The Decatur (Berlin, MD) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Westlake (Waldorf, MD) on Friday, November 29 at 6:30 p.m. This matchup is part of the “2024 Maryland High School Football Playoff Brackets: MPSSAA – 2A” tournament.

What: Maryland High School Football
Who: Decatur (MD) vs Westlake (MD)
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Where: MPSSAA 2A State Semifinal
Bracket: 2024 Maryland High School Football Playoff Brackets: MPSSAA – 2A
Live stream: Watch here

Westlake vs. Decatur: A Comprehensive Season Comparison

As the 2024-2025 high school football season draws to a close, two standout teams have made a significant impact: Westlake and Decatur. Both programs, with impressive records and strong individual performances, provide an interesting comparison in terms of scoring, team statistics, and standout players. Let’s take a closer look at how these two teams measure up.

Team Records and Performance

Westlake boasts an overall record of 10-2, featuring a solid 5-1 regional record and a 6-0 home win streak, demonstrating their dominance in familiar territory. On the road, they hold a respectable 4-2 record. Their overall win percentage stands at .833, matching their .833 regional win percentage. The team has scored 387 points while allowing only 96—a testament to their defensive and offensive balance.

Decatur, on the other hand, remains undefeated with a perfect 12-0 record. Their regional performance is flawless at 7-0, and their away record of 5-0 highlights their ability to perform under pressure. The team’s perfect win percentage of 1.000 emphasizes their dominance throughout the season. Offensively, Decatur has scored 533 points and only allowed 74, showcasing a high-scoring and tight defense.

Scoring Averages

When comparing scoring averages, Decatur takes the lead. Their ability to generate consistent scoring is evident across all quarters:

• First Quarter: Decatur averages 18.4 points, a strong start that sets the tone.
• Second Quarter: Their scoring jumps to 16.5, maintaining momentum.
• Third Quarter: They slow down slightly to 6.1, possibly due to adjustments by the opposing teams.
• Fourth Quarter: Decatur finishes strong with 4.1, solidifying their victories.

Westlake, meanwhile, scores an average of 32.3 points per game, but their points per quarter reflect a different strategy:

• First Quarter: 5.2 points, indicating a more cautious start.
• Second Quarter: A significant surge to 13.2 points.
• Third Quarter: A slump to 2.6, where they may struggle to maintain offensive flow.
• Fourth Quarter: They regain form with 10.6 points, making late pushes to secure wins.

Team Stat Comparison

Both teams demonstrate strengths in different areas:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Westlake averages 210.1 yards, outpacing Decatur’s 127.0 yards.
• Passing Yards Per Game: Decatur excels with 208.3 passing yards compared to Westlake’s 103.6.
• Receiving Yards Per Game: Decatur leads with 207.9 yards, showcasing their balanced offensive approach, while Westlake holds 103.6.
• Total Yards Per Game: Decatur slightly outperforms Westlake, averaging 335.3 total yards versus 313.7.

Defensive Metrics:

• Tackles Per Game: Westlake averages 68.8, outdoing Decatur’s 56.5.
• Sacks Per Game: Decatur averages 2.7, a marginal lead over Westlake’s 2.4.

Key Players and Individual Excellence

Individual achievements have played a crucial role in both teams’ success:

• Westlake:
  • Devin Cox has been a standout with 129.5 rushing yards per game, 142.7 total yards, and 16.2 points per game, leading the team in multiple categories.
  • Jayden Pritchett has contributed 29.5 receiving yards per game, highlighting Westlake’s offensive versatility.
  • Timothy (LT) Freelon III leads the defense with 11.8 tackles per game, playing a pivotal role in stopping opponents.
• Decatur:
  • Vernon Deshields III leads the team with an impressive 66.9 rushing yards per game.
  • Johnny Hobgood showcases a strong passing game with 152.0 yards per game.
  • Davin Chandler provides depth in the receiving game, averaging 56.3 yards per game.
  • Blake Wallace adds valuable points to the scoreboard, averaging 6.1 points per game.

Record Breakdown and Summary

Decatur’s unbeaten season, marked by a perfect 7-0 regional record and 5-0 away performance, sets them apart as a formidable contender. Westlake’s commendable 10-2 record, combined with a strong home performance, solidifies their reputation as a competitive team. While Decatur’s record and overall scoring averages highlight their offensive firepower, Westlake’s solid defensive stats and key player performances show their resilience.

Both teams have demonstrated what it takes to be elite at their respective levels, making them standout programs this season. The clash of such teams, should it occur, would promise an exciting and fiercely competitive matchup that fans would not want to miss.