The Westlake (Austin, TX) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Johnson (Buda, TX) on Friday, November 29, at 1:00 PM at Toney Burger Stadium. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 6A Division 1 tournament.

Westlake vs Johnson Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Westlake vs Johnson
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 6A D1
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Game preview: Westlake vs Johnson

As the 2024-2025 high school football season rolls on, two teams from Texas have emerged with impressive records and unique playstyles. Johnson High School and Westlake High School are both highly ranked, with Johnson boasting an 8-4 record and Westlake sitting at an 11-1 record. Here, we take a closer look at the teams’ season performances, individual stats, and head-to-head comparisons.

Team Overview: Johnson vs. Westlake

Johnson High School has had a solid season, with an overall record of 8-4. Their district record stands at 3-3, showing some struggles within league play. However, they were strong at home, securing a perfect 5-0 record in home games. The team’s performance is bolstered by strong offensive plays, particularly in rushing and passing. With a total of 390 points scored (32.5 per game), they show a balanced attack, though their defense has allowed 378 points (31.5 per game).

Westlake High School, on the other hand, is dominating the field with an outstanding 11-1 record, finishing their district play undefeated at 6-0. Their offensive capabilities have been remarkable, averaging 44.8 points per game, resulting in a staggering 537 total points for the season. Defensively, they’ve been stifling, allowing only 144 points (12 per game). With a perfect 4-0 record in away games and 1-0 in neutral-site games, Westlake has been a tough opponent in all scenarios.

Scoring and Statistical Comparison

When it comes to offensive and defensive play, Westlake holds a clear advantage.

Johnson has averaged 272.8 rushing yards per game, a stat driven by standout running back Kael Hatnot, who leads the team with 150.2 rushing yards per game. The team’s passing game, led by W. Garrett Hall with 75.3 yards per game, is less dominant but contributes to their versatile offense. Their total yards per game stand at 348.8, a solid number but trailing Westlake’s 373.9.

Westlake’s offense, led by quarterback Rees Wise and running back Lawson Grimes, has been more explosive, averaging 181.3 rushing yards per game and 192.6 passing yards. Their total yards per game (373.9) reflect a more well-rounded attack. Key player Rees Wise has been especially effective with 165.2 yards per game in total offense.

Defensively, Johnson has averaged 50.2 tackles per game, compared to Westlake’s 63.1. Westlake also excels in sacks, averaging 2.6 per game versus Johnson’s 1.8. Both teams, however, are led by standouts in their respective defensive lines, with Johnson’s Dre Giello and Westlake’s Elliott Schaper anchoring their units.

Team Leaders

• Johnson:
  • Kael Hatnot: 150.2 rushing yards per game
  • W. Garrett Hall: 75.3 passing yards per game
  • Dre Giello: 6.3 tackles per game
• Westlake:
  • Rees Wise: 165.2 total yards per game
  • Lawson Grimes: 76.0 rushing yards per game
  • Elliott Schaper: 8.2 tackles per game

Both teams have standout athletes, but Westlake’s depth across both offense and defense gives them a clear edge in individual matchups.

Common Opponents

When comparing their performances against common opponents, Westlake has been perfect. They’ve gone 3-0 against teams they share in their schedules with Johnson, winning decisively against Austin, Dripping Springs, and Steele. Johnson, meanwhile, has a 1-2 record against these same teams, with losses to Dripping Springs and Steele and a victory over Austin.

• Austin:
  • Johnson: Won 44-35
  • Westlake: Won 49-7
• Dripping Springs:
  • Johnson: Lost 49-34
  • Westlake: Won 35-14
• Steele:
  • Johnson: Lost 70-14
  • Westlake: Won 41-16

Head-to-Head: Potential Playoff Preview?

If these two teams were to meet in a future playoff matchup, Westlake would certainly be the favorite based on their superior record, offensive production, and defensive capabilities. Their ability to perform in all game situations—home, away, and neutral sites—sets them apart. However, Johnson’s strong home record and ability to compete in tough league games shouldn’t be discounted. Kael Hatnot’s exceptional rushing and playmaking could be a factor if Johnson can control the tempo and keep Westlake’s high-scoring offense off the field.

Conclusion

As both teams look ahead to the remainder of the season and possibly deeper playoff runs, Johnson will need to tighten up their defense and find more consistency in away games. Westlake, on the other hand, is in prime position to go deep into the playoffs, with their balanced attack and stifling defense making them one of the top contenders in Texas high school football.

If they meet, it will surely be a game to watch, with both teams bringing high levels of talent and intensity to the field.