On Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 7:00 PM MST, the West Plains Lions (4-6) from Amarillo, TX, will face off against Clint (TX) in a neutral playoff game. The matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, specifically for the 2024 Football Conference 4A Division 1 tournament. The game will take place at Artesia, NM, at the Bulldog Bowl.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: West Plains vs Clint
When: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 4A D1
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Game preview: West Plains vs Clint

As Clint and West Plains gear up for a crucial match in the Texas football season, the statistical landscape presents a clear distinction between the two teams’ performances and strengths. Both squads are seeking to solidify their seasons, though West Plains enters with a clear upper hand in both record and performance metrics.

Rankings and Records Overview

• Clint (Overall 4-6, District 4-4): Ranked 978th in Texas and 228th in the section, Clint holds a 2-3 record at both home and away venues, with an overall winning percentage of .400. They have scored 260 points while allowing 285, making for a slightly negative point differential.
• West Plains (Overall 7-3, District 5-0): With a higher standing at 200th in Texas and 58th in the section, West Plains boasts a solid district record of 5-0. They’ve demonstrated dominance with a .700 overall winning percentage and have accumulated 361 points while conceding only 251.

Scoring Trends

West Plains has a clear offensive edge, averaging 36.1 points per game compared to Clint’s 26.0. Notably, West Plains tends to capitalize early, with a strong average of 9.9 points in the first quarter and a consistent follow-up through the second. Clint, meanwhile, struggles in the first half and shows improvement only in the final quarter.

Team Stat Comparisons

• Offensive Game: Clint relies heavily on a strong rushing attack, averaging 287.8 rushing yards per game, far surpassing West Plains’ 175.0. However, West Plains’ passing game is far superior, averaging 238.4 yards compared to Clint’s 40.8. West Plains also edges Clint in total yards per game, 413.4 to 328.6.
• Defensive Stats: West Plains’ defense shows up with more tackles per game (73.7) compared to Clint’s 59.0, and they also maintain a slight advantage in sacks, 1.3 to 1.0 per game.

Key Players to Watch

• Clint’s Standouts:
  • Angel Veliz (#22): Leading the team in rushing with 77.0 yards per game and 7.4 points per game.
  • Brandon Quezada (#4): The primary passer with 40.5 yards per game and 115.2 total yards.
  • Kristopher Valenzuela (#14): Defensive leader with 7.8 tackles per game.
• West Plains’ Leaders:
  • Slade Russell (#10): Top rusher with 98.2 yards per game and 9.0 points per game.
  • Reid Macon (#14): An exceptional quarterback, averaging 232.9 passing yards and 264.9 total yards per game.
  • Kane White-Tinsley (#3): A reliable receiver, contributing 66.9 yards per game.
  • Tryston Hernandez (#9): Defensive anchor with 10.3 tackles per game.
  • Gianni Peck (#44): A solid presence on the defensive line with 1.0 sacks per game.

Record Breakdown and Head-to-Head Analysis

• Clint: Despite their struggles, Clint remains competitive in district play, splitting their matchups evenly at 4-4. However, they have yet to secure a win against non-league opponents, showing some inconsistency in their performance.
• West Plains: Undefeated in district matchups, West Plains has proven itself both in and out of the conference. With a balanced record of 3-1 at home and 3-2 away, they have displayed versatility and adaptability.

Outlook for the Matchup

West Plains enters this matchup with a significant momentum advantage, thanks to their undefeated district record and higher scoring averages. Clint will need to lean on their powerful rushing game and hope to control the clock to keep West Plains’ dynamic offense at bay. Defensive performance will be crucial, particularly in containing West Plains’ passing game led by Reid Macon.

Both teams have plenty at stake, with Clint looking to improve their overall record and West Plains aiming to maintain their perfect district standing. It promises to be a clash of contrasting styles, with Clint’s ground attack going head-to-head against West Plains’ aerial dominance.