The Liberty Christian varsity football team (Argyle, TX) will host St. Thomas Catholic (Houston, TX) in a home playoff game today at 5 p.m. This matchup is part of the TAPPS 2024 High School Football Playoff in the TAPPS Division I tournament.

St. Thomas Catholic vs Liberty Christian Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: St. Thomas Catholic vs Liberty Christian
When: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Bracket: TAPPS 2024 High School Football Playoff – TAPPS Division I
Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: St. Thomas Catholic vs Liberty Christian

As the high school football season heats up, two standout teams from Texas are drawing attention for their impressive performances: St. Thomas Catholic and Liberty Christian. With contrasting records and playing styles, these two teams have built strong reputations in their respective leagues and are heading into key matchups with high expectations.

Team Overview

• St. Thomas Catholic has an overall record of 7-5, with a 5-2 district performance. They’ve posted a solid 4-2 home record and 3-3 away. Their total offensive production this season stands at 368 points scored (PF) while allowing 239 points (PA). While the team averages 30.7 points per game, they’ve shown strength in tight games with close finishes across the board.
• Liberty Christian, on the other hand, has a standout 10-1 record, dominating their district with a perfect 6-0 record. With an impressive home performance of 6-1 and an undefeated away record of 4-0, Liberty Christian has been nearly unstoppable. Their offense has exploded for 551 points this season (PF), with a much larger margin of victory, allowing only 176 points (PA). The team’s 50.1 points per game puts them among the highest-scoring teams in the league.

Offensive and Defensive Comparison

• Rushing Yards: St. Thomas Catholic averages 134.8 rushing yards per game, while Liberty Christian averages 180.7, showcasing a stronger ground game. Liberty Christian’s ability to control the clock and dominate in rushing plays gives them an edge in this department.
• Passing Yards: St. Thomas Catholic has a passing average of 235.3 yards per game, compared to Liberty Christian’s 243.6. Both teams rely heavily on their passing game, with Liberty Christian’s Quinn Murphy leading their aerial attack with a national-leading 232.3 passing yards per game.
• Receiving Yards: On the receiving front, St. Thomas Catholic’s Nate Tidwell leads the charge with 80.6 yards per game, while Liberty Christian’s Jaylon Hawkins averages 88.2 yards per game, contributing significantly to their powerful passing game.
• Total Yards: Liberty Christian has the upper hand in total yards per game, averaging 424.4, which outpaces St. Thomas Catholic’s 370.2. This further highlights Liberty Christian’s ability to execute on both the ground and through the air.

Defensive Performance

• Tackles: St. Thomas Catholic is more aggressive on defense, averaging 65.6 tackles per game, while Liberty Christian averages 58.6. Despite this, Liberty Christian’s ability to create turnovers and stifle opposing offenses has been a critical factor in their dominant season.
• Sacks: Both teams have a relatively low sack average, but St. Thomas Catholic’s 1.8 sacks per game slightly outpaces Liberty Christian’s 1.3. The defensive front of St. Thomas Catholic, while not overpowering, has been effective in pressuring opposing quarterbacks.

Key Players to Watch

• St. Thomas Catholic:
  • Wells Granger: Leading the team with 46.6 rushing yards per game, Granger is a key player in the team’s rushing attack.
  • Roy Thomas Jenkins: As the team’s leading passer with 157.1 yards per game, Jenkins has proven capable of leading the offense when needed.
  • Pierce Jacobson: With 169.3 total yards per game, Jacobson is a dual threat and a key part of the team’s offense.
• Liberty Christian:
  • Chase Garnett: Garnett has been a powerhouse, rushing for 124.4 yards per game and serving as a key part of the offense.
  • Quinn Murphy: The team’s star quarterback with 232.3 passing yards per game, Murphy’s strong arm and ability to make plays down the field have been integral to the team’s success.
  • C.J. Witten: A standout tackler, Witten leads the defense with 8.9 tackles per game.

Common Opponents and Head-to-Head Record

Both teams faced off against Trinity Christian, and each came out victorious. St. Thomas Catholic won 31-19, while Liberty Christian dominated with a 56-0 victory. This showcases the stark contrast in the margin of victory for these two teams when facing similar opponents.

Looking Ahead

With both teams performing at high levels, the upcoming matchups will be crucial for both programs. Liberty Christian’s near-perfect record and high-scoring offense give them the edge heading into future games, while St. Thomas Catholic will look to leverage their solid defensive play and efficient offense to create upsets.

Ultimately, both teams have earned their place as top competitors in Texas high school football, and the clash between these powerhouse programs promises to be an exciting battle. As the season progresses, fans can expect continued drama and high stakes as St. Thomas Catholic and Liberty Christian pursue their respective championship goals.