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

Columbus vs Franklin Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Columbus vs Franklin
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: Columbus vs Franklin

As the 2024-2025 football season winds down, two standout Texas teams, Franklin and Columbus, have shown their prowess with impressive records, strong performances against common opponents, and unique team statistics. With Franklin sporting a 10-2 record and Columbus at 12-1, both teams have proven themselves formidable competitors. Let’s dive into a comparison of these two teams across several key categories.

Overall Performance

Franklin enters the postseason with a solid 10-2 record, finishing an undefeated district campaign with a perfect 5-0 district record. Their overall performance includes 5 wins at home, 5 on the road, and 0 wins at neutral sites. The team has averaged 49.7 points per game, yielding 31.7 points, resulting in an overall winning percentage of .833. Franklin’s balanced attack, with standout performances on both offense and defense, has been key to their success this season.

In contrast, Columbus boasts a 12-1 record, highlighted by an impressive 6-1 mark in away games and a 5-0 record at home. They’ve averaged 52.2 points per game while allowing just 26.2 points per game. Columbus finished 2-1 in district play, but their non-league performances, particularly on the road, have been even more impressive. Their winning percentage of .923 stands as a testament to their ability to dominate both in-state and out-of-state competition.

Key Team Statistics

Scoring Averages

Franklin’s offensive output has been consistently strong throughout the season, averaging 18.3 points in the first quarter, 11.8 in the second, and 15.3 in the third. Their fourth-quarter performances stand out with an average of 12.7 points. Overall, they’ve maintained an average of 49.7 points per game.

Columbus, on the other hand, has shown a tendency to start strong, scoring 16.9 points in the first quarter and 18.9 in the second. Their scoring dips a little in the third and fourth quarters, averaging 8.7 and 9.4 points, respectively. However, their consistent offensive output in the first half has been enough to secure a final average of 52.2 points per game.

Team Leaders

Franklin’s standout player has been Jayden Jackson, who has been instrumental in the team’s success. Jackson has racked up an impressive 194.3 rushing yards per game, contributing to Franklin’s high total yards per game and points per game. His presence in the backfield is a key factor in their explosive offensive attack.

On the other hand, while Columbus doesn’t have a specific standout statistic like Franklin’s rushing yards, they’ve found success through a more balanced offensive scheme, with consistent scoring and a strong defense to back it up.

Common Opponents

Both Franklin and Columbus have faced several common opponents this season. Here’s how they fared:

• C.H. Yoe: Franklin defeated C.H. Yoe 76-35, while Columbus won 48-14 in their matchup.
• Hallettsville: Franklin dominated Hallettsville 48-6, with Columbus securing a 42-12 victory in their matchup.
• Hitchcock: Franklin beat Hitchcock 35-21, while Columbus suffered a close 37-36 loss to Hitchcock.

Both teams showed their strength, with Franklin finishing undefeated against these opponents and Columbus dropping just one game. The common opponents’ record shows that both teams can handle tough competition, but Franklin’s perfect record against these teams gives them a slight edge.

Record Breakdown

Both teams have impressive records in various categories:

• Overall Record: Franklin (10-2), Columbus (12-1)
• District Record: Franklin (5-0), Columbus (2-1)
• Home Record: Both teams are undefeated at home (Franklin 5-0, Columbus 5-0)
• Away Record: Franklin is 5-1 on the road, while Columbus has a solid 6-1 away record.
• Neutral Site Record: Franklin is 1-0, while Columbus is 0-1.
• Playoff Record: Franklin boasts a perfect 3-0 playoff record, while Columbus stands at 3-0 as well.

Both teams have excelled in district play and in the postseason, positioning them well for a deep playoff run.

Conclusion

As the season progresses, both Franklin and Columbus have emerged as top contenders. Franklin has dominated with a balanced offense led by Jayden Jackson, while Columbus has thrived with consistent scoring and strong defensive performances. Their head-to-head matchups against common opponents show that they both possess the necessary skills to handle tough competition. As the playoffs loom, these two teams will be primed for an exciting finish, each looking to add to their impressive records and prove themselves as the best in Texas.