The Westwood varsity football team from Palestine, TX, will face Hardin, TX, in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships, specifically in the 2024 Football Conference 3A Division 1 tournament.

Hardin vs Westwood Football Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Hardin vs Westwood
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m.
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Game preview: Hardin vs Westwood

As the high school football season heats up, one game stands out as a potential clash of the titans: Hardin (7-3) vs. Westwood (10-0). With both teams bringing solid records to the field, this game promises to be an exciting showcase of talent, strategy, and passion.

Team Overview

Hardin:
Hardin enters the game with a 7-3 record, having proven themselves competitive in both district and non-district play. The team is coming off a strong performance at home, where they boasted a 4-1 record. On the road, however, they have faced more challenges, posting a 3-2 record. Hardin has a respectable scoring average of 23.2 points per game, with their most potent quarter being the fourth, where they put up an average of 14.7 points.

Westwood:
Undefeated at 10-0, Westwood has been dominating both at home (6-0) and away (4-0), showcasing their consistency across the board. Their high-powered offense has been putting up an average of 57.2 points per game, with a strong first-half performance, averaging 36.2 points in the first two quarters alone. Their explosive offense has been their calling card, and they have shown no signs of slowing down.

Key Players to Watch

Hardin:

• Jon Denman leads the charge for Hardin, racking up 167 yards per game. With an average of 21 points per game, Denman is the offensive backbone for Hardin and will be pivotal in trying to break down Westwood’s defense.
• Kavian Bryant, a standout passer, is averaging 291.5 passing yards per game, contributing significantly to the team’s total offensive production.
• David Russell has emerged as a primary target in the passing game, with 111.5 receiving yards per game.

Westwood:

• Westwood’s Offensive Juggernaut is led by an impressive combination of passing and rushing yards. Their quarterback, Kavian Bryant (no relation to Hardin’s Bryant), averages a jaw-dropping 349.5 total yards per game.
• Their rush game, spearheaded by their top rusher, is critical for controlling the tempo. Westwood’s offense has shown impressive balance, dominating the scoreboard week in and week out.

Stat Comparison

When comparing team statistics, it’s clear that Westwood has the upper hand offensively. Westwood outpaces Hardin in almost every offensive category:

• Total Yards Per Game: Westwood (572 yards/game) significantly outpaces Hardin (122.4 yards/game).
• Points Per Game: Westwood’s high-scoring offense (57.2 points/game) dwarfs Hardin’s (23.2 points/game), highlighting the challenge Hardin faces in keeping up.
• Rushing and Passing Yards: Westwood has a more diversified offense, with both rushing and passing attacks performing at a higher level than Hardin’s.

Defensive Strengths and Weaknesses

While Hardin’s defense has given up an average of 203 points throughout the season, they have shown resilience, especially in high-stakes moments. Westwood, with a near-perfect season, has allowed only 193 points, underscoring their dominance on both sides of the ball.

The Matchup

With Hardin facing an uphill battle against the undefeated Westwood squad, the game could come down to whether Hardin can control the tempo and slow down Westwood’s high-scoring offense. If Hardin can capitalize on key moments, especially in the second half, and exploit any weaknesses in Westwood’s defense, they may have a shot at pulling off an upset.

For Westwood, the key to maintaining their perfect season will be continuing to execute their offensive game plan while staying disciplined on defense. With their ability to put up points quickly, they will look to build a lead early and put pressure on Hardin’s offense.

Conclusion

The stage is set for an intense showdown between Hardin and Westwood. With Hardin’s solid but challenged record and Westwood’s undefeated dominance, the game is sure to be a high-stakes, action-packed battle. Football fans are in for a thrilling contest as both teams bring their best to the gridiron. Will Hardin’s resilience and late-game strength be enough to challenge Westwood, or will the undefeated team continue their march toward an untarnished season? Only time will tell.