The Avalon Eagles (5-5) and Abbott Panthers (10-0) will meet in the first round of the 2023 UIL 6-Man 1A D1 Texas State Football Championships on Thursday, November 9th, at 7:30pm ET, at Abbott High School in Abbott, TX.
What it is: Texas High School Football
Matchup: Avalon Eagles vs. Abbott Panthers
Time: Thursday Nov 09, 2023, 7:30pm ET
Game Type: Playoffs
Bracket: 2023 UIL 6-Man 1A D1 Texas State Football Championships
Round: First Round
Locations: Abbott – Abbott, TX
Live stream: Watch here
This is a rematch of a regular season game that the Panthers won 57-41 on September 22nd. However, the Eagles have improved significantly since then. They have won four of their last five games, and they are peaking at the right time.
The Eagles are led by quarterback Josh Novak, who has thrown for over 2,000 yards and 30 touchdowns this season. Novak is also a threat on the ground, as he has rushed for over 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns.
The Panthers are led by running back Riley Sustala, who has rushed for over 1,500 yards and 20 touchdowns this season. Sustala is also a threat on defense, as he has over 100 tackles this season.
The Eagles defense has been solid this season, allowing just 23.1 points per game. The Panthers defense has been even better, allowing just 16.2 points per game.
This game is expected to be a close one, with both teams evenly matched. The Eagles may have a slight edge in terms of experience, as they have several players who have started in the playoffs before. However, the Panthers are the more explosive team on offense.
How to Watch
The game will be streamed live on the NFHS Network. You can watch on your smartphone, tablet, computer, or connected device. To watch, sign in and subscribe, and select the game to watch.
Prediction
Abbott Panthers 50, Avalon Eagles 45
Analysis
The Abbott Panthers are the favorites in this game, but the Avalon Eagles should not be overlooked. The Eagles have a lot of talent and they are capable of beating anyone on any given day. However, the Panthers are simply the better team. They have a lot of experience and they are explosive on offense.
The Eagles defense will need to be able to contain Sustala in order to have a chance to win this game. The Panthers defense will also need to be able to stop Novak, but they are less concerned about the Eagles passing game.
Overall, the Abbott Panthers are the better team and they should be able to win this game. However, the Avalon Eagles are a dangerous team and they could pull off the upset if they have a great game.
