The Gahr (Cerritos, CA) varsity football team will face Anaheim (CA) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 22 at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – Division 13 tournament, as both teams compete for a spot in the next round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Anaheim vs Gahr
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – Division 13
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Anaheim vs. Gahr

In an exciting match-up for the 2024-2025 high school football season, the Anaheim and Gahr teams have displayed impressive records and performance statistics. As both teams enter this contest, they bring unique strengths to the field, making for an anticipated and closely contested game.

Team Overview

Anaheim has had a standout season with a strong overall record of 10-2. They remain unbeaten in their league play, finishing at 5-0. Their overall performance shows dominance, especially with a solid home record of 5-1 and a perfect neutral-site performance (1-0). With 337 points scored and only 244 points allowed, Anaheim boasts a well-rounded team both offensively and defensively, showcasing a team that can finish strong. Their scoring averages reveal an ability to maintain consistent scoring across four quarters: 8.0 points in the first, 8.5 in the second, and 6.8 in the third. However, their fourth quarter performance slightly dips to 4.8 points, showing they are a strong first-half team but may need to refine their game in the final stretch.

Gahr, on the other hand, holds a 7-5 overall record. They have had a more balanced season with a league record of 3-2 and a slightly weaker performance away from home (3-3). Despite this, Gahr remains competitive, especially with a decent scoring rate of 344 points for and 295 points against. Their average score per game sits at 28.7 points, just above Anaheim’s 28.1, indicating that Gahr has been able to generate slightly higher total scores on average. Their point distribution across the four quarters is also notable, with 7.0 points in the first quarter, 8.4 in the second, 5.0 in the third, and 4.3 in the fourth quarter. This suggests Gahr is also capable of a strong first half but tends to lose some momentum late in games.

Key Match-up Insights

• Scoring Consistency: Anaheim’s offensive consistency in the first half (16.5 points in the first two quarters) could be an advantage, particularly when facing a Gahr team that averages 15.4 points in the same period. The match-up could hinge on which team can maintain its pace through the second half.
• Defensive Resilience: Both teams have solid defenses, but Anaheim has been slightly more effective at limiting points, with only 244 points allowed compared to Gahr’s 295. This gives Anaheim a slight edge in terms of defensive stability, which could be critical as the game progresses.
• Momentum and Fourth Quarter Play: Both teams tend to score fewer points in the fourth quarter. Anaheim’s 4.8-point average could indicate a slight vulnerability late in the game, and Gahr will need to capitalize on this opportunity if they hope to close the gap.

As the high school football season heads into the postseason, the showdown between Anaheim and Gahr is shaping up to be an exciting one. Both teams have had solid seasons, with Anaheim boasting a 10-2 overall record and Gahr sitting at 7-5. Despite the difference in records, this game promises to be tightly contested, with both teams having key strengths on offense and defense.

Offensive Comparison

• Rushing Yards: Gahr has a slight edge in the rushing game, averaging 180.3 yards per game compared to Anaheim’s 166.8 yards. Markell Slaughter leads Gahr’s rushing attack with 86.6 yards per game, while Eduardo Guardado has been Anaheim’s main rusher, averaging 96.0 yards per game. Both players have been pivotal in their teams’ offenses, and the outcome of the game could depend on which team can establish their run game and control the clock.
• Passing Yards: Anaheim holds a slight advantage in the passing game, with 127.3 passing yards per game compared to Gahr’s 121.2. Jason Garrett has been the key to Anaheim’s passing attack, throwing for 116.0 yards per game. On the other hand, Roman Acosta has led Gahr’s air assault, passing for 123.2 yards per game. While neither team is particularly high-powered in the passing game, both quarterbacks are capable of making plays when needed.
• Receiving Yards: The receiving yards for both teams are fairly close, with Anaheim averaging 127.3 yards per game and Gahr averaging 113.8. Anaheim’s Armando Torres is the top receiver with 68.2 yards per game, while Alexander Gutierrez leads Gahr with 44.2 yards per game. The wide receiver battle will be crucial for each team, as both will look to exploit weaknesses in the opposing secondary.
• Total Yards: Gahr has the slight edge in total offense, averaging 301.5 yards per game, while Anaheim averages 294.2. The difference in yardage is minimal, showing that both teams are capable of moving the ball effectively. Gahr’s ability to run the ball with Slaughter and mix in some passing could give them a small advantage in the overall yardage battle.

Defensive Comparison

• Tackles Per Game: Gahr’s defense has been more active, averaging 54.6 tackles per game, compared to Anaheim’s 43.3 tackles per game. Isaiah Portillo has been a standout for Gahr with 8.4 tackles per game, while Anaheim’s Diego Benitez leads the team with 5.7 tackles per game. Gahr’s defense will look to contain Anaheim’s playmakers and prevent big plays, while Anaheim will need to step up their defensive effort to slow down Gahr’s potent rushing attack.
• Sacks Per Game: The teams are relatively close in terms of pass rush, with Gahr averaging 1.7 sacks per game and Anaheim averaging 1.6. Gahr’s Adrian Cruz Triviso has been a key contributor, with 0.5 sacks per game, while Leiden Sisifo has been Anaheim’s top sack artist, with 0.9 sacks per game. Both teams will look to apply pressure to the opposing quarterback and disrupt offensive rhythm.

Scoring Comparison

• Points Per Game: Anaheim averages 27.7 points per game, while Gahr scores an average of 24.3 points per game. Anaheim has been slightly more consistent in putting points on the board, and their ability to score quickly could be a major factor in the game. Gahr will need to find ways to keep up with Anaheim’s scoring and take advantage of every opportunity.

Record Breakdown

• Overall Record: Anaheim comes into the game with a strong 10-2 record, while Gahr is 7-5. Anaheim’s better overall record shows they’ve had a more successful season but Gahr has been battle-tested in some close contests, making them a dangerous opponent.
• League Record: Anaheim finished league play with a perfect 5-0 record, while Gahr ended league play at 3-2. Anaheim’s perfect league record shows their dominance within their division, while Gahr will look to prove themselves against one of the league’s top teams.
• Non-League Record: Anaheim holds a 3-2 record in non-league play, while Gahr is 2-3. Both teams have had success against teams outside their league, but Anaheim’s stronger non-league performance may give them the edge in terms of experience against tougher competition.
• Head-to-Head: The two teams have not met yet this season, so this matchup will mark their first meeting. The history of how they perform against common opponents will be a key factor in predicting the outcome.
• Home/Away Record: Anaheim has a solid 5-1 record at home, while Gahr has a 3-3 record at home. Gahr has been better on the road with a 4-1 away record. This contrast in home and away performance could play a crucial role, especially if Anaheim has the advantage of playing on their home field.
• Playoff Record: Both teams have had success in the playoffs, with Anaheim going 2-0 and Gahr also posting a 2-0 record. Both teams are primed for playoff runs and have proven they can perform under pressure.

Common Opponents

Both teams share several common opponents, and their records against these teams are identical, with both going 1-0. Notably, Anaheim defeated Ocean View 17-7, while Gahr won 43-35. While Anaheim’s victory was more straightforward, Gahr’s win was more hard-fought, showing that both teams are capable of rising to the occasion against similar competition.

Conclusion

The matchup between Anaheim and Gahr promises to be a thrilling contest. Anaheim’s offensive balance and ability to score, combined with their strong rushing attack led by Eduardo Guardado, give them the slight edge. However, Gahr’s ability to control the ball with Markell Slaughter and Roman Acosta could keep them in the game, especially with their slightly superior defense.

Both teams will need to capitalize on every opportunity, and the key for Gahr will be to limit Anaheim’s explosive plays while taking advantage of their own offensive strengths. Anaheim, on the other hand, will look to continue their high-scoring ways and pressure Gahr into making mistakes.

With both teams capable of explosive performances, this game is expected to be a close and exciting battle, with the winner moving one step closer to achieving their playoff goals.