The Westside varsity football team from Augusta, GA, will host Oconee County from Watkinsville, GA, in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m. This matchup is part of the “2024 GHSA Class 3A Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets” tournament.
Oconee County vs Westside High School Football Game Info:
What: Georgia High School Football
Who: Oconee County vs Westside
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30p p.m.
Bracket: 2024 First Hawaiian Bank/HHSAA Football State Championships (Hawaii) – Division I-OPEN
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Oconee County vs Westside
On Friday, November 15, the Westside Patriots from Augusta, GA, will face off against the Oconee County Warriors in a thrilling GHSA Class 3A playoff game. With both teams bringing impressive records and motivated rosters to the field, this matchup is set to be one of the most competitive in the opening rounds.
Season Overview and Rankings
Oconee County enters the playoffs with a 6-4 record, ranking #9 in Class 3A and #88 overall in Georgia. Their season included a solid 4-1 record in regional play, reflecting their ability to perform under high-stakes conditions. Meanwhile, Westside boasts a stronger 8-2 record and is ranked #27 in Class 3A and #180 statewide. The Patriots have been dominant in their region with a 6-2 record, showcasing their consistent performance both at home and away.
Offensive Powerhouses
Both teams display unique offensive strengths. Oconee County averages 30.7 points per game, with standout scoring in the second quarter (10.8 points on average) and strong overtime performance. They accumulate an impressive 392 total yards per game, with a balanced attack that includes 198.3 rushing yards and 193.7 passing yards. Westside averages 26.2 points per game, with second-quarter scoring surges and a consistent ground game, averaging 203.1 rushing yards.
Key players for Oconee County include running back Caiden Wood (#3), who averages 108.1 rushing yards per game, and quarterback Titus Watkins (#14), who has been highly effective in the air, throwing for 189.5 yards per game. Watkins is also a versatile threat with a total of 207.4 yards per game.
Westside’s offense is led by running back Jeanarion Kamga (#8), who averages 122.5 rushing yards and 10.8 points per game. Quarterback Jaylen Stone (#12) contributes with 99.1 passing yards per game, and receiver Joshua “JC” Crawford (#1) has been a reliable target, averaging 26.4 receiving yards.
Defensive Comparisons
Westside’s defense has been a cornerstone of their success this season, averaging a formidable 58.4 tackles per game and allowing just 130 points across ten games. Defensive lineman Nick Smalls (#9) leads the team in sacks, with an average of 0.7 per game, while Crawford contributes on both sides of the ball, averaging 6.6 tackles per game.
Oconee County’s defense averages 37.8 tackles per game, led by linebacker Zach Weeks (#8) with 8.7 tackles per game. Defensive lineman Kmari Morrow (#57) has been effective at applying pressure with 0.5 sacks per game. While their tackle average is lower than Westside’s, their strong offensive stats often allow them to control the pace of the game.
Pancake Blocks: A Physical Edge for Westside
A unique highlight in Westside’s play is their proficiency in pancake blocks, recording 71 total for the season. Offensive lineman RJ Harris (#54) leads this category with 13 pancake blocks, adding an edge in physicality that could play a key role in controlling the line of scrimmage.
Head-to-Head Comparison and Outlook
Both teams come into the playoffs with strong regional records and demonstrated resilience on the road, each holding a 3-2 away record. Westside’s home-field advantage (4-1) could give them an edge, especially as they look to contain Oconee County’s balanced offensive attack.
The game is expected to be a close contest, with Westside’s disciplined defense set against Oconee County’s high-powered offense. Football fans can look forward to an intense showdown as both teams vie for the chance to advance in the 2024 GHSA Class 3A playoffs.