The West Orange (Winter Garden, FL) varsity football team is set to take on Plant City (FL) in a highly anticipated 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – 7A playoff game on Friday, November 22 at 7:30 PM at Plant City High School.

Both teams enter the game with identical records of 9-2 overall, boasting impressive seasons. West Orange has been strong on both sides of the ball, with a .818 win percentage and a perfect 3-0 district record. The team is coming off a dominant 6-0 performance at home, and they’ll look to extend their momentum as they travel to Plant City for this exciting playoff matchup.

On the other side, Plant City has been equally dominant, also posting a .818 win percentage and a perfect 4-0 district record. With a potent offense averaging 46.8 points per game, Plant City has been able to outscore most opponents this season, thanks to their explosive scoring ability and well-rounded team play. Like West Orange, Plant City has been perfect at home, with a strong 6-0 record on their turf.

Key Players and Stats

Both teams feature standout individual performers:

• West Orange‘s Brian Dillard has been a standout on offense, contributing 48.5 rushing yards per game and 83.9 passing yards per game. He leads the team with 150 total yards per game and 6.7 points per game.
• For Plant City, Tony Marshall has been the offensive leader, with 115 rushing yards per game, while Chris Denson has been prolific through the air, averaging 193.8 passing yards per game. Denson’s 277.8 total yards per game make him one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the state.

In terms of defense, West Orange’s Ivan Taylor has contributed with 8.3 tackles per game, while Plant City‘s Seth Hogan leads the charge for the home team with 6.4 tackles per game.

Team Comparisons

Both teams have shown a balanced attack, but Plant City has the edge in total yards per game, averaging 428.9, compared to West Orange’s 297.4. West Orange’s defense, however, has been solid, with 70.5 tackles per game, which will be crucial in containing Plant City’s explosive offense.

On the ground, West Orange relies on Brian Dillard, who averages 48.5 rushing yards per game, while Plant City has Tony Marshall leading their rushing attack with 115.0 rushing yards per game, giving them a clear advantage in the running game.

What to Expect

This matchup promises to be a high-scoring, hard-fought contest, with both teams displaying strong offensive and defensive play. Plant City will look to utilize their home-field advantage and potent offense to advance to the next round of the playoffs, while West Orange will aim to rely on their balanced attack and solid defense to pull off the road victory.

The winner of this game will advance in the 7A FHSAA Football State Championships, continuing their journey toward a state title.

It’s sure to be an exciting game, and fans can expect plenty of action when these two formidable teams meet on the field this Friday night.