The Vernon (TX) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Shallowater (TX) on Friday, November 29, at 7:00 PM at the Abilene Wylie ISD Bulldog Stadium. This game is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, 2024 Football Conference 3A Division 1 tournament.

Vernon vs Shallowater Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Vernon vs Shallowater
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 3A D1
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Game preview: Vernon vs Shallowater

As the high school football season heats up, two standout teams from Texas, Shallowater and Vernon, have caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. Both teams have impressive records and explosive offenses, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown. Let’s take a deeper look at their season stats, performances, and what makes these two teams so formidable.

Team Overview: Shallowater

The Shallowater Mustangs (24-25) have demonstrated exceptional skill and consistency this season, finishing with a 10-2 overall record. With a perfect 3-0 district record, they have dominated their local competition. Their strong home record (5-1) and solid away performance (4-1) highlight their versatility and resilience on the field. The Mustangs are averaging an impressive 38.5 points per game, which ranks them among the top teams in their division. Their total offensive yardage per game stands at 320.4, with a balanced attack featuring 177.6 rushing yards and 142.8 passing yards.

Key players like Cooper Martin, who leads the team with 59.2 rushing yards per game and 135.7 passing yards per game, are crucial to Shallowater’s success. Brody Rowin has also been pivotal, averaging 53.1 receiving yards per game. Their balanced offensive scheme, paired with their tough defense, has made them a tough team to beat this season.

Team Overview: Vernon

The Vernon Lions (24-25) have also had an outstanding season, finishing with a 9-3 record. Their 4-2 district performance shows they are no strangers to tough competition, and their ability to go 5-2 in away games speaks volumes about their mental toughness. Vernon’s offense is potent, averaging 37.3 points per game and gaining a total of 373.3 yards per game. Their rushing attack is particularly dominant, with 278.4 rushing yards per game, led by Tru Gipson, who racks up 93.8 yards per game.

Vernon has a solid air game as well, with Ty Scott contributing 82.0 passing yards per game. Their ability to dominate in both the running and passing games has been a key to their success this season. Defensively, they’re tough, with standout performers like Tyce Payne, who averages 7.7 tackles per game, and Landon Bynum, who leads the team with 0.5 sacks per game.

Scoring Comparison

When it comes to scoring, both teams are highly efficient, but Shallowater has a slight edge in total points per game, averaging 38.5 compared to Vernon’s 35.3. The Mustangs’ strong second quarter (11.8 points per game) helps them establish control early, while Vernon excels in the first quarter, averaging 9.5 points.

Statistical Breakdown

• Rushing Yards per Game: Shallowater averages 177.6, while Vernon is significantly higher at 278.4 yards per game.
• Passing Yards per Game: Shallowater holds the advantage with 142.8 passing yards per game compared to Vernon’s 94.9.
• Total Yards per Game: Vernon’s offensive machine puts up 373.3 yards per game, surpassing Shallowater’s 320.4.
• Tackles per Game: Vernon leads with 63.7 tackles per game, while Shallowater’s defensive numbers are not listed.
• Pancake Blocks: Vernon dominates here, with 68 pancake blocks compared to Shallowater’s unlisted total.

Key Players

• Shallowater’s Cooper Martin is a versatile player, racking up 59.2 rushing yards and 135.7 passing yards per game, contributing to nearly 200 total yards per game. His performance will be key in Shallowater’s offensive scheme.
• Vernon’s Tru Gipson is the driving force behind Vernon’s ground game, averaging 93.8 rushing yards per game and scoring nearly 10 points per game. His power running style will test Shallowater’s defense.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced off against some of the same opponents this season. Shallowater holds a 2-0 record against their common opponents, with notable victories over River Road (44-0) and Peaster (41-21). Vernon, on the other hand, is 1-1, with a win over River Road (28-7) and a loss to Peaster (29-12). This provides a glimpse into how the teams might match up in their upcoming contest.

Season Records Breakdown

• Shallowater: 10-2 overall, with a perfect 3-0 district record.
• Vernon: 9-3 overall, with a solid 4-2 district record. Both teams have been dominant in their respective districts and are battle-tested, which sets up what should be an exciting game between two highly competitive programs.

Conclusion

The upcoming matchup between Shallowater and Vernon is shaping up to be a clash of titans. Shallowater’s well-rounded offensive attack, led by the dynamic Cooper Martin, will face off against Vernon’s high-powered rushing offense, spearheaded by Tru Gipson. Both teams are strong on both sides of the ball, making this a highly anticipated game. Fans can expect a high-intensity contest with plenty of action, as both squads look to continue their success and secure a win.