The Longview (TX) varsity football team will face Southlake Carroll (Southlake, TX) in a neutral playoff game today at 2 p.m. This match is part of the “2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 6A D2” tournament.
Longview High School vs Carroll High School Football Game Info:
What: UIL Football Semifinal 2024
Who: Southlake Carroll vs Longview
When: Saturday, December 14, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: Longview High School vs Carroll High School
As the 2024 UIL Football season heads toward its exciting conclusion, the upcoming semifinal match between Longview High School and Southlake Carroll is one of the most anticipated matchups. With both teams boasting impressive records and dynamic players, this game promises to be an exciting showdown between two powerhouse programs. Let’s take a closer look at the statistics and key players from both teams as they prepare for their high-stakes clash.
Team Overview
Southlake Carroll enters the game with a flawless 14-0 record, having dominated all season long. Their perfect run includes an 8-0 record in district play, where they proved to be the best team in their region. With 725 points scored throughout the season and an average of 51.8 points per game, the Dragons’ offense is explosive. Their balanced attack features a strong rushing game (207.1 yards per game) alongside impressive passing numbers (260.0 yards per game). The team’s defense has been equally formidable, allowing just 311 points over the season. Their blend of high-powered offense and stingy defense has made them the team to beat in this semifinal.
Longview, with a 12-2 overall record, enters the matchup as the underdog but boasts a strong showing on both sides of the ball. Longview’s district record of 6-0 and their perfect 7-0 road record is a testament to their resilience and determination. With 466 points scored throughout the season, they average 33.3 points per game, and like Carroll, they feature a potent offense, especially on the ground, averaging 264.3 rushing yards per game. Despite having fewer passing yards than their opponent, Longview’s offensive line has proven capable of setting up dynamic plays. Their defense has also been solid, allowing 240 points across the season.
Key Matchup: Offense vs. Defense
Southlake Carroll’s offense has been nothing short of prolific, led by running back Riley Wormley, who averages an impressive 116.6 yards per game, and quarterback Angelo Renda, who has thrown for 241.1 yards per game. With the dynamic receiving duo of Renda and Brock Boyd (117.9 receiving yards per game), Carroll is a versatile team that can strike quickly from anywhere on the field. The team’s defense, anchored by linebacker Jack Vandorselaer (6.5 tackles per game), will be key to stopping Longview’s potent ground game.
On the other side, Longview’s strength lies in their rushing attack. Star player Kelvin Washington, who has rushed for 173.2 yards per game and is a national leader in total yards, will be the focal point of their offense. Longview’s quarterback Maverick Rowe, while not putting up the same passing numbers as Carroll’s Renda, has been efficient, with a solid 91.4 passing yards per game. The defensive effort, led by linebacker Kason Brooks (11 tackles per game), will be critical in slowing down Carroll’s multi-dimensional attack.
Scoring Breakdown
Southlake Carroll has been explosive throughout the season, particularly in the first half of games. They average 18.3 points in the first quarter and 15.4 in the second quarter, giving them a strong early lead. However, they tend to slow down in the second half, averaging just 10.8 points in the third and 5.7 points in the fourth quarter. Longview, in contrast, has a more balanced scoring approach, with 10.3 points in the first quarter, but they stay strong through the final whistle, averaging 8.7 points in the fourth quarter.
Special Teams and Playoff Experience
Both teams are no strangers to high-pressure situations, and playoff experience will play a crucial role in this game. Southlake Carroll enters the game with a 4-0 record in playoff games this season, while Longview has been just as dominant, posting a 4-0 record as well. With both teams undefeated in the postseason, the experience of playing in big games could give them the mental edge.
Conclusion
The 2024 UIL Football Semifinal between Longview High School and Southlake Carroll is set to be a thrilling contest. Southlake Carroll’s explosive offense and suffocating defense will square off against Longview’s relentless rushing attack and hard-hitting defense. With both teams at the top of their game, this semifinal will undoubtedly showcase some of the best high school football talent in the state. The winner will advance to the UIL State Championship, and with the stakes higher than ever, this game is sure to be one for the history books.
