The DeWitt (MI) varsity football team will host Zeeland West (Zeeland, MI) for a playoff game today at 1 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 Michigan High School Football Playoff Brackets in Division 3.

What: Michigan High School Football
Who: DeWitt (MI) vs Zeeland West (MI)
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Where: Forest Hills Eastern High School
Bracket: 2024 Michigan High School Football Playoff Brackets: MHSAA – Division 3
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

A Clash of Titans: Zeeland West vs. DeWitt – A Deep Dive into Their Football Dominance

As the high school football season wraps up, two of Michigan’s most dominant teams, Zeeland West and DeWitt, have emerged as heavyweights in the state. Both programs have impressed with near-perfect records and overwhelming statistics, setting the stage for an electrifying matchup. Let’s break down their seasons, strengths, and key players to get a closer look at what makes these teams so formidable.

Overall Performance & Record Breakdown

Zeeland West enters the season with an impressive 11-1 record, having only been bested by a tough opponent. The team boasts a solid .917 win percentage and .800 league win rate, which is a testament to their consistency and ability to perform under pressure. They have scored an average of 34.2 points per game while allowing just 192 points across 12 games.

In contrast, DeWitt remains undefeated with a perfect 12-0 record, a flawless 6-0 in league play, and a perfect 7-0 record at home. Their dominance on both sides of the ball has resulted in an average of 56.8 points per game, while they have allowed just 270 points over the course of the season. DeWitt’s ability to finish strong in all areas of the game is clear, as they maintain a perfect 1.000 win percentage and 1.000 league percentage.

Scoring Averages & Team Strengths

The statistical breakdown of both teams paints a vivid picture of their contrasting styles. Zeeland West has a well-rounded offense, averaging 10.7 points in the first quarter and maintaining a steady 34.2 points per game overall. They excel with a balanced approach that keeps their opponents on edge throughout the game.

DeWitt, however, dominates with a faster-paced, high-scoring offense. Their first-quarter scoring average of 22.8 points highlights their ability to come out strong and set the tone early. Despite their high-scoring nature, DeWitt tends to slow down in the later stages of the game, but their lead is often insurmountable by the fourth quarter.

Statistical Comparison: Key Areas of Strength

• Rushing Yards: Zeeland West’s offense is powered by a strong ground game, with an average of 354.3 rushing yards per game. Their ability to control the ball and keep the clock running makes them a tough matchup for any defense. DeWitt, on the other hand, focuses more on total yards, racking up 528.0 yards per game, with 173.8 coming from the air and 354.3 on the ground.
• Passing Yards: Zeeland West’s Elliott Larner is a dual threat, accumulating 173.8 passing yards per game. This gives them an air attack to complement their strong running game. DeWitt, while also effective in the air, leans more on their overall yardage rather than focusing heavily on passing.
• Defense & Tackles: Zeeland West’s defense is led by Charlie Winsor, averaging 8.5 tackles per game. Their aggressive defensive play helps them keep opposing offenses in check. DeWitt’s defense, while not as focused on individual tackles, benefits from a team effort that leads to fewer points allowed and consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Key Players to Watch

• Zeeland West:
  • Elliott Larner: As a top rusher and passer, Larner is the key player in Zeeland West’s attack. He has an average of 148.8 rushing yards and 173.8 passing yards per game, making him a dual-threat that defenses struggle to stop.
  • Traverse Moore: Moore has been crucial on offense, contributing an average of 14.6 points per game.
• DeWitt:
  • Elliott Larner: Another player named Elliott Larner emerges as a standout for DeWitt, managing 322.5 total yards per game, a remarkable stat.
  • Charlie Winsor: Winsor’s defensive prowess, with 8.5 tackles per game, shows he’s a key factor in DeWitt’s defensive strategy.

Head-to-Head and Playoff Success

The matchup between Zeeland West and DeWitt has not yet occurred this season, but the comparison of their records and performances suggests an exciting battle ahead. DeWitt enters the postseason as the undisputed favorite with a perfect record, but Zeeland West’s only loss came against a tough opponent, and their playoff experience could play a crucial role.

• Home & Away Records: Both teams have dominated on their home turf, with Zeeland West boasting a 6-0 home record and DeWitt notching a 7-0 home win streak. This dominance suggests both teams are tough to beat when the stakes are high.
• Playoff Success: Both teams have shown their strength in the postseason. Zeeland West is 3-0 in playoff games this year, while DeWitt holds a strong 3-0 record as well.

Final Thoughts: A Showdown to Remember

With both teams excelling in different areas—Zeeland West’s balanced offense and DeWitt’s explosive scoring and defense—this matchup promises to be one for the books. Zeeland West’s ability to control the clock with its powerful rushing attack will clash with DeWitt’s lightning-fast offensive style. It will be a true test of strategy, execution, and willpower.

Regardless of the outcome, the game will undoubtedly showcase some of Michigan’s best high school football talent, and fans can expect nothing short of a thrilling spectacle. Whether Zeeland West can neutralize DeWitt’s early explosiveness or DeWitt will continue its dominant, undefeated streak, only time will tell.