The Westlake (Austin, TX) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Lake Travis (Austin, TX) on Friday, December 6 at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 6A Division 1 tournament.

Westlake vs Lake Travis Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Westlake vs Lake Travis
When: Friday, December 6, 2024
Bracket: 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships – 2024 Football Conference 6A D1
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Westlake vs Lake Travis

As the high school football season draws to a close, all eyes are on the highly anticipated playoff game between the Lake Travis Cavaliers and the Westlake Chaparrals. Both teams have had stellar seasons, finishing with identical records of 12-1, and their upcoming game promises to be a thrilling contest for local fans.

Season Overview

Lake Travis has been dominant this season, posting a 12-1 overall record. In district play, they went 5-1, securing a solid second-place finish behind Westlake. The Cavaliers have been particularly strong at home, with a 4-1 record, but they have proven themselves on the road as well, boasting a perfect 5-0 mark in away games. Their offense has been explosive, averaging 47.6 points per game and racking up 453.4 total yards per game, with 229.6 yards coming through the air and 223.8 on the ground.

Westlake, also with a 12-1 record, has had an equally impressive season. They went undefeated in district play, finishing with a perfect 6-0 district record. Their offense has been a bit more balanced, averaging 39.9 points per game and 378.8 total yards per game. The Chaparrals have been a tough team to beat, with standout performances from players like quarterback Rees Wise and running back Lawson Grimes, whose contributions have been key to their success.

The Head-to-Head

The first meeting between these two teams occurred on October 25, 2024, in a district game that saw Westlake emerge victorious with a 28-16 win. In that contest, Westlake’s defense stifled Lake Travis, holding them to just 16 points. Lake Travis was unable to get much going in the first half, scoring just three points in the first two quarters, while Westlake’s offense continued to click on all cylinders, scoring seven points in each quarter to seal the win.

Team Strengths and Key Players

When comparing the two teams, both have their strengths. Lake Travis has a high-powered offense led by quarterback Chaston Ditta, who has thrown for 215.1 yards per game, and running back Vann Hopping, who averages 114.0 yards per game on the ground. The Cavaliers also boast a potent receiving corps, with Patrick Colby contributing 97 yards per game through the air.

Westlake, on the other hand, has a well-balanced attack. Rees Wise has been exceptional, throwing for 163.2 yards per game, while running back Lawson Grimes has been a steady force, averaging 76.0 yards per game. On defense, the Chaparrals are solid, with linebacker Elliott Schaper contributing 7.8 tackles per game and defensive end Forrest Breyfogle adding 1.0 sack per game.

Common Opponents

Both teams have had success against common opponents this season, with a perfect 5-0 record when facing teams like Bowie, Del Valle, and Dripping Springs. The teams have shown their dominance in these matchups, with both squads winning decisively, often by lopsided scores. This demonstrates the strength of both teams, as they have each handled similar competition with ease.

Looking Ahead

With the playoffs underway, this neutral-site game between Lake Travis and Westlake will be a showdown of two of the top teams in the state. The Cavaliers will be looking for redemption after their earlier loss to the Chaparrals, while Westlake aims to prove that their dominant district performance was no fluke.

Both teams will lean on their high-powered offenses and tough defenses to try and secure a spot in the next round. The game promises to be an exciting clash of titans, with a rivalry that has heated up over the years and only seems to get more competitive with each passing season.

Final Thoughts

With identical records, strong offensive units, and solid defenses, the Lake Travis vs. Westlake matchup is shaping up to be one for the ages. Both teams have shown they can dominate in all facets of the game, and with a state playoff berth on the line, expect a highly competitive and hard-fought battle. Fans will surely not want to miss this highly anticipated game as both teams vie for a chance at glory.