The West Rusk Raiders (9-2) will host the New Diana Eagles (8-2) in the second round of the 2023 UIL 3A D2 Texas State Football Championships on Friday, November 17th at 7:30pm ET at West Rusk – New London, TX.
What it is: Texas High School Football
Matchup: West Rusk Raiders vs. New Diana Eagles
Time: Friday Nov 17, 2023, 7:30pm ET
Game Type: Playoffs
Bracket: 2023 UIL 3A D2 Texas State Football Championships
Round: Second Round
Locations: West Rusk – New London, TX
Live Stream: Watch here
The Raiders are the favorites in this game. They have a better record than the New Diana Eagles, and they are playing at home. The Raiders are also led by a high-powered offense and a solid defense.
The West Rusk Raiders offense is averaging 37.7 points per game. They are led by running back Noah Murphy and quarterback Xander Mason. Murphy has rushed for 117.9 yards per game and 12 touchdowns this season, while Mason has thrown for 100.6 yards per game and 10 touchdowns.
The Raiders defense is allowing only 33.0 points per game. They are led by linebacker Cole Jackson, who has 8.3 tackles per game.
The New Diana Eagles offense is averaging 33.6 points per game. They are led by running back Davy Mapps and quarterback DeJuan Johnson. Mapps has rushed for 82.1 yards per game and 10 touchdowns this season, while Johnson has thrown for 78.0 yards per game and 7 touchdowns.
The Eagles defense is allowing only 17.0 points per game. They are led by linebacker Tavarus Williams, who has 7.5 tackles per game.
I predict that the West Rusk Raiders will win this game, 38-35. The Raiders have a better offense and defense than the New Diana Eagles. The Raiders are also playing at home.
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 West Rusk Raiders will need to pressure Johnson and force him into making mistakes. They will also need to find a way to slow down the Eagles’ rushing attack.
The New Diana Eagles will need to pressure Mason and force him into making mistakes. They will also need to find a way to slow down the Raiders’ passing attack.
I predict that the West Rusk Raiders will win this game, 38-35. The Raiders have a better offense and defense than the New Diana Eagles. The Raiders are also playing at home.
