The Westlake (Austin, TX) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Lake Travis (Austin, TX) on Friday, December 6, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 6A Division 1 tournament.

Westlake vs Lake Travis Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Westlake vs Lake Travis
When: Friday, December 6, 2024
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 6A D1
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Westlake vs Lake Travis

The rivalry between Lake Travis and Westlake is one of the most intense in Texas high school football. With both teams dominating their respective districts and boasting impressive records, the matchups between these two Austin-based teams never fail to deliver high-octane football action. As the teams prepare for a crucial neutral-site playoff game on December 6, 2024, let’s break down the stats and key storylines.

Regular Season Overview

Both Lake Travis and Westlake finished their regular seasons with identical 12-1 records, but the similarities don’t stop there. Each team displayed dominant performances in their districts, with Westlake perfect in district play (6-0) and Lake Travis finishing at 5-1.

• Lake Travis: The Cavaliers’ offense was prolific, averaging 47.6 points per game and scoring an impressive 619 points throughout the season. Their defense, allowing just 204 points, was equally formidable. With a balanced attack of rushing and passing, they have been tough to beat, especially on their home turf, where they went 4-1.
• Westlake: The Chaparrals were equally impressive, boasting a powerful offense that averaged 39.9 points per game and accumulated 589 total points. They were perfect in district play (6-0) and excelled both at home (7-1) and on the road (4-0). Westlake’s defense was also a standout, limiting opponents to just 158 points for the entire season.

Head-to-Head: Westlake Prevails

In their most recent matchup on October 25, 2024, Westlake triumphed over Lake Travis in a dominant 28-16 victory. Despite Lake Travis’s best efforts, Westlake’s offense found consistent success, scoring a touchdown in every quarter. The Cavaliers, on the other hand, struggled to get on the scoreboard early and could not mount a sufficient comeback after the halftime break.

• Scoring Breakdown (October 25, 2024):
  • Westlake: 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 = 28
  • Lake Travis: 0 | 3 | 7 | 6 = 16

This victory gives Westlake a 1-0 advantage in head-to-head matchups this season, but with the rematch looming in the playoffs, the stakes could not be higher.

Team Comparisons

As both teams head into the neutral-site playoff game, their overall offensive and defensive stats suggest a closely matched contest. Here’s a look at the key team statistics:

• Rushing: Lake Travis leads with 223.8 rushing yards per game compared to Westlake’s 188.5.
• Passing: Lake Travis is slightly ahead in passing yards with 229.6 per game, while Westlake follows closely with 190.3.
• Total Yards: Lake Travis holds a substantial edge, averaging 453.4 total yards per game compared to Westlake’s 378.8.
• Points: Lake Travis also averages more points per game, scoring 47.2 compared to Westlake’s 39.9.
• Tackles: Lake Travis averages 76.1 tackles per game, while Westlake is at 61.2.
• Sacks: Both teams are tied at 2.5 sacks per game.

Key Players to Watch

• Lake Travis:
  • Chaston Ditta (QB) has been a key leader for the Cavaliers, passing for 215.1 yards per game and contributing to their high-scoring offense.
  • Vann Hopping (RB) leads the team with 114 rushing yards per game, providing a solid ground game to complement Ditta’s aerial attack.
  • Patrick Colby (WR) is another player to watch, with 97 receiving yards per game, creating opportunities for big plays.
• Westlake:
  • Rees Wise (QB) leads Westlake’s offense, passing for 163.2 yards per game and helping the team remain balanced on offense.
  • Lawson Grimes (RB) has been a key component of Westlake’s offense, rushing for 76 yards per game.
  • Elliott Schaper (LB) leads the defense, contributing 7.8 tackles per game and helping to stymie opposing offenses.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced similar opponents throughout the season and emerged victorious in every instance. Here’s how they fared against common opponents:

• Bowie: Both teams recorded decisive wins, with Lake Travis beating Bowie 44-6 and Westlake dominating 48-7.
• Del Valle: Lake Travis won 56-7, while Westlake claimed a 77-0 victory.
• Dripping Springs: Lake Travis won 49-21, while Westlake won 35-14.
• Akins: Lake Travis cruised to a 51-0 victory, while Westlake won 70-0.
• Austin: Lake Travis triumphed 56-7, and Westlake secured a 49-7 win.

The Road to the Playoffs

Both teams enter the playoffs with high expectations. Lake Travis has been dominant in playoff games this year, winning all three of their neutral-site games, while Westlake has remained perfect in their neutral-site contests as well. Both teams will look to build on their strong performances in the postseason, but only one can advance further in their quest for a state championship.

Conclusion

The December 6, 2024, neutral-site playoff game between Lake Travis and Westlake promises to be an exciting continuation of their heated rivalry. With both teams possessing potent offenses, stingy defenses, and dynamic playmakers, this game will be a spectacle for high school football fans across Texas. Will Westlake continue its winning ways, or will Lake Travis exact revenge in the postseason? Only time will tell.