The Veterans Memorial (Brownsville, TX) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against Edinburg (TX) on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, 6A Division 2 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Veterans Memorial vs Edinburg
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 6A D2
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Game preview: Veterans Memorial vs Edinburg 

As the 2024-2025 football season unfolds, the Edinburg Bobcats and Veterans Memorial Eagles stand out with strong performances, bolstered by impressive individual stats and team achievements. Both teams have demonstrated resilience, with varying outcomes across their schedules, and they now prepare for a thrilling face-off. Here’s a closer look at their rankings, records, and key statistics heading into this crucial matchup.

Team Records and Rankings

Edinburg Bobcats

• Overall Record: 5-5
• District Record: 2-3
• Home Record: 1-4
• Away Record: 4-1
• Win Percentage: .500
• District Win Percentage: .400
• Points For (PF): 163
• Points Against (PA): 203

The Bobcats have struggled with consistency, especially in their home games, where they have won just once. However, they’ve shown strong resilience on the road, boasting a 4-1 record away from home.

Veterans Memorial Eagles

• Overall Record: 7-3
• District Record: 3-1
• Home Record: 2-3
• Away Record: 5-0
• Win Percentage: .700
• District Win Percentage: .750
• Points For (PF): 361
• Points Against (PA): 201

Veterans Memorial has been dominant on the road, maintaining a perfect 5-0 record in away games. Their offense has been formidable, scoring 361 points, and their defense has kept opponents to a more manageable 201 points.

Team Scoring Averages

Edinburg Bobcats

• First Quarter: 8.0
• Second Quarter: 2.8
• Third Quarter: 4.0
• Fourth Quarter: 1.2
• Final Average: 16.3

Edinburg’s offensive struggles are evident in their scoring, particularly in the second half, where they average just 7.2 points in the last two quarters. The team will need to find ways to close games stronger to improve their chances.

Veterans Memorial Eagles

• First Quarter: 9.7
• Second Quarter: 10.5
• Third Quarter: 7.3
• Fourth Quarter: 5.8
• Final Average: 36.1

Veterans Memorial has been a high-scoring team throughout the game, with impressive averages in every quarter. Their balanced offensive attack and ability to maintain pressure through all four quarters make them a dangerous opponent.

Statistical Comparison

Offensive Stats

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Edinburg 152.2 vs. Veterans Memorial 354.9
• Passing Yards Per Game: Edinburg 100.7 vs. Veterans Memorial 42.3
• Receiving Yards Per Game: Edinburg 100.6 vs. Veterans Memorial 42.5
• Total Yards Per Game: Edinburg 252.9 vs. Veterans Memorial 397.2

Edinburg relies more on their ground game, averaging over 150 yards per game rushing, while Veterans Memorial’s offense leans heavily on running, with nearly 355 yards rushing per game. Despite the disparity in rushing yards, Edinburg’s passing game is more robust.

Defensive Stats

• Tackles Per Game: Edinburg 86.6 vs. Veterans Memorial 63.5
• Sacks Per Game: Edinburg 1.5 vs. Veterans Memorial 0.5
• Points Per Game Allowed: Edinburg 15.2 vs. Veterans Memorial 36.5

Defensively, Edinburg has been the more aggressive team, registering more tackles and sacks per game, but they have given up more points. Veterans Memorial’s defense, though not as active in terms of sacks, has been solid in limiting their opponents’ scoring.

Key Players to Watch

Edinburg Bobcats

• Oscar Jasso: 60.8 Rushing Yards Per Game
• JT Santa Maria: 69.5 Passing Yards Per Game
• Jude Vega: 29.8 Receiving Yards Per Game
• Moises Hernandez: 12.9 Tackles Per Game
• David Garza: 0.6 Sacks Per Game
• Chris Barrera: 6.0 Points Per Game

Veterans Memorial Eagles

• Cesar Belmontes: 94.2 Rushing Yards Per Game
• Michael Montoya: 46.2 Passing Yards Per Game
• Sergio Sosa: 15.7 Receiving Yards Per Game
• Michael Rodriguez: 9.0 Tackles Per Game
• Reynaldo Cantu: 0.5 Sacks Per Game
• Michael Montoya: 12.0 Points Per Game

Both teams have standout players in multiple positions, but Veterans Memorial boasts a higher concentration of yardage from key offensive players like Belmontes and Montoya. On defense, Edinburg’s Moises Hernandez will be pivotal in stopping the explosive Eagles’ offense.

Common Opponents

Edinburg vs. Veterans Memorial Common Opponents:

• Hanna: Edinburg 1-2 vs. Veterans Memorial 2-1
• Los Fresnos: Edinburg 0-1 vs. Veterans Memorial 1-0
• Pharr-San Juan-Alamo: Edinburg 0-1 vs. Veterans Memorial 1-0

Veterans Memorial has had better results against common opponents, including key wins over teams like Hanna and Pharr-San Juan-Alamo. Meanwhile, Edinburg has been competitive but struggled against Los Fresnos and other top teams.

Conclusion

This upcoming matchup between Edinburg and Veterans Memorial promises to be an exciting one. While Veterans Memorial enters as the stronger team based on their overall record and powerful offense, Edinburg will rely on their defensive strength and road-game success to pull off an upset. The battle of contrasting playstyles—Edinburg’s balanced attack and Veterans Memorial’s offensive dominance—will certainly make this game one to watch.