The Cartersville High School varsity football team (Cartersville, GA) will host Westminster High School (Atlanta, GA) today at 7:30 PM for a home playoff game. This matchup is part of the 2024 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets for Class 4A.

Westminster vs Cartersville High School Football Game Info:

What: Georgia High School Football
Who: Westminster vs Cartersville
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30p p.m.
Bracket: 2024 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets: GHSA – Class 4A
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Westminster vs Cartersville

The Cartersville High School varsity football team (Cartersville, GA) will host Westminster High School (Atlanta, GA) today at 7:30 PM for a playoff matchup in the 2024 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets for Class 4A. Cartersville enters the game with an undefeated record, while Westminster, despite a .500 overall record, will look to play spoiler on the road.

Team Overview

• Westminster (5-5 overall, 2-2 region) has had an up-and-down season. While they have shown flashes of talent, particularly in their passing game, they have struggled on the road, with a 0-5 away record. The team averages 20.2 points per game and is led by quarterback Nate Russell, who has thrown for 172.8 yards per game. Westminster will need to improve their offensive consistency and find a way to stop Cartersville’s high-powered offense to stay in the game.
• Cartersville (10-0 overall, 6-0 region) has been one of the most dominant teams in Class 4A this season, finishing the regular season undefeated. The Hurricanes have averaged 36.5 points per game, led by quarterback Baylon Long, who has been a dual-threat with both his arm and legs. Cartersville’s offensive balance, with 167.2 rushing yards per game and 205.4 passing yards per game, makes them a tough team to defend. They also boast a strong defense that has allowed only 10.3 points per game, providing a solid foundation for their undefeated season.

Key Player Matchups

• Nate Russell (Westminster) vs. Cartersville’s Defense
  Westminster’s hopes rest largely on the shoulders of quarterback Nate Russell, who has thrown for over 170 yards per game this season. He will need to be at his best against a Cartersville defense that has been tough all season. The key for Westminster will be to establish their passing game early and avoid turnovers, which could give Cartersville the advantage.
• Baylon Long (Cartersville)
  Long has been one of the top quarterbacks in the state, combining for over 200 total yards per game. His ability to manage the game and execute both the run and pass will be pivotal for Cartersville. Long’s playmaking will likely be the difference-maker, as he can hurt Westminster both through the air and on the ground.

Team Stats Comparison

Looking at the stats, Cartersville holds the advantage in nearly every category:

• Scoring Average: Cartersville 36.5 points per game vs. Westminster 20.2
• Total Yards per Game: Cartersville 372.6 yards vs. Westminster 167.2 rushing, 205.4 passing
• Points Allowed per Game: Cartersville 10.3 points vs. Westminster 40.5
• Record: Cartersville 10-0 vs. Westminster 5-5

What to Expect

Cartersville enters the game as the heavy favorite, with a perfect 10-0 record and a well-rounded offense that can score from multiple areas of the field. Their defense has been just as dominant, allowing an average of only 10.3 points per game. Westminster will have their work cut out for them, especially with a weak road record and an offense that has not consistently clicked this season. However, if Russell can find success in the air and avoid mistakes, Westminster could keep the game close.

Common Opponents
Both teams faced Calhoun during the season, with Westminster losing 28-20 on the road, while Cartersville won 35-13 at home. This provides further evidence of Cartersville’s strength, particularly in home games, as they’ve yet to lose this season.

Conclusion

Cartersville will enter this playoff game with momentum on their side, as they have yet to be defeated this season. Westminster will look to defy the odds, but it will take a near-perfect performance to knock off one of the most dominant teams in Georgia. With a high-scoring offense, a tough defense, and a playoff environment in front of their home crowd, Cartersville is poised to advance in the 2024 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets for Class 4A. The game kicks off at 7:30 PM, and fans are eager to see if Westminster can pull off the upset or if Cartersville will continue their path to the state title.