The Ferndale varsity football team is set to host Piedmont in a home playoff game today at 1 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 North Coast Section Football Championships – Division 7 tournament, where both teams will battle for a chance to advance in the postseason.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Piedmont vs Ferndale
When: Today, November 23, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Piedmont vs. Ferndale
The 2024 North Coast Section Football Championships – Division 7 features a marquee playoff matchup as Piedmont faces Ferndale. Both teams, with identical 10-1 records, are set to clash in a battle that promises intensity, strategy, and high-level play as they aim to advance further in the tournament.
Team Profiles and Performance
- Piedmont comes into the game ranked 351st in California and 34th in their section. With a 10-1 overall record and an unbeaten 5-0 league record, Piedmont has excelled across various environments, going 7-1 at home and maintaining perfect records both away (2-0) and in neutral-site games (1-0). Their offensive unit has racked up 436 points while their defense has held opponents to just 161, showcasing a well-rounded team capable of dominating on both sides of the ball.
- Ferndale is ranked 371st in California and 35th in their section. They also hold a 10-1 record, including a strong 5-1 performance in league play. Ferndale has been particularly dominant at home, boasting an unblemished 6-0 record. The team has scored 408 points this season while conceding 167, demonstrating their ability to outscore opponents and adapt to challenges on the field.
Scoring Trends and Strengths
- Piedmont:
- Q1: 10.0 points
- Q2: 12.4 points
- Q3: 12.6 points
- Q4: 5.3 points
- Average Final Score: 39.6 points
Piedmont excels in the second and third quarters, peaking in the third with an average of 12.6 points. Their mid-game surge allows them to establish leads and put opponents on the back foot. However, a notable drop in scoring during the fourth quarter could leave them vulnerable to late-game comebacks.
- Ferndale:
- Q1: 12.0 points
- Q2: 5.0 points
- Q3: 4.5 points
- Q4: 14.0 points
- Average Final Score: 37.1 points
Ferndale’s scoring pattern is unique, with strong starts in the first quarter and dominant finishes in the fourth, where they average 14.0 points. Their ability to close games effectively is a significant strength, particularly against teams that falter late in contests.
Key Matchup Insights
- Piedmont’s Mid-Game Advantage: Piedmont will look to leverage their scoring dominance in the second and third quarters to build a decisive lead. If they can capitalize during this period, they’ll put themselves in a strong position to withstand Ferndale’s late-game push.
- Ferndale’s Fourth-Quarter Power: Ferndale’s exceptional ability to finish games strongly could prove pivotal, especially in a close contest. Their high fourth-quarter scoring average could exploit Piedmont’s drop-off in late-game production.
What to Expect
This matchup between Piedmont and Ferndale promises to be an evenly matched contest. Both teams boast impressive records, strong scoring capabilities, and solid defensive play. Piedmont’s consistent mid-game production will clash with Ferndale’s explosive starts and finishes, setting the stage for a thrilling battle. With a spot in the next round of the Division 7 playoffs on the line, fans can expect a game filled with excitement, strategy, and drama.
The 2024-25 football season has showcased the grit and determination of two powerhouse teams: Piedmont and Ferndale. Both teams hold impressive 10-1 records, dominating in their respective leagues with contrasting playing styles. Here’s an in-depth look at how these two squads stack up.
Team Statistics: Offense Meets Defense
Offensive Powerhouses
Piedmont thrives on a balanced offensive attack, amassing 380.2 total yards per game. Quarterback Markos Lagios leads the charge with an average of 194.2 passing yards per game, complemented by Tommy Ashton’s steady ground game of 72.3 rushing yards per game.
Ferndale, however, dominates on the ground, averaging a whopping 284.5 rushing yards per game. Led by Tanner Pidgeon’s 103.8 rushing yards per game, Ferndale prioritizes a run-heavy offense while keeping its passing game minimal at just 42.0 yards per game.
Defensive Strength
Ferndale holds the upper hand defensively, recording 58.4 tackles per game compared to Piedmont’s 26.5. Liam Bishop anchors Ferndale’s defense, averaging 10.3 tackles per game, while Mason Garrett leads the team in sacks with 0.7 per game. Piedmont’s defensive efforts are more modest, with Brandon Dicke averaging 8.6 tackles per game and Faisal Malik contributing 1.0 sack per game.
Scoring Efficiency
Piedmont has a slight edge in scoring, averaging 39.6 points per game, with wide receiver Sam Shelby leading the team with 11.6 points per game. Ferndale, meanwhile, scores 36.5 points per game, with the ever-reliable Tanner Pidgeon contributing 15.0 points per game.
Team Leaders: Key Players to Watch
| Category | Piedmont | Ferndale | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards/Game | #8 Tommy Ashton (72.3) | #2 Tanner Pidgeon (103.8) | 20.1 |
| Passing Yards/Game | #4 Markos Lagios (194.2) | #2 Tanner Pidgeon (40.8) | 51.1 |
| Receiving Yards/Game | #2 Sam Shelby (105.2) | #10 Jonah Anderson (14.7) | 17.3 |
| Total Yards/Game | #4 Markos Lagios (249.5) | #2 Tanner Pidgeon (144.6) | 36.5 |
| Tackles/Game | #6 Brandon Dicke (8.6) | #27 Liam Bishop (10.3) | 2.7 |
| Sacks/Game | #44 Faisal Malik (1.0) | #58 Mason Garrett (0.7) | 0.2 |
| Points/Game | #2 Sam Shelby (11.6) | #2 Tanner Pidgeon (15.0) | 2.6 |
Common Opponent: Fortuna
Both teams faced Fortuna this season, securing victories in their own style. Piedmont delivered a decisive 42-26 win, relying on its high-powered offense. Ferndale edged out a narrow 29-26 victory, showcasing its defensive resilience and ability to grind out wins.
Record Breakdown: Dominance Across the Board
Piedmont and Ferndale have mirrored their success throughout the season, with their lone losses coming in challenging non-league matchups. Piedmont has dominated at home, with a 7-1 record, while Ferndale remains undefeated at home (6-0). Both teams have proven their mettle in playoff games, each starting with a 1-0 postseason record.
| Category | Piedmont | Ferndale |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 10-1 | 10-1 |
| League | 5-0 | 5-1 |
| Non-League | 4-1 | 4-0 |
| Home Record | 7-1 | 6-0 |
| Away Record | 2-0 | 4-1 |
| Playoff Record | 1-0 | 1-0 |
Conclusion: Clash of Styles
Piedmont’s balanced attack and high-octane offense will test Ferndale’s ground-heavy game plan and stalwart defense. With standout players like Markos Lagios and Tanner Pidgeon leading their respective teams, any matchup between these squads would be a thrilling display of talent and strategy. The stage is set for an electrifying conclusion to their seasons, where contrasting styles will define the ultimate victor.
