The Fishers (IN) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Westfield (IN) on Friday, November 15 at 7 p.m.
What: Indiana High School Football
Who: Fishers (IN) vs Westfield (IN)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
Westfield vs. Fishers Football Matchup Preview
Overview: On November 15, the Westfield Shamrocks will face off against the Fishers Tigers in an exciting playoff matchup in Fishers, Indiana. This game will be a rematch of their October 11 conference game, where Westfield emerged victorious with a 46-12 score. The upcoming game presents a chance for Fishers to redeem their earlier loss and challenge a dominant Westfield team that has had an impressive season.
Season Records and Rankings
- Westfield: 10-1 (6-1 conference), ranked 3rd in Indiana Class 3
- Fishers: 7-4 (4-3 conference), ranked 8th in Indiana Class 8
Westfield boasts a higher win percentage (.909) compared to Fishers (.636) and has been strong on both ends of the field, particularly at home with a perfect 7-0 record. Meanwhile, Fishers has shown resilience on the road with a 6-1 away record, indicating they may have the upper hand in terms of performance outside their home stadium.
Offensive and Defensive Stats Comparison
Westfield’s offense has been effective throughout the season, averaging 33.6 points per game, whereas Fishers averages 29.5 points per game. Defensively, Westfield has allowed fewer points, giving up 145 points compared to Fishers’ 299. This disparity shows Westfield’s overall control on defense, which could be crucial in high-stakes playoff scenarios.
Team Scoring Averages by Quarter
| Quarter | Westfield | Fishers |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 14.9 | 5.1 |
| Q2 | 12.1 | 11.7 |
| Q3 | 5.8 | 4.8 |
| Q4 | 4.2 | 7.5 |
| OT1 | 7.0 | 3.0 |
| Final | 33.6 | 29.5 |
Westfield’s early-game dominance, particularly in the first quarter (14.9 points), could give them a strategic advantage, while Fishers has been slightly stronger in the fourth quarter, indicating their potential for comebacks late in the game.
Key Players
Westfield:
- Deacon King (#20): Averaging 89.8 rushing yards per game and 8.2 points per game, King is essential to Westfield’s ground attack.
- Carsen Melvin (#4): Westfield’s quarterback, averaging 143.3 passing yards and 165.4 total yards per game, leads a balanced offense.
- Keegan Krupp (#32): With 8.1 tackles per game, Krupp anchors Westfield’s defensive front.
Fishers:
- Ryan Thembulembu (#3): Thembulembu provides a consistent rushing threat, with 83.6 rushing yards and 10.3 points per game.
- Gage Sturgill (#10): Leading Fishers’ offense with an impressive 231.2 passing yards per game and 263.4 total yards per game, Sturgill’s play will be key for the Tigers.
- Emmanuel Cowherd (#22): A reliable tackler, averaging 9.5 tackles per game, Cowherd will play a crucial role in trying to stymie Westfield’s offense.
Head-to-Head Recap
On October 11, Westfield defeated Fishers 46-12, setting the tone early by scoring 19 points in the first quarter. Despite Fishers showing some scoring power in the second half, they were unable to catch up to Westfield’s explosive start.
Statistical Comparison
| Statistic | Westfield | Fishers |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards/Game | 191.0 | 112.1 |
| Passing Yards/Game | 156.5 | 218.5 |
| Receiving Yards/Game | 150.6 | 218.6 |
| Total Yards/Game | 347.5 | 330.6 |
| Tackles/Game | 70.0 | 68.5 |
| Sacks/Game | 1.7 | 0.8 |
| Points/Game | 33.6 | 29.5 |
Westfield’s offensive strategy is more balanced between rushing and passing, while Fishers leans heavily on its passing game, led by Sturgill. Defensively, Westfield averages more sacks per game, which could pressure Sturgill and disrupt Fishers’ passing rhythm.
Common Opponents
Both teams have performed well against common opponents, with Westfield holding a 6-1 record and Fishers a 6-2 record. Notably, both teams defeated Hamilton Southeastern and Zionsville, but Westfield also secured a win over Brownsburg, a team that handed Fishers a narrow loss.
Game Outlook
For Fishers to upset Westfield, they’ll need to contain Westfield’s potent offense, particularly in the first quarter. Westfield’s ability to start strong has been a decisive factor, and if Fishers can limit early damage, they may have a better chance to capitalize on their own late-game strengths.
This playoff showdown is set to be an intense battle, as Westfield looks to maintain their strong season performance while Fishers seeks redemption on home turf.
