The Venice (FL) varsity football team is playing at home against West Orange (Winter Garden, FL) in a playoff game. This matchup is part of the 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships in the 7A division.

Venice vs West Orange Game Info:

What:  Florida High School Football Playoffs
Who: Venice vs West Orange
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – 7A FHSAA Football
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Venice vs West Orange

As the 2024-2025 football season unfolds, the West Orange and Venice teams have established themselves as formidable contenders in their respective districts, with impressive records and standout individual performances. Here’s an in-depth look at their season statistics, team comparisons, and what we can expect from this exciting matchup.

Team Overview

West Orange enters the season with a solid 10-2 record, dominating their district with a perfect 3-0 record. The team has performed exceptionally well at home, winning all six of their home games, while their away record stands at 4-2. With a team scoring average of 26.3 points per game, they have proven to be an efficient offensive unit, with a strong defense that allowed 208 points over the course of the season.

Venice, on the other hand, boasts a remarkable 11-1 overall record. They have dominated their district with a perfect 3-0 record, and have been nearly unstoppable at home, with a 6-1 away record and a flawless 5-0 mark on the road. Averaging a high 50.7 points per game, Venice’s offense has been explosive, putting up a staggering 608 points this season, while their defense allowed 310 points.

Team Scoring Averages

Looking at their scoring distribution, West Orange has had a balanced attack throughout the quarters, averaging 5.8 points in the first, 5.2 points in the second, 8.8 in the third, and 3.6 points in the fourth quarter. Their total scoring average of 26.3 points per game shows consistency, though they tend to have more explosive quarters in the middle of the game.

Venice, however, has been a powerhouse offensively. They come out strong, averaging 16.0 points in the first quarter and 16.1 in the second. Even in the second half, their scoring remains high, with 8.0 points in the third and 10.1 in the fourth quarter. Their 6.0 points in overtime further emphasizes their high-scoring nature, with an impressive final average of 50.7 points per game.

Statistical Comparison

When comparing key stats across both teams, Venice stands out in several categories, especially in total yards per game. They average 470.8 total yards per game, which is significantly higher than West Orange’s 313.0 yards. Venice’s strength lies in their rushing game, with 275.3 rushing yards per game compared to West Orange’s 153.9. On the flip side, West Orange has a slight edge in passing yards, with 159.1 per game compared to Venice’s 195.4.

Defensively, Venice is the more aggressive team, averaging 94.3 tackles per game and 1.9 sacks per game, while West Orange averages 70.8 tackles and 3.7 sacks per game. Despite the disparity in tackles, West Orange has been more effective at pressuring the quarterback, as shown by their higher sack count.

Team Leaders

Each team boasts impressive individual performances:

• West Orange’s Brian Dillard has been a standout on both offense and defense, leading the team with 50.9 rushing yards per game, 97.7 passing yards per game, and 165.3 total yards per game. Additionally, Dillard contributes to the defense with 8.1 tackles per game and 7.2 points per game.
• Venice’s Gata Wilder has been exceptional, leading the team with 137.1 rushing yards per game and 13.2 points per game. Quarterback Jayce Nixon has also been a key performer, contributing 175.8 passing yards per game and 178.6 total yards per game.
• Venice’s Winston Watkins Jr. is another major threat in the receiving game, with 76.3 yards per game.

Record Breakdown

Both teams have been dominant in their respective competitions, with West Orange going 6-0 at home and Venice finishing 5-0 on the road. Their overall head-to-head comparison shows that neither has faced off this season yet, but both have proven themselves in playoff games, with each team sporting a 2-0 playoff record. The two teams have yet to face common opponents, which only adds to the mystery and excitement of this matchup.

Conclusion

As the season progresses, this statistical breakdown sets the stage for an exciting showdown between two powerhouse teams. Venice’s high-scoring offense and aggressive defense present a major challenge for West Orange, who will look to utilize their balanced attack and strong home-field advantage to stay competitive. The individual performances of players like Brian Dillard and Gata Wilder will undoubtedly be a key factor in determining the outcome of any potential matchup between these two teams. Fans can look forward to an intense and high-energy contest that will highlight the best of high school football in Florida.