The Lincoln (San Diego, CA) varsity football team will face Cathedral Catholic (San Diego, CA) in a neutral playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF San Diego Section Football Championships (California) – Open Division tournament, showcasing two top teams competing for a championship spot.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Cathedral vs Lincoln
When: Today, November 23, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Cathedral Catholic vs. Lincoln

As the 2024 high school football season nears its climax, Cathedral Catholic and Lincoln, two dominant teams from San Diego, are gearing up for an exciting playoff showdown. Both teams have had outstanding seasons, finishing with matching 9-2 records. As they head into the 2024 CIF San Diego Section Football Championships (Open Division), let’s break down their performances and what fans can expect from this thrilling matchup.

Cathedral Catholic: Balanced and Efficient

Overall Performance: Cathedral Catholic has impressed throughout the season, recording a 9-2 overall record, including a strong 3-1 performance in league play. The team has been particularly dominant on the road with a perfect 5-0 record away from home. At home, they stand at 4-2, showcasing their resilience in front of their fans.

Scoring Overview: Cathedral Catholic averages 36.1 points per game, with the majority of their scoring coming in the first half. They put up an impressive 11.9 points in the opening quarter and 18.7 points in the second quarter, allowing them to build a solid lead early. However, their offense slows down in the second half, with only 7.4 points in the third quarter and 4.0 points in the fourth quarter.

Defense: On the defensive side, Cathedral Catholic has been a force, allowing only 121 points throughout the season, giving them an average of just 11 points allowed per game. This strong defense has been crucial to their success and gives them confidence as they enter the playoffs.

Lincoln: High-Scoring and Unstoppable

Overall Performance: Lincoln has had a remarkable season of its own, with a 9-2 record and a perfect 4-0 mark in league play. The team has shown a remarkable ability to perform both at home (4-2) and on the road (5-0), which sets them up for success in the postseason. Their undefeated league record highlights their dominance in competitive matchups.

Scoring Overview: Lincoln’s offense has been explosive, averaging 39.1 points per game—higher than Cathedral Catholic’s 36.1. They spread their scoring throughout the game, with 7.3 points in the first quarter, 10.9 in the second quarter, and 9.8 in the third quarter. However, their scoring dips in the final quarter (5.6 points), and they add an average of 6.0 points in overtime.

Defense: While Lincoln has allowed 148 points this season, their high-scoring offense has helped them overcome any defensive lapses. Their defense allows an average of 13.45 points per game, which is solid but not as tight as Cathedral Catholic’s. Still, their offensive firepower often makes up for any defensive shortcomings.

Key Comparisons: Cathedral Catholic vs. Lincoln

• Offensive Firepower: Lincoln has a clear advantage in total scoring, averaging 39.1 points per game, compared to Cathedral Catholic’s 36.1. However, Cathedral Catholic’s ability to dominate in the first half, especially in the second quarter, could help them build a lead early on.
• Defensive Strength: Cathedral Catholic has been the more defensively dominant team, allowing just 121 points this season compared to Lincoln’s 148. While Lincoln’s offense can outpace most teams, Cathedral Catholic’s stingy defense may present a significant challenge.
• League Performance: Both teams have shown strong league records, with Lincoln boasting a perfect 4-0 league record and Cathedral Catholic finishing at 3-1. This shows that both teams know how to perform when it matters most, especially against competitive opponents.

As the 2024 football season progresses, Cathedral Catholic and Lincoln continue to showcase their dominance in their respective leagues. Both teams share identical overall records of 9-2 and have proven themselves against common opponents. However, a closer look at their statistics reveals subtle differences in their offensive and defensive strengths, highlighting the unique qualities of each team.

Team Record Breakdown

• Cathedral Catholic: With a 9-2 overall record, Cathedral Catholic has been a consistent force this season. Their 3-1 league record and 5-1 non-league performance highlight their strong standing in their conference. The team is undefeated on the road, with a perfect 5-0 away record. Their home record stands at 4-2. Notably, they have a solid 1-0 record in playoff games.
• Lincoln: Also boasting a 9-2 overall record, Lincoln’s 4-0 league record is a testament to their commanding presence in their conference. Their non-league performance of 4-2 and an impressive 5-0 away record underscore their strength, particularly in away games. Like Cathedral Catholic, Lincoln is undefeated in the playoffs with a 1-0 record.

Offensive Comparison

When comparing the offensive statistics, both teams are formidable, but Lincoln edges out Cathedral Catholic in key areas:

1. Rushing Yards: Cathedral Catholic averages 192.8 rushing yards per game, while Lincoln leads with 216.8 yards per game. Lincoln’s running game is particularly potent.
2. Passing Yards: Cathedral Catholic averages 125.1 passing yards per game, but Lincoln’s air attack is far more explosive, averaging 224.5 yards per game.
3. Receiving Yards: Both teams have solid receiving cores, but their numbers are tied, with both averaging 128.2 and 224.5 receiving yards per game, respectively.
4. Total Yards: Cathedral Catholic gains an average of 317.9 total yards per game, while Lincoln outpaces them with a total of 441.4 yards per game, showcasing a more balanced and potent offense.
5. Points Per Game: Lincoln scores significantly more points, averaging 39.1 points per game compared to Cathedral Catholic’s 24.9.

Defensive Comparison

Defensively, Lincoln outperforms Cathedral Catholic in both tackles and sacks, highlighting a more aggressive defensive style:

1. Tackles: Cathedral Catholic records 57.8 tackles per game, while Lincoln’s defense averages 95.6 tackles per game, showing their superior ability to stop opposing offenses.
2. Sacks: Cathedral Catholic averages 1.9 sacks per game, while Lincoln leads with 3.4 sacks per game, reflecting their aggressive pass-rush.

Key Players

Both teams have standout players who contribute significantly to their success:

• Cathedral Catholic:
  • Jake Funderburg is a key part of the rushing attack, averaging 85.5 yards per game.
  • Brady Palmer leads the passing game with 140.8 passing yards per game and contributes a total of 169.4 total yards per game.
  • Hunter Harrington is the team’s top receiver, averaging 75.4 receiving yards per game.
• Lincoln:
  • Aden Jackson is a dynamic running back, averaging 115.4 yards per game.
  • Akili Smith Jr. has been an impressive quarterback, with 177.9 passing yards per game and 206.3 total yards per game.
  • Ty Olsen is the top receiver with 72.5 yards per game.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced three common opponents this season, and both teams emerged victorious in each of these matchups:

1. St. Augustine:
   • Cathedral Catholic won 42-0 on 10/4/24.
   • Lincoln won 63-0 on 10/25/24.
2. Madison:
   • Cathedral Catholic won 55-6 on 10/25/24.
   • Lincoln won 56-0 on 11/1/24.
3. Point Loma:
   • Cathedral Catholic won 55-6 on 11/1/24.
   • Lincoln won 42-0 on 10/11/24.

Despite both teams winning decisively, Lincoln displayed slightly more offensive power, especially in their victories over St. Augustine and Madison, where they scored more points than Cathedral Catholic.

Conclusion

The 2024 season has been a standout one for both Cathedral Catholic and Lincoln, with both teams recording identical 9-2 overall records and dominating their common opponents. However, Lincoln’s superior offensive numbers, particularly in total yards and points per game, and their more aggressive defensive play set them apart. Cathedral Catholic, with their balanced approach, remains a formidable contender.

As both teams continue their playoff runs, it will be interesting to see how their strengths translate in high-stakes matchups. Will Lincoln’s explosive offense be enough to overpower their competition, or will Cathedral Catholic’s efficient and well-rounded game plan prevail? One thing is certain—their clash is sure to be a thrilling spectacle in the postseason.