The Airline (Bossier City, LA) varsity football team will play a home playoff game against Westgate (New Iberia, LA) on Friday, November 22 at 7:00 PM. This game is part of the 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division I Non-Select tournament.

What: Louisiana High School Football
Who: Airline (LA) vs Westgate (LA)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division I Non-Select
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Westgate vs. Airline: A Comparative Breakdown of Two Louisiana Football Powerhouses

As the Louisiana high school football season unfolds, two teams stand out for their exceptional performances: Westgate and Airline. Both squads have demonstrated dominance on the field, but their paths to success differ in key ways. Below, we’ll break down how these two teams measure up in terms of records, individual performances, and overall team statistics.

Team Records & Performance

• Westgate (24-25):
  • Overall Record: 8-2
  • District Record: 4-2
  • Home Record: 4-1
  • Away Record: 4-1
  • Win Percentage: 80%
  • District Win Percentage: 66.7%
  • Points Scored (PF): 355
  • Points Allowed (PA): 238
• Airline (24-25):
  • Overall Record: 10-0
  • District Record: 8-0
  • Home Record: 5-0
  • Away Record: 5-0
  • Win Percentage: 100%
  • District Win Percentage: 100%
  • Points Scored (PF): 550
  • Points Allowed (PA): 377

Airline has proven itself to be an undefeated juggernaut with a perfect 10-0 record, dominating both district and overall play. Westgate, while impressive with an 8-2 mark, has had a more challenging road within the district, finishing with a 4-2 record.

Scoring Averages & Offensive Strength

When it comes to offensive firepower, both teams excel, though their scoring patterns show some distinct differences.

• Westgate’s Scoring Breakdown:
  • Q1: 3.0
  • Q2: 7.5
  • Q3: 22.5
  • Q4: 3.0
  • Final: 35.5 Points Per Game
• Airline’s Scoring Breakdown:
  • Q1: 16.0
  • Q2: 15.8
  • Q3: 11.5
  • Q4: 9.5
  • Final: 55.0 Points Per Game

Airline’s offensive efficiency is formidable, consistently putting up 50+ points per game, with a well-rounded attack that scores heavily in the first half. Westgate, while scoring less overall, has a strong third quarter, often making significant adjustments after halftime.

Key Statistical Comparisons

In terms of individual statistics, both teams feature standout players who drive their offensive and defensive success.

• Westgate:
  • Rushing Yards Per Game: 159.6
  • Passing Yards Per Game: 369.9
  • Receiving Yards Per Game: 369.0
  • Total Yards Per Game: 529.5
  • Tackles Per Game: 71.1
  • Sacks Per Game: 1.6
  • Points Per Game: 54.8
• Airline:
  • Rushing Yards Per Game: 82.7 (DJ Allen)
  • Passing Yards Per Game: 369.9 (Ben Taylor)
  • Receiving Yards Per Game: 148.9 (Kenny Darby)
  • Total Yards Per Game: 384.7
  • Tackles Per Game: 9.0 (Elijah Dollar)
  • Sacks Per Game: 0.5 (Cole Shepherd)
  • Points Per Game: 13.2 (Kenny Darby)

Westgate’s passing attack is exceptional, with quarterback Ben Taylor leading the charge. The team also benefits from a balanced rushing attack. In comparison, Airline’s standout is Kenny Darby, who is a top receiver in the state, contributing to an explosive aerial assault.

Defensive Strengths

On defense, both teams show strong tackling capabilities. Westgate’s defensive unit averages 71.1 tackles per game, with linebacker Elijah Dollar contributing heavily with 9.0 tackles per game. Airline, on the other hand, has a less aggressive sack rate, but their tackling prowess ensures they can shut down opposing offenses effectively.

Head-to-Head & Playoff Records

• Westgate vs. Airline:
  • Head-to-Head: 0-0 (as of the current season)

The two teams have yet to meet in the 2024-25 season, but both have solid playoff potential. Westgate holds an overall record of 8-2, while Airline remains undefeated at 10-0.

Conclusion

The 2024-25 high school football season showcases two teams with contrasting styles but similar goals: to capture a state title. Airline’s undefeated record and high-scoring offense make them a dominant force, while Westgate’s ability to adjust and perform in key moments ensures that they will be a tough contender. Whether these two teams will meet in the playoffs remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure—the stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the season.