shallowater and Paradise. Both schools have shown exceptional prowess on the field, earning notable rankings and establishing themselves as serious contenders. With similar records and impressive offensive stats, these teams are set to make waves in the postseason. Let’s dive into their performances, comparing stats and key players to anticipate what could be a thrilling matchup.

Record Breakdown

Shallowater enters the postseason with a solid 11-2 overall record. The team has been unbeatable in district play, finishing 3-0. At home, they boasted a 5-1 record, mirroring their away success (5-1). A major highlight of Shallowater’s season has been their exceptional offense, averaging 37.2 points per game, driven by stellar individual performances and strong team play.

On the other hand, Paradise comes in with a 10-3 record, and like Shallowater, the team was undefeated in district play (6-0). Paradise has been impressive in both home (4-1) and away (5-1) games, although they have a slightly more balanced win-loss record compared to Shallowater’s dominant performance. Paradise averages 31 points per game, demonstrating their capability to put up big numbers as well.

Offensive Strengths

Looking at the team scoring averages, Shallowater outpaces Paradise by averaging 37.2 points per game, compared to Paradise’s 32.0. Shallowater is particularly strong in the second quarter, where they score an average of 11.8 points. Paradise also performs solidly across all quarters, with a balanced spread of scoring, particularly in the first quarter where they average 7.2 points.

Team Stat Comparison

Both teams have proven their offensive power. Here’s a breakdown of key stats:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Shallowater (170.9) vs. Paradise (225.9). Paradise edges Shallowater here, indicating a stronger rushing attack led by standout running back Luke Brown.
• Passing Yards Per Game: Shallowater (141.8) vs. Paradise (155.9). Paradise holds a slight advantage in the passing game, led by quarterback Ayden Olalde, although Shallowater’s passing game remains potent.
• Total Yards Per Game: Shallowater (312.7) vs. Paradise (381.8). Paradise shows superior overall yardage, suggesting their ability to move the ball both on the ground and through the air.

Team Leaders

Both teams are led by key players who have demonstrated exceptional individual performances throughout the season:

• Shallowater features Rylan Brown, who leads the team with an impressive 56.1 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Cooper Martin has been a key playmaker with 135 passing yards per game and 192.9 total yards per game. Brody Rowin is another vital contributor, accumulating 56.5 receiving yards per game.
• Paradise boasts Luke Brown, leading the team with 62.6 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Ayden Olalde has been highly effective with 122 passing yards per game and 178.5 total yards per game. Logan Lampley stands out as a receiving threat, contributing 45.8 yards per game.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced similar opponents during the regular season, with Shallowater going 4-0 against them and Paradise posting a 3-1 record. Key matchups saw Shallowater defeating teams like Clyde (54-21), Bushland (21-20), and Vernon (22-7), while Paradise took down Clyde (47-0), Peaster (35-14), and Vernon (34-7), but fell to Bushland in a 28-10 loss.

This demonstrates that both teams are battle-tested, with strong wins under their belts against tough opponents.

Playoff Readiness

As both teams head into the postseason, Shallowater has the edge in playoff performance with a 3-0 record, while Paradise is 2-1 in postseason play this year. This could be a crucial factor as the pressure mounts in the playoff environment.

Conclusion

Both Shallowater and Paradise have shown incredible resilience and skill throughout the season. Shallowater’s balanced attack, solid defense, and overall offensive efficiency make them a formidable opponent. Paradise, however, has a slightly more potent offensive threat, particularly in their rushing game, and is capable of explosive plays.

As the two teams continue their playoff journey, fans can expect a hard-fought contest between these high-scoring powerhouses. With both teams featuring dynamic playmakers and high offensive averages, this game could very well be one for the ages.