The La Vernia (TX) varsity football team will face Kilgore (TX) in a neutral playoff game today at 7:30 PM at Randall Reed Stadium in New Caney. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, 4A D1 Conference tournament.

Kilgore vs La Vernia Football Game Info:

What: UIL Football Semifinal 2024
Who: Kilgore vs La Vernia
When: Friday, December 13, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Kilgore vs La Vernia

As the 2024 UIL football season heats up, two powerhouse teams are gearing up for a thrilling semifinal showdown. The Kilgore Bulldogs (12-2) will face off against the La Vernia Bears (11-3) in what promises to be a high-stakes contest. Both teams have been impressive throughout the season, and this matchup will showcase their strengths, strategies, and star players.

Kilgore Bulldogs: Dominant On Both Sides of the Ball

Kilgore has been a force to be reckoned with in 2024. With a 12-2 record, they enter this semifinal with strong momentum and impressive statistics. The Bulldogs have displayed a balanced attack all season, racking up an average of 310.2 rushing yards per game. A significant contributor to their rushing success has been Sean Garza, who has accumulated 153 yards per game, making him a key player in their offensive game plan. On top of their ground game, Kilgore averages 75.1 passing yards per game, with Keegan Hajek leading the charge.

Defensively, Kilgore has been solid, averaging 34.1 tackles per game. Dedric Williams has stood out as a key defensive presence with 9.2 tackles per game, playing a vital role in stopping opposing offenses. Despite a relatively low sack rate (0.2 sacks per game), Kilgore’s defense has been effective in limiting opponents, allowing just 178 points across their 14 games.

Kilgore’s scoring has been well-rounded, averaging 38.4 points per game. Their highest-scoring quarter is the second, where they average 8.6 points, a key moment in each game that sets the tone for the rest of the contest. With a solid record both at home (6-1) and on the road (4-1), Kilgore has proven themselves capable of winning in a variety of environments.

La Vernia Bears: A Resilient Team with Strong Offensive Firepower

La Vernia, with an 11-3 record, has been an impressive contender throughout the season. They bring a potent offense that averages 38.1 points per game, slightly trailing Kilgore in terms of total points scored but still a formidable force. La Vernia’s offense is led by their rushing game, averaging 310.2 yards per game, similar to Kilgore’s ground game. The Bears’ offense is most effective in the first half, where they score an average of 24.4 points between the first and second quarters, with their highest-scoring period being the second quarter (14.1 points).

On the defensive side, La Vernia has managed to hold opponents to 259 points across 14 games. Although they average fewer tackles per game (2.7) compared to Kilgore, their defense has been able to hold steady when it matters most, especially in critical games during the playoffs.

What sets La Vernia apart is their remarkable road record. With a perfect 7-0 record away from home, they have shown they can win under pressure and in hostile environments. Their road dominance will certainly play a role in this high-pressure semifinal game.

Key Matchup: Rushing Attack vs. Rushing Defense

Both teams rely heavily on their rushing game, making this aspect of the game one of the most intriguing. Kilgore’s rushing attack, led by Sean Garza, will face off against La Vernia’s stout defensive front, while La Vernia’s rushing offense will look to exploit Kilgore’s defense. The team that can control the line of scrimmage and dominate in the trenches will likely come out on top.

Team Leaders and Notable Players

• Kilgore:
  • Sean Garza (RB) – 153.0 rushing yards per game
  • Keegan Hajek (QB) – 69.9 passing yards per game
  • Logan Maytum (WR) – 60.5 receiving yards per game
  • Dedric Williams (LB) – 9.2 tackles per game
• La Vernia:
  • Sean Garza (RB) – 153.0 rushing yards per game
  • Keegan Hajek (QB) – 69.9 passing yards per game
  • Logan Maytum (WR) – 60.5 receiving yards per game
  • Dedric Williams (LB) – 9.2 tackles per game

Both teams are evenly matched in several key areas, with their high-powered rushing attacks and strong leadership on both sides of the ball. Kilgore’s slightly superior point-scoring average and defensive performance may give them an edge, but La Vernia’s proven ability to win on the road and their offensive consistency makes them a formidable opponent.

Conclusion

The Kilgore vs. La Vernia semifinal promises to be an exciting, hard-fought game between two teams that have earned their spot with dominant performances throughout the season. With both teams possessing high-powered offenses and resilient defenses, fans can expect a thrilling contest. Whether Kilgore’s home-field advantage or La Vernia’s perfect road record will decide the game remains to be seen. One thing is for sure: this semifinal matchup will be a must-watch as both teams aim for a spot in the championship game.