The Brennan High School varsity football team (San Antonio, TX) will face Westlake (Austin, TX) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 22 at 7:00 PM at the Toney Burger Center in Austin, TX. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships for the 6A Division 1 tournament.

Manvel vs Summer Creek Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Brennan vs Westlake
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 6A D1
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Game preview: Brennan vs Westlake

As the Texas high school football season reaches its thrilling climax, two powerhouse teams, Westlake and Brennan, stand out with impressive records and statistics. Both teams, entering the postseason with identical 10-1 overall records, are ready to battle it out for supremacy, showcasing their dominance both in and out of district play. Let’s take a deep dive into their performances, strengths, and the key factors that could decide this highly anticipated matchup.

Season Records and Achievements

Westlake (24-25) has been a juggernaut in Texas football, finishing their regular season with a 10-1 overall record and an unbeaten district performance of 6-0. The Chaparrals have been a force on both sides of the ball, scoring a staggering 513 points while allowing just 137 points against them. This translates to an impressive win percentage of .909, indicating their consistency and resilience throughout the season. Westlake’s domination at home (6-1) and on the road (4-0) has solidified their position as a state contender.

On the other hand, Brennan (24-25) mirrors this success with a 10-1 record, including an unblemished 8-0 district record. Their offense has been equally explosive, scoring 486 points and allowing only 86 points, leading to a win percentage of .909. Brennan’s performance on both home turf (4-1) and on the road (5-0) further proves their championship pedigree.

Offensive Firepower: A Tale of Two Playstyles

Looking at the offensive stats, Westlake and Brennan both average over 40 points per game, with Westlake posting 46.6 and Brennan scoring 44.2. The teams display some contrasting styles of play.

Westlake relies heavily on their passing game, with 204.8 passing yards per game and 204.8 receiving yards per game. Quarterback Rees Wise is the key playmaker for the Chaparrals, with a remarkable 174.9 passing yards per game. He has a versatile receiving corps, including standout Lawson Grimes, who leads the team with 76.0 receiving yards per game. Westlake’s offense is also well-rounded with Grady Bartlett adding 59.6 rushing yards per game.

In contrast, Brennan has leaned more on their rushing attack, averaging 260.6 rushing yards per game, led by Micai Thompson, who runs for 87.8 yards per game. Brennan’s passing game, while still effective, has been less prominent, with Cayden Glass recording 126.4 passing yards per game. The Bears have a balanced attack that can break defenses down both in the air and on the ground.

Defensive Prowess: A Comparison of Defensive Strengths

Defensively, both teams are impressive, but Westlake holds a clear advantage in terms of tackles and sacks. The Chaparrals average 64.5 tackles per game, led by linebacker Elliott Schaper, who contributes 7.8 tackles per game. Their pass rush is solid as well, registering 2.5 sacks per game, with Forrest Breyfogle contributing 1.0 sacks per game.

Brennan, while not as aggressive in the sack department, boasts a stout defense with 45.3 tackles per game. Jkhari Jones leads the Bears in tackles, with 7.1 tackles per game, and they have had key playmakers like Dylan Chapman contributing at critical moments. Despite fewer sacks (0.7 per game), Brennan’s defense is still formidable, allowing only 86 points across 11 games.

Key Players to Watch

For Westlake, all eyes will be on quarterback Rees Wise and his ability to control the game with his passing. The Chaparrals’ offense will also lean on the ground game of Grady Bartlett, who has been reliable throughout the season. Meanwhile, the defensive leadership of Schaper and Breyfogle will be critical in slowing down Brennan’s dynamic offense.

Brennan will look to its star rusher, Micai Thompson, to set the tone early. The Bears will also depend on Cayden Glass’s passing accuracy and Melvin Khan’s ability to make key catches. Defensively, linebacker Jkhari Jones and pass rusher Dylan Chapman must step up to challenge Westlake’s high-powered attack.

Head-to-Head Comparison and Playoff Outlook

Both teams have had a stellar season, but they haven’t faced each other yet. With perfect district records and playoff victories already in hand, the stakes are high in this potential showdown. Their similar records, scoring prowess, and defensive strength suggest that this game could come down to key turnovers, special teams play, and critical late-game decisions. As both teams march toward playoff contention, this matchup promises to be one of the most exciting in Texas high school football this season.

Whether it’s Westlake’s balanced attack or Brennan’s potent rushing game, fans can expect a thrilling game that will showcase the best of Texas high school football.