The Westside Rams, with a 9-0 record from Anderson, SC, will host the Lakewood Gators, who are 2-8 from Sumter, SC, in a playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AAAA Football tournament..

Here’s what you need to know:

What: South Carolina High School Football
Who: Westside vs Lakewood
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Bracket: 2024 South Carolina Football State Championships (SCHSL) – Class AAAA Football
Watch here: Watch here

Game preview: Westside vs Lakewood

As the high school football season progresses, the contrast between Lakewood and Westside couldn’t be more evident, with one team riding high and the other struggling to find consistency. Here’s a breakdown of their records, statistics, and key players, showcasing the difference in performance between the two teams.

Team Records & Rankings

• Lakewood (24-25 Season):
  • Overall Record: 2-8
  • Region Record: 1-5
  • Home Record: 0-4
  • Away Record: 2-4
  • Win Percentage: 20%
  • Region Win Percentage: 16.7%
  • Points For (PF): 110
  • Points Against (PA): 395

Lakewood’s season has been one of struggles, with a dismal record in both region play and overall. The team has found it difficult to close out games, with a mere 2-8 record heading into the later stages of the season. Their offensive output has been limited, averaging just 11 points per game, and their defense has allowed a significant 395 points across the season.

• Westside (24-25 Season):
  • Overall Record: 9-0
  • Region Record: 5-0
  • Home Record: 6-0
  • Away Record: 3-0
  • Win Percentage: 100%
  • Region Win Percentage: 100%
  • Points For (PF): 446
  • Points Against (PA): 175

On the other hand, Westside has had an impressive season, sitting undefeated with a perfect 9-0 record. With an exceptional region and home record, Westside has dominated opponents, averaging nearly 50 points per game while allowing just 19.5 points per contest. Their strong offense and defense have propelled them to the top of their league.

Team Scoring Averages

• Lakewood:
  • First Quarter: 0.8
  • Second Quarter: 2.5
  • Third Quarter: 3.5
  • Fourth Quarter: 1.8
  • Overtime: 3.0
  • Final Score: 11.0 points per game
• Westside:
  • First Quarter: 17.1
  • Second Quarter: 19.1
  • Third Quarter: 7.9
  • Fourth Quarter: 7.9
  • Final Score: 49.6 points per game

Clearly, the difference in scoring is stark. Lakewood struggles to put points on the board, particularly early in games, with most of their scoring coming in the second half. In contrast, Westside excels at scoring early and often, particularly in the first and second quarters, often putting games out of reach before halftime.

Statistical Breakdown

• Lakewood:
  • Rushing Yards Per Game: 90.5
  • Passing Yards Per Game: 74.1
  • Receiving Yards Per Game: 74.4
  • Total Yards Per Game: 164.6
  • Tackles Per Game: 11.3
  • Sacks Per Game: 0.3
  • Points Per Game: 9.3
• Westside:
  • Rushing Yards Per Game: 146.3
  • Passing Yards Per Game: 253.1
  • Receiving Yards Per Game: 211.7
  • Total Yards Per Game: 399.4
  • Tackles Per Game: 58.8
  • Sacks Per Game: 0.9
  • Points Per Game: 39.7

Westside’s offensive stats dominate across the board. The team outperforms Lakewood in rushing, passing, receiving, and total yards. With a well-rounded attack, Westside has been able to move the ball effectively and efficiently. Defensively, Westside also excels, averaging nearly 59 tackles per game and posting more sacks than Lakewood.

Key Players to Watch

• Lakewood:
  • Brian Brooks: Rushing Yards Per Game (72.7), Total Yards Per Game (94.0), Points Per Game (7.7)
  • Jaden Green: Passing Yards Per Game (68.4)
  • Zamir “Ziggy” Offord: Receiving Yards Per Game (22.6)
• Westside:
  • Sharode Richardson: Rushing Yards Per Game (110.1)
  • Cutter Woods: Passing Yards Per Game (253.1), Total Yards Per Game (266.2)
  • Chamarryus Bomar: Receiving Yards Per Game (105.8), Points Per Game (10.5)
  • Jaxx Wilson: Tackles Per Game (7.3)

While Lakewood has a few key contributors in Brian Brooks and Jaden Green, Westside boasts an array of playmakers such as Sharode Richardson, Cutter Woods, and Chamarryus Bomar, who are all putting up impressive individual numbers.

Common Opponents

• Lakewood vs. Dreher: Lost 21-13 (9/6/24)
• Westside vs. Dreher: Game on 11/15/24

Both teams share one common opponent this season: Dreher. Lakewood faced Dreher earlier in the season and fell short in a close game, while Westside will take on Dreher later in the season. It will be interesting to see how Westside handles the match-up compared to Lakewood.

Record Breakdown

• Lakewood:
  • 1-5 in Region
  • 1-3 in Non-League
  • 0-4 at Home
  • 2-4 Away
• Westside:
  • 5-0 in Region
  • 4-0 in Non-League
  • 6-0 at Home
  • 3-0 Away

Westside has been flawless both at home and on the road, while Lakewood has struggled in both regions and non-league play, especially on the road and at home.

Conclusion

As the season continues, Lakewood will need to make significant improvements in both offense and defense to compete at a higher level. Westside, however, is on a roll, looking to maintain their perfect record as they prepare for the playoffs. The teams’ contrasting performances this season highlight the challenges that Lakewood faces and the dominance that Westside has enjoyed.