The Shepherd Pirates (6-5) will host the Franklin Lions (10-1) in the second round of the 2023 UIL 3A D1 Texas State Football Championships on Friday, November 17th at 7pm ET at Willis High School in Willis, TX.
What it is: Texas High School Football
Matchup: Shepherd Pirates vs. Franklin Lions
Time: Friday Nov 17, 2023, 7pm ET
Game Type: Playoffs
Bracket: 2023 UIL 3A D1 Texas State Football Championships
Round: Second Round
Locations: Willis High School, TX
Live Stream: Watch here
The Pirates are the favorites in this game. They have a better offense and a better defense than the Franklin Lions. The Pirates are also playing at home, which gives them a slight advantage.
The Shepherd Pirates offense is averaging 336.7 total yards per game. They are led by running back Preston Stephens, who has rushed for 1,730 yards and 19 touchdowns this season. Stephens is also a threat on the ground, with 24.5 passing yards per game.
The Pirates also have a strong running game, averaging 312.3 yards per game.
The Shepherd Pirates defense is allowing only 24.5 points per game. They are led by linebacker Sheldon Ferguson, who has 43 tackles and 0.8 sacks this season.
The Franklin Lions offense is averaging 46.6 points per game. They are led by quarterback Devyn Hidrogo, who has thrown for 1,450 yards and 23 touchdowns this season. Hidrogo is also a threat on the ground, with 29.0 rushing yards per game.
The Lions also have a strong running game, averaging 198.2 yards per game.
The Franklin Lions defense is allowing only 27.3 points per game. They are led by linebacker Braydon Mettlen, who has 42 tackles and 0.3 sacks this season.
I predict that the Shepherd Pirates will win a close game, 35-28. The Pirates are the better team and they have the experience to win.
The key to this game will be which team can force the other into making mistakes. Both teams have high-powered offenses, so the defense will need to come up with some big plays.
The Shepherd Pirates will need to pressure Hidrogo and force him into making mistakes. They will also need to find a way to slow down the Lions’ running game.
The Franklin Lions will need to pressure Stephens and force him into making mistakes. They will also need to find a way to slow down the Pirates’ running game.
I predict that the Shepherd Pirates will win a close game, 35-28. The Pirates are the better team and they have the experience to win.
