The Lake Oswego (OR) varsity football team will host West Linn (OR) for a home playoff game on Friday, November 29, at 12:30 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 Oregon High School Football Playoff Brackets: OSAA – 6A Open tournament.
Lake Oswego vs West Linn Football Game Info:
What: Oregon High School Football
Who: Lake Oswego vs West Linn
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 12:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 Oregon High School Football Playoff Brackets: OSAA – 6A Open
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Game preview: Lake Oswego vs West Linn
As the Oregon high school football playoffs heat up, all eyes are on Friday’s rematch between the undefeated Lake Oswego Lakers and the resilient West Linn Lions. The two powerhouses are set to clash at Lake Oswego’s home field on November 29 at 12:30 PM, with a spot in the state championship on the line.
Season Recap and Rankings
The Lakers enter the matchup as the top-ranked team in Class 6A with a flawless 11-0 record, including an unblemished 5-0 league slate. Meanwhile, West Linn, ranked second in Class 6A, boasts an impressive 10-1 season record, with their only loss coming at the hands of Lake Oswego earlier this season.
A Narrow Head-to-Head Encounter
The two teams met on October 18 in a thrilling contest that saw Lake Oswego edge out West Linn, 21-17. That victory not only gave the Lakers a psychological edge but also cemented their dominance in league play. West Linn will be seeking redemption and an opportunity to upset the top-seeded Lakers on their home turf.
Team Comparisons: Offense and Defense
Both squads have showcased dominant scoring capabilities, with Lake Oswego slightly edging West Linn in points per game at 40.6 to 40.5. However, the two teams take different paths to their final scores.
- West Linn’s Scoring Spread: The Lions have excelled in the first three quarters, averaging a combined 38 points before slowing in the fourth quarter to just 5.6.
- Lake Oswego’s Strong Finish: The Lakers are known for their explosive fourth quarters, averaging a whopping 29 points late in games, making them especially dangerous in close contests.
Defensively, both teams have been stifling opponents, with West Linn allowing only 123 points all season and Lake Oswego close behind at 133.
Common Opponents: A Balanced Matchup
Both teams have faced and dominated the same four opponents this season, with a combined 8-0 record against them. Notably:
- West Linn posted a 55-0 blowout against Tigard, while Lake Oswego struggled but prevailed 21-17.
- Lake Oswego’s lopsided 109-4 win against Tualatin outshone West Linn’s 56-26 victory over the same opponent.
These performances suggest contrasting strengths, with West Linn capable of explosive starts and Lake Oswego shining in grind-it-out scenarios.
Keys to the Game
- West Linn’s Redemption Arc: After narrowly falling in the first meeting, the Lions need a complete performance, particularly in the fourth quarter, to flip the script.
- Lake Oswego’s Clutch Factor: The Lakers’ ability to close games in the final quarter has been their hallmark this season. Maintaining this trend will be crucial to advancing.
- Turnovers and Momentum: In tight matchups, turnovers and key defensive stops often determine the outcome. Both teams will look to minimize mistakes and capitalize on opportunities.
The Stakes
This game represents the culmination of two dominant seasons and the fierce rivalry between two elite programs. With Lake Oswego looking to maintain their perfect season and West Linn eager to avenge their lone defeat, fans can expect a high-stakes battle with championship implications.
Prediction: The rematch is shaping up to be another closely contested affair. While Lake Oswego’s home-field advantage and clutch performances give them a slight edge, West Linn’s hunger for redemption and offensive firepower make this game a true toss-up.
Kickoff: Friday, November 29 @ 12:30 PM, Lake Oswego High School. Don’t miss it!
