The Avalon varsity football team faces Lancaster Baptist today at 3:00 p.m. in a home playoff game. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships – 8-Man Division II tournament, where both teams will compete for a chance to advance in the postseason.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California State Football Championship
Who: Avalon (CA) vs Lancaster Baptist (CA)
When: Today, November 30, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – 8-Man Division II
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Avalon vs. Lancaster Baptist

The 2024-2025 high school football season has seen two teams, Lancaster Baptist and Avalon, facing different levels of success and adversity on the field. Lancaster Baptist, with a 9-3 record, has shown a strong all-around game, while Avalon has had a more challenging season, finishing at 6-5. Both teams have shown resilience in their respective seasons, but their paths to success have been quite different. Here’s a closer look at their team stats, individual leaders, and overall performance.

Team Stat Comparison

Lancaster Baptist:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 185.8
• Passing Yards Per Game: 110.8
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 110.8
• Total Yards Per Game: 296.6
• Tackles Per Game: 46.5
• Sacks Per Game: 1.5
• Points Per Game: 48.6

Avalon:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: –
• Passing Yards Per Game: –
• Receiving Yards Per Game: –
• Total Yards Per Game: –
• Tackles Per Game: –
• Sacks Per Game: –
• Points Per Game: –

Lancaster Baptist has put up impressive offensive numbers, averaging 296.6 total yards per game, driven by a robust running game (185.8 rushing yards per game). This balanced offensive approach, with a fair contribution from the passing and receiving units, has helped them post an impressive 48.6 points per game, making them a potent force on offense.

Avalon, on the other hand, does not have the statistical breakdown available for many of their categories, but their overall performance still provides some insight into their playing style and success. Although Avalon has struggled with some aspects of the game, their 6-5 overall record shows that they have managed to stay competitive, particularly in non-league play.

Team Leaders

Lancaster Baptist:

• Samuel Flores (91.4 Rushing Yards Per Game): Flores is the backbone of the Lancaster Baptist rushing attack and has been an instrumental part of their offensive success this season.
• Camden Mordh (70.2 Passing Yards Per Game): Mordh has provided balance to the offense with a respectable passing game, adding a dynamic element to the team’s offensive arsenal.
• Ethan Cox (41.6 Receiving Yards Per Game): Cox has been the primary receiving target for Lancaster Baptist, contributing significant yards and helping to stretch the field.
• Marcos De Paula Rosa (9.9 Tackles Per Game): Rosa has led the defense, showing consistency with nearly 10 tackles per game, helping to anchor the defense.
• Marcos De Paula Rosa (0.5 Sacks Per Game): Rosa’s ability to contribute in multiple facets of defense, including pressure on the quarterback, has added to the team’s defensive strength.
• Samuel Flores (13.8 Points Per Game): Flores has also been a key scorer for Lancaster Baptist, reflecting his dual threat as both a rusher and a playmaker.

Avalon:

• While Avalon’s individual statistics are not provided in full, their success in non-league play and competitive record suggest a well-rounded effort from their key players. The team’s offensive and defensive leaders have likely helped them achieve a solid 6-5 record, despite challenges in league games.

Common Opponents

Both teams shared a few common opponents during the season, but their outcomes differed in some cases.

• Faith Baptist: Lancaster Baptist lost 65-41 to Faith Baptist on October 4, 2024. Avalon also faced Faith Baptist later in the season, losing 54-14 on November 2, 2024. Both teams struggled against this opponent, although Lancaster Baptist was able to score more points.
• Santa Clarita Christian: Lancaster Baptist suffered a 69-17 defeat against Santa Clarita Christian on October 12, 2024. Avalon, however, earned a hard-fought victory over Santa Clarita Christian on September 28, 2024, winning 22-14.

These common matchups highlight the varying levels of success both teams had when facing similar competition. While both teams faced significant challenges, Avalon’s win over Santa Clarita Christian shows their ability to compete when clicking on all cylinders.

Record Breakdown

Lancaster Baptist (9-3):

• 2-2 in league play
• 4-1 in non-league games
• 4-1 at home
• 3-2 away
• 2-0 in neutral games
• 3-0 in playoff games

Avalon (6-5):

• 0-2 in league play
• 3-3 in non-league games
• 4-1 at home
• 2-4 away
• 0-0 in neutral games
• 3-0 in playoff games

Lancaster Baptist has had a solid season overall, with a particularly strong showing in non-league play (4-1). Their ability to perform well both at home (4-1) and away (3-2) has been crucial to their success. Avalon, meanwhile, has faced more challenges, especially in league play, where they went winless (0-2). However, Avalon’s strong home record (4-1) and playoff success (3-0) indicate that they can compete when they are at their best, especially in high-stakes games.

Conclusion

The comparison between Lancaster Baptist and Avalon highlights a team with a more balanced, high-scoring offense (Lancaster Baptist) versus a team that has faced more adversity but still managed to secure key wins (Avalon). Lancaster Baptist’s strong running game, led by Samuel Flores, and balanced offensive attack have been the key to their success, making them a force to be reckoned with. Avalon, despite their struggles in league play, has shown resilience, especially in non-league matchups and the playoffs.

Looking ahead, Lancaster Baptist will aim to maintain their offensive dominance as they progress in the postseason, while Avalon will need to find more consistency in league play if they hope to build on their playoff success in future seasons. Both teams have proven that they can rise to the occasion when it counts, making their respective stories a testament to determination and perseverance.