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

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Wortham vs Clarksville
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 2A D2
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Game preview: Wortham vs Clarksville

As the 2024 high school football season progresses, two teams from Texas, Clarksville and Wortham, stand out in their respective divisions with different records and styles of play. With both teams wrapping up their seasons soon, let’s take a closer look at their performance, key players, and overall stats.

Clarksville: A Balanced but Challenged Team

Clarksville, with an overall record of 5-5, has had an up-and-down season. In district play, the team has performed well, posting a 5-1 record. However, their 2-3 mark on the road shows they’ve struggled away from home. Scoring 327 points across the season, Clarksville averages 32.7 points per game, with a particularly strong second quarter (9.0 points), but they’ve been unable to maintain consistent momentum in the third and fourth quarters.

Clarksville’s team statistics reflect a strong passing game, with 257.6 yards per game, but their rushing game falls behind at 136.1 yards per game. The team’s overall offensive output stands at 393.7 yards per game, which is competitive, but their defense has allowed 319 points, highlighting a potential area for improvement.

Key players for Clarksville include Semaj Harris, who leads the team in rushing with 74.6 yards per game. Quarterback Jonathan Morgan is another standout, contributing 257.6 passing yards per game, and Jordan Daniels, a reliable receiver, averages 80.6 yards per game.

Wortham: A Stronger Overall Performance

Wortham enters the matchup with a solid 7-3 record, with a 5-2 district record, and a notable 4-1 mark at home. With a higher win percentage (.700 overall and .714 in district play), Wortham has been the more consistent team throughout the season. Their offense has been impressive, scoring 372 points (37.2 per game), averaging over 12 points in each of the first three quarters, and finishing strong in the fourth quarter with 8.6 points.

The Wortham offense is anchored by a strong running game, averaging 142.7 rushing yards per game, and a balanced passing attack, with 166.8 passing yards per game. With 309.5 total yards per game, they have shown more overall efficiency than Clarksville. Wortham’s defense has been solid as well, with 73.7 tackles per game and 1.4 sacks per game, giving them an edge on both sides of the ball.

Jon Ross Black has been Wortham’s key player, with 66.1 rushing yards per game, 160.6 passing yards per game, and a combined total of 233.8 yards per game. He’s complemented by Kymani Johnson, a standout receiver with 70.8 receiving yards per game. Defensively, Jesse Saldana leads with 12.0 tackles per game, further solidifying Wortham’s strength in the trenches.

Comparing the Two Teams

While Clarksville has been competitive, they have struggled with consistency, particularly away from home. Their high-scoring games (with 327 points) showcase their potential, but their defense, allowing 319 points, has held them back. Wortham, on the other hand, has been more balanced and consistent. Their higher scoring average of 37.2 points per game and better defensive stats (allowing only 235 points) suggest they are the stronger all-around team.

Team Leaders

• Clarksville:
  • Semaj Harris: 74.6 rushing yards per game
  • Jonathan Morgan: 257.6 passing yards per game
  • Jordan Daniels: 80.6 receiving yards per game
• Wortham:
  • Jon Ross Black: 66.1 rushing yards per game, 160.6 passing yards per game
  • Kymani Johnson: 70.8 receiving yards per game
  • Jesse Saldana: 12.0 tackles per game

Record Breakdown

Clarksville has had a challenging season, but their performance within the district (5-1) shows they can compete with top teams in their league. Their away record (2-3) shows they struggle in hostile environments, and their overall inconsistency (5-5) reflects this. Wortham, with a 7-3 overall record and 5-2 district record, has been the more reliable team, excelling in both home and district games.

Looking Ahead

Both Clarksville and Wortham have shown they have the potential to succeed, but their records tell different stories. Clarksville needs to improve their defense and find more consistency to compete at the same level as Wortham, who appears poised for a strong finish to the season. Regardless of the outcome, this match-up is sure to be an exciting one for Texas high school football fans.