The Van Alstyne (TX) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Ferris (TX) on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 4A Division 2 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Van Alstyne vs Ferris
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 4A D2
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Game preview: Van Alstyne vs Ferris

As the 2024-2025 high school football season reaches its midpoint, the Ferris and Van Alstyne teams are showing differing performances, both overall and in district play. Let’s take a closer look at their rankings, records, and key statistics to understand the dynamics of this matchup.

Team Overview and Records

• Ferris (4-6 overall, 2-3 district)
  • Overall Record: 4-6
  • District Record: 2-3
  • Home Record: 3-3
  • Away Record: 1-3
  • Win Percentage: 0.400 (overall), 0.400 (district)
  • Points For (PF): 270
  • Points Against (PA): 335
• Van Alstyne (7-3 overall, 6-0 district)
  • Overall Record: 7-3
  • District Record: 6-0 (undefeated in district play)
  • Home Record: 4-1
  • Away Record: 3-2
  • Win Percentage: 0.700 (overall), 1.000 (district)
  • Points For (PF): 439
  • Points Against (PA): 340

Van Alstyne has proven to be a dominant force in their district, with a flawless 6-0 district record. Meanwhile, Ferris has struggled with a 2-3 record in district play, contributing to their overall losing record. However, both teams show promise in different areas.

Scoring Averages

Both teams have different offensive strategies and scoring patterns, reflected in their quarterly scoring averages:

• Ferris:
  • Q1: 7.1 points
  • Q2: 8.9 points
  • Q3: 6.4 points
  • Q4: 6.0 points
  • Final: 27.0 points per game
• Van Alstyne:
  • Q1: 15.5 points
  • Q2: 10.3 points
  • Q3: 10.0 points
  • Q4: 10.8 points
  • OT1: 7.0 points
  • Final: 43.9 points per game

Van Alstyne’s higher scoring average, especially in the first quarter (15.5 points), sets them apart from Ferris, whose offensive output tends to be more spread out but less consistent overall.

Team Stat Comparison

Looking at other key team stats, Van Alstyne generally outperforms Ferris in several categories:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Ferris averages 206.1 rushing yards per game, though Van Alstyne’s rushing stats aren’t listed here, Ferris leads in this department.
• Passing Yards Per Game: Both teams are relatively balanced in passing, with Ferris averaging 104.2 passing yards per game.
• Total Yards Per Game: Ferris logs 310.3 total yards per game, a solid total, but Van Alstyne’s offensive firepower allows them to outpace with 439 total yards per game.

Both teams are competitive, but Van Alstyne’s ability to generate more total yards and their strong offense gives them the edge.

Player Highlights

The teams have standout players who contribute significantly to their performances:

• Ferris:
  • Brandon Mcneal leads the charge with 69.1 rushing yards per game, 104.2 passing yards per game, and 173.3 total yards per game. His contributions make him the most well-rounded player for Ferris.
  • Qui-Darwin Cotton adds 36.4 receiving yards per game, a solid option for Ferris in the passing game.
  • Mariano Pedroza contributes 7.3 tackles per game on defense, while Omari Tyner stands out with 1.2 sacks per game.
• Van Alstyne:
  • Van Alstyne’s player stats are not listed, but based on their impressive team scoring average and undefeated district record, their team leadership is evident in both offensive and defensive strategies.

Conclusion: A Tale of Two Teams

Ferris enters this matchup with a solid yet inconsistent record, while Van Alstyne has dominated its district, establishing itself as a formidable force. The difference in their scoring abilities, particularly in the first half of games, indicates Van Alstyne’s strength in building early leads and maintaining control throughout the game. Ferris, however, still has the potential to be dangerous, especially with standout players like Mcneal leading their offense.

As the season progresses, Ferris will need to improve its district play to stay competitive, while Van Alstyne will look to maintain their undefeated streak and push for a top playoff position. This contrast sets the stage for an exciting rivalry moving forward.