The Westlake (Waldorf, MD) varsity football team will host Damascus (MD) in a home playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 Maryland High School Football Playoff Brackets: MPSSAA – 2A tournament.
What: Maryland High School Football
Who: Westlake (LA) vs Damascus (LA)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Maryland High School Football Playoff Brackets: MPSSAA – 2A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network
Damascus vs. Westlake: A Clash of High-Scoring Powerhouses
The football season is heating up as Damascus and Westlake, two standout teams in Maryland’s Class 4A, face off in an exciting matchup. Both teams have impressive records and a wealth of talent across the roster, setting the stage for a highly anticipated contest.
Damascus: A Balanced and Resilient Squad
Damascus enters the game with a 7-3 record, having demonstrated both resilience and balance throughout the season. With a regional record of 1-0 and a solid 4-1 mark at home, the team has proven difficult to beat on their own turf. The Damascus offense averages 24.0 points per game, with strong performances from their top contributors. Key players include Devin Cox, who leads the team in rushing with 124.8 yards per game, and Jayden Pritchett, who averages 32.5 receiving yards per game. The team has shown versatility, with Cox also contributing significantly in total yards (138.9 per game).
Defensively, Damascus has been consistent, averaging 69.3 tackles per game, with linebacker Timothy Freelon III contributing 11.5 tackles per game. While the team has struggled in some areas, such as passing yards (108.1 per game), they have been able to rely on a strong ground game and steady defense to keep games competitive.
Westlake: An Offensive Juggernaut
On the other hand, Westlake boasts a superior 9-2 record, with an impressive 6-2 regional performance. The team is firing on all cylinders, especially in the offensive department, where they average 32.1 points per game, showcasing a dynamic and explosive attack. Leading the charge is their offense, which puts up 353 points over the course of the season while only allowing 96 points. They dominate the air with a balanced passing attack, thanks to quarterback William Drakeford Jr., who contributes 101.4 passing yards per game.
Devin Cox may be the top rusher for Damascus, but Westlake’s team rushing yards per game (199.6) are among the best, helping them maintain control of the ball. The offensive line has been solid, with 2 pancake blocks per game, providing key protection. The defense has also held strong, tallying 69.3 tackles per game and 2.6 sacks per game, with defensive lineman Larelle Edwards leading the charge with 1 sack per game.
Key Team Stats Comparison
| Stat Category | Damascus | Westlake |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards/Game | 199.6 | 199.6 |
| Passing Yards/Game | 108.1 | 101.4 |
| Total Yards/Game | 307.7 | 353 |
| Tackles/Game | 69.3 | 69.3 |
| Sacks/Game | 2.6 | 2.6 |
| Points/Game | 24.0 | 32.1 |
| Pancake Blocks | 2 | 6 |
The two teams show a strong balance of offensive power and defensive stability, but Westlake edges out Damascus in overall yardage and points per game. The explosive scoring ability of Westlake in the second half, particularly in the final quarter (13.3 points), could be a critical factor in this matchup.
Record Breakdown: Damascus vs. Westlake
- Damascus
- Overall Record: 7-3
- Region Record: 1-0
- Home Record: 4-1
- Away Record: 3-2
- Westlake
- Overall Record: 9-2
- Region Record: 6-2
- Home Record: 5-0
- Away Record: 4-2
Both teams have demonstrated strong regional performances, with Damascus boasting an undefeated region record at home. However, Westlake’s ability to dominate on the road with a 4-2 away record adds a layer of confidence going into this game.
Key Players to Watch
- Damascus:
- Devin Cox (Rushing Leader): With 124.8 rushing yards per game, Cox will be a major factor in helping Damascus control the tempo of the game.
- Jayden Pritchett (Receiving Leader): Pritchett’s 32.5 receiving yards per game could help Damascus build key drives in the passing game.
- Timothy Freelon III (Tackles Leader): Freelon’s defensive prowess will be key in limiting Westlake’s high-scoring offense.
- Westlake:
- William Drakeford Jr. (Quarterback): A key player for Westlake, Drakeford will need to manage the game and keep the passing attack sharp.
- Larelle Edwards (Defensive Leader): With 1 sack per game, Edwards will be instrumental in putting pressure on Damascus’ offense.
- Overall Offensive Line: Westlake’s ability to control the line of scrimmage, particularly in the run game, will likely be a deciding factor in the game’s outcome.
Conclusion
This matchup between Damascus and Westlake promises to be a thrilling contest between two high-scoring and resilient teams. While both squads have their strengths, Westlake’s offensive firepower and balanced defense give them an edge heading into this clash. However, with players like Devin Cox and Jayden Pritchett, Damascus has the tools to make it a close contest. Football fans can expect an exciting game that could come down to the final moments.
