The West Plains (Amarillo, TX) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Celina (TX) today at 7:30 PM at Shotwell Stadium in Abilene, TX. This game is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 4A Division 1 tournament.

West Plains vs Celina Football Game Info:

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

Game preview: West Plains vs Celina

As the 2024 UIL Football playoffs heat up, the upcoming semifinal matchup between Celina and West Plains promises to be a thrilling contest. Both teams have made strong showings this season, with impressive records and standout players leading their respective squads. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from this highly anticipated game.

Team Records and Rankings

• Celina: The Celina Bobcats come into the semifinal as the top team in their region with an undefeated record of 14-0. Ranked #7 in the state, Celina has dominated their opponents throughout the season, finishing 6-0 in district play and maintaining a perfect record both at home (5-0) and away (5-0). Their powerful offense and solid defense have allowed them to outscore opponents by a significant margin, with an average of 51.9 points per game and only 212 points allowed on the season.
• West Plains: The West Plains Wolves, with an impressive 11-3 record, are ranked #75 nationally and #24 in Texas. The Wolves finished 5-0 in district play, with a strong 3-1 record on the road and 3-2 at neutral sites. West Plains has scored an average of 39.8 points per game and allowed 343 points on the season, with a defensive record that will challenge Celina’s high-powered offense.

Team Scoring and Stat Comparison

When it comes to scoring, Celina has been a powerhouse, averaging an impressive 51.9 points per game, with 12.3 points scored in the first quarter, and 15.1 points in the second. They maintain a solid offensive rhythm throughout the game, scoring 12.6 points in the third and 7.9 points in the fourth quarter. This offensive depth is led by key players like Slade Russell, who is a key rusher for the Bobcats, averaging 111.7 rushing yards per game.

On the other hand, West Plains has also been effective offensively, averaging 39.8 points per game. The Wolves are known for their balanced attack, scoring 9.5 points in the first quarter and 13.7 in the second. However, they have struggled to maintain scoring in the second half, with only 10.1 points in the third and 6.3 points in the fourth.

In terms of overall yardage, Celina racks up a total of 437.0 yards per game, with strong performances in both the rushing (195.6 yards per game) and passing (241.4 yards per game) departments. Meanwhile, West Plains averages 557 yards per game, with a particularly potent passing game, racking up 232.9 passing yards per game, led by Reid Macon.

Key Players to Watch

• Celina:
  • Slade Russell: A top contributor for Celina, Slade leads the team with 111.7 rushing yards per game and contributes significantly in points, averaging 11.1 points per game.
  • Reid Macon: Quarterback Reid Macon is a critical playmaker for Celina, leading the team with 232.9 passing yards per game and 271.0 total yards per game.
  • Kane White-Tinsley: As a top receiver, Kane is a consistent target for Macon, averaging 71.3 receiving yards per game.
  • Tryston Hernandez: A key defensive player for Celina, Tryston has 9.7 tackles per game, showing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
• West Plains:
  • Reid Macon (again): As the leader in total yards for West Plains, Reid contributes 232.9 passing yards per game and has a total of 271.0 total yards per game.
  • Gianni Peck: On defense, Gianni is a standout, contributing 1.0 sack per game for West Plains, helping to apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks.
  • Points Per Game: Slade Russell of Celina and Reid Macon of West Plains are the offensive cornerstones for each team, and their performances could be the key to determining the outcome of this semifinal game.

Keys to Victory

For Celina, maintaining their offensive efficiency will be crucial. With a high-powered offense and a strong defense, they will look to capitalize on early scoring opportunities and control the tempo of the game. The Bobcats’ ability to dominate in both the passing and rushing game, led by Reid Macon and Slade Russell, will be critical.

For West Plains, they must find a way to keep pace with Celina’s offensive onslaught. Reid Macon will need to lead the team both in the air and on the ground, and the defense, anchored by Gianni Peck, will have to step up to slow down Celina’s powerful attack. West Plains’ strength lies in their passing game, but they’ll need to find a balance to keep Celina’s defense guessing.

Conclusion

The Celina Bobcats and West Plains Wolves have both proven themselves to be formidable opponents in the 2024 UIL Football season. With an undefeated Celina squad looking to maintain their dominance, and a resilient West Plains team eager to continue their playoff run, this semifinal matchup is shaping up to be one for the ages. Fans can expect a high-scoring, fast-paced game with both teams showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive grit. Will Celina continue their undefeated streak, or will West Plains pull off the upset? Only time will tell in this thrilling UIL semifinal clash!