The Hesperia Christian varsity football team will host Avalon today at 12:30 p.m. in a highly anticipated home playoff game. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships in the 8-Man Division II tournament. Both teams are eager to secure a crucial victory and advance.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football
Who: Avalon vs Hesperia Christian
When: Today, November 16, 2024
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – 8-Man Division II
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Avalon vs. Hesperia Christian

As the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships in the 8-Man Division II tournament heats up, Avalon and Hesperia Christian will face off in a high-stakes playoff game today at 12:30 p.m. Both teams have had interesting seasons, and this matchup promises to deliver intense football action as both squads aim to advance further in the postseason.

Avalon High School (24-25 Season)

Avalon enters the postseason with a 4-5 overall record. Their league performance has been less than ideal, with a 0-2 record, which leaves them seeking redemption in this playoff game. Despite their struggles in league play, Avalon has shown some resilience with a solid home record of 3-1, but their away record (1-4) has been a significant challenge this season.

• Overall Record: 4-5
• League Record: 0-2
• Home Record: 3-1
• Away Record: 1-4
• Win Percentage: .444
• League Win Percentage: .000
• Points Scored (PF): 207
• Points Allowed (PA): 279

Avalon’s scoring has been inconsistent throughout the season. They tend to perform better in the fourth quarter, where they average 14.3 points, but have struggled in the second quarter, failing to score any points. Their first and third quarters show modest performances, averaging 3.7 and 2.3 points, respectively. Overall, they average 23.0 points per game, but their defensive challenges have led to their lower win percentage.

• Scoring by Quarter:
  • Q1: 3.7
  • Q2: 0
  • Q3: 2.3
  • Q4: 14.3
  • Total: 23.0 points per game

Hesperia Christian (24-25 Season)

Hesperia Christian has had a solid season, finishing with a 5-4 record. They have been strong in league play, finishing with an undefeated 3-0 record, but their performance on the road has been more mixed with a 2-3 record. Their home record stands at 3-1, giving them a solid advantage as they enter this playoff game.

• Overall Record: 5-4
• League Record: 3-0
• Home Record: 3-1
• Away Record: 2-3
• Win Percentage: .556
• League Win Percentage: 1.000
• Points Scored (PF): 332
• Points Allowed (PA): 225

Hesperia Christian’s offense has been more consistent, particularly in the first quarter, where they average 12.8 points. They maintain a steady output in the second quarter with 9.5 points, and their scoring remains strong in the third quarter at 8.4 points. However, their fourth-quarter production dips to 8.4 points. Despite this, their overall scoring average of 36.9 points per game is a testament to their high-powered offense.

• Scoring by Quarter:
  • Q1: 12.8
  • Q2: 9.5
  • Q3: 8.4
  • Q4: 8.4
  • Total: 36.9 points per game

Key Matchup Factors

Hesperia Christian’s offensive consistency, especially in the first and second quarters, will be crucial in this playoff game. Their ability to jump out to an early lead could be decisive, especially considering Avalon’s struggles to score consistently in the early parts of the game. Hesperia Christian has also been stronger defensively, allowing 225 points compared to Avalon’s 279 points.

Avalon will need to rely on their strong fourth-quarter performances, where they tend to score heavily, to mount a comeback if they fall behind early. However, they will need to find a way to improve their offensive output in the first half of the game, particularly in the second quarter, if they hope to keep pace with Hesperia Christian’s high-scoring offense.

Overall, Hesperia Christian enters the game as the favorite with their stronger overall record and consistent offensive attack. Avalon’s ability to close out games in the fourth quarter could make for an exciting contest, but they will need to improve their consistency and defensive play to challenge Hesperia Christian in this important playoff matchup.

Fans can expect a hard-fought game as both teams battle for a spot in the next round of the CIF Southern Section Football Championships.

As the season enters its final stretch, Avalon (4-5) and Hesperia Christian (5-4) are gearing up for what promises to be an intense showdown. Both teams have had their fair share of struggles, particularly against common opponents, but their unique strengths and standout players could make this a captivating matchup. Let’s dive into the statistical comparison, key players, and the common opponents each team has faced so far.

Team Stat Comparison

Avalon has had a challenging season but remains a competitive team with a well-rounded offensive approach. Averaging 284.6 total yards per game, their offense is led by Nathaniel Renner, who has contributed 58.2 rushing yards per game and 134.8 passing yards per game, making him a dual threat. Their offense averages 36.9 points per game, which reflects their ability to put up solid scores, even in tough losses.

Hesperia Christian, on the other hand, has shown a strong passing attack, averaging 144.4 passing yards per game, and a productive rushing game with 140.1 rushing yards per game. Their total yards per game stand at 284.6, equal to Avalon’s, showcasing similar offensive productivity. They have been slightly more effective defensively, recording 49.7 tackles per game and 3.4 sacks per game, compared to Avalon’s defensive efforts.

Both teams have solid offenses, but Hesperia Christian has a slight edge defensively, which could be a deciding factor in the matchup.

Key Players to Watch

• Avalon:
  • Nathaniel Renner: The versatile Renner is Avalon’s primary weapon. With 58.2 rushing yards per game and 134.8 passing yards per game, he has been the key to Avalon’s offensive success. His ability to contribute both on the ground and through the air will be crucial for Avalon’s chances in this game.
  • Roderick Taylor: Leading the defense with 10.0 tackles per game and 2.4 sacks per game, Taylor has been a standout performer. His presence on the defensive line will be vital as Avalon looks to slow down Hesperia Christian’s offense.
• Hesperia Christian:
  • Dakota McCloud: As the team’s leading receiver with 87.0 yards per game, McCloud is a reliable target for the Hesperia Christian quarterbacks. His ability to make big plays through the air will be a key component of their offense.
  • Roderick Taylor: As both a linebacker and defensive leader, Taylor has proven to be a force on defense, and his ability to stop the run will be crucial for Hesperia Christian’s defense.

Common Opponents Breakdown

Both teams have faced the same two opponents this season, which gives us some insight into how they might match up:

• California School for the Deaf-Riverside:
  • Avalon: Played against California School for the Deaf-Riverside on 9/6/24, losing 68-26.
  • Hesperia Christian: Faced California School for the Deaf-Riverside on 10/3/24, losing 60-6.
• Mammoth:
  • Avalon: Played against Mammoth on 9/13/24, losing 30-18.
  • Hesperia Christian: Played against Mammoth on 9/20/24, losing 41-24.

Both teams had similar struggles against these common opponents, with Avalon showing slightly better results against Mammoth. However, neither team was able to secure a win, which may indicate weaknesses that the other can exploit.

Record Breakdown

• Avalon: With a 4-5 overall record and a 0-2 league record, Avalon has faced a tough season, especially in league play. However, their strong offensive output and the leadership of Nathaniel Renner give them the ability to challenge any opponent.
  • Record Summary: 4-5 overall, 0-2 league, 1-4 away.
• Hesperia Christian: Hesperia Christian has a slightly better overall record at 5-4 and a 3-0 league record, remaining undefeated in their league. Their offensive balance, combined with a solid defensive unit, has allowed them to be competitive throughout the season.
  • Record Summary: 5-4 overall, 3-0 league, 3-1 home.

Conclusion

While both teams have had their struggles this season, they have also shown resilience and the ability to compete at a high level. Avalon has relied heavily on the dual-threat ability of Nathaniel Renner, while Hesperia Christian has boasted a more balanced attack, with strong performances both on the ground and through the air. Their slightly better defensive stats could give Hesperia Christian an edge heading into this matchup.

Ultimately, the outcome of this game will depend on which team can execute their game plan more effectively. Avalon’s ability to produce points, despite their struggles, could make this a close contest, but Hesperia Christian’s defensive strength and more well-rounded offense might be the deciding factors in a tight game. Expect a competitive and exciting matchup as both teams aim to close out their seasons with a win.