The West Mesquite Varsity Football team will play a neutral playoff game against Midlothian on Friday, November 22 at 7:00 PM at Wildcat-Ram Stadium in Richardson, TX. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships for the 5A Division 1 tournament.

West Mesquite vs Midlothian Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: West Mesquite vs Midlothian
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 5A D1
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Game preview: West Mesquite vs Midlothian

As the high school football season unfolds, two teams from Texas have been generating plenty of buzz with impressive records and strong performances. Midlothian and West Mesquite both stand out in their respective regions, boasting strong offenses, solid defenses, and a winning mindset. But how do these two juggernauts compare as they head into the postseason?

Midlothian Panthers: A Season of Consistency

The Midlothian Panthers (9-2) have had a strong season, with their only two losses coming from district play. Sitting at 5-1 in district competition, the Panthers have shown resilience both at home (5-2) and on the road (4-0), holding a solid .818 overall win percentage. A key to their success has been their ability to score consistently throughout the game, averaging 34.8 points per game.

Midlothian’s offense is led by dynamic senior Beau Wendel, who has rushed for 85.9 yards per game and passed for an impressive 91.2 yards per game, totaling 177.1 yards per game. On defense, Jaxon Salzman is a standout, averaging 7.5 tackles per game. The Panthers are no slouches in the trenches either, averaging 48.1 tackles per game and putting pressure on the quarterback with 1.5 sacks per game.

West Mesquite Wranglers: Perfect Through the Regular Season

On the other hand, the West Mesquite Wranglers (11-0) have been flawless throughout the regular season, maintaining a perfect 8-0 district record and a 6-0 mark on the road. Their offense has been a juggernaut, averaging an astounding 43.1 points per game. West Mesquite has shown a perfect balance, with explosive plays early in games, scoring 15.0 points in the first quarter and 16.7 in the second quarter. Although their scoring drops off in the third and fourth quarters, they’ve built large enough leads to hold on for the win.

The Wranglers’ offensive production has been led by their dynamic playmakers, though specifics on individual player stats are scarce. Their defense has also been dominant, allowing only 113 points over the course of the season, making them a tough matchup for any opponent.

Key Comparisons: Offense, Defense, and Special Teams

Offensive Production
While West Mesquite boasts a high-scoring offense, averaging 43.1 points per game, Midlothian’s offense is no slouch either, averaging 34.8 points per game. The difference is in the early-game explosion, as West Mesquite averages 15 points in the first quarter, compared to Midlothian’s 5.5. This early dominance could give the Wranglers an edge, especially in high-stakes games.

Defensive Strength
West Mesquite’s defense has been exceptional, allowing just 113 points over the course of the season, while Midlothian’s defense has allowed 340 points, giving up an average of 34.9 points per game. While Midlothian’s defense can make plays, the Wranglers’ defensive unit has been more consistent in shutting down opponents.

Stat Leaders
Beau Wendel is a standout for Midlothian, accounting for over 170 total yards per game, while Jaxon Salzman leads the team in tackles. West Mesquite has had a more balanced attack, with several contributors leading the way, but their overall stats are a reflection of the team’s depth and execution.

Playoff Prospects

Both teams have been solid in their respective playoff performances, with Midlothian securing a 1-0 record in postseason play and West Mesquite remaining perfect at 1-0. Given their current form, both teams are poised to make deep runs, and a potential matchup between the two could be a thrilling playoff showdown.

Conclusion

Midlothian and West Mesquite have both enjoyed remarkable seasons, but their styles of play differ in several key ways. Midlothian has the edge in total yards per game (365.9) and rushing, thanks to Wendel’s dual-threat capabilities. On the other hand, West Mesquite’s flawless record, defensive dominance, and early-game scoring ability make them a formidable opponent in any scenario.

With playoffs approaching, it will be interesting to see how these two teams match up, as each has shown they can rise to the occasion when it matters most.