The Balboa varsity football team from San Francisco, CA, is set to host Los Molinos in a highly anticipated home playoff game today at 12:30 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games, Division 7-A tournament, promising an exciting contest between two determined teams.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California State Football Championship Bowl Games
Who: Balboa (CA) vs Los Molinos (CA)
When: Today, December 07, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games – Division 7-A
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Los Molinos vs. Balboa

As Los Molinos and Balboa prepare to face off, a detailed examination of their statistical performance this season paints a clear picture of their strengths and weaknesses. Here is a breakdown of the key numbers and team leaders heading into this matchup:

Statistical Performance

Offensive Strengths

Los Molinos boasts an impressive offensive lineup, with a staggering 479.5 total yards per game, more than triple Balboa’s output of 143.8 total yards per game. Their ground game is a cornerstone of their success, averaging 324.8 rushing yards per game, compared to Balboa’s 68.6 rushing yards per game. Through the air, Los Molinos also maintains an edge, recording 154.7 passing yards per game versus Balboa’s 75.2 passing yards per game.

Defensive Prowess

Defensively, Los Molinos again outpaces Balboa with 54.2 tackles per game, surpassing Balboa’s 31.3 tackles per game. They also lead in sacks, averaging 3.5 per game, compared to Balboa’s 1.9 per game.

Scoring Efficiency

In terms of scoring, Los Molinos averages 30.8 points per game, a significant lead over Balboa’s 19.4 points per game. This disparity highlights Los Molinos’ ability to convert their yardage into points.

Team Leaders

Los Molinos’ Standouts

• Harrison Hamre (#8) is the backbone of Los Molinos’ offense, leading in multiple categories:
  • Rushing Yards: 223.5 per game
  • Total Yards: 239.7 per game
  • Points: 16.6 per game
• Jaydin Underwood (#1) contributes with 135.6 passing yards per game, while Karson Fox (#10) excels in receiving with 120.9 yards per game.
• On defense, Wyatt Gillett (#44) leads with 11.1 tackles per game, and Parker Heitman (#22) adds pressure with 1.3 sacks per game.

Balboa’s Key Players

• Joseph Smith (#4) is Balboa’s primary playmaker, leading in rushing (72.3 yards per game), receiving (74.3 yards per game), total yards (146.7 per game), and points (12.3 per game).
• Rylen Thien-Jones (#6) shines in the passing game with 141.0 yards per game.
• Defensively, Sent Barrera (#9) tops with 7.8 tackles per game, while Mekai Smith (#8) contributes with 1.4 sacks per game.

Record Breakdown

Overall Performance

Both teams share identical overall records of 8-5. However, Balboa has the edge in league play, boasting a 5-1 record compared to Los Molinos’ 3-3. Los Molinos has been more consistent outside the league, going 2-2 in non-league games compared to Balboa’s 0-4.

Home and Away Records

• Los Molinos performs well at home, with a 4-3 record, and shows resilience on neutral fields with a 1-0 record.
• Balboa matches Los Molinos’ home record (4-2) and has a similar neutral site success (1-0).

Playoff Success

Both teams have found success in the postseason. Los Molinos holds a slight edge with a 3-0 playoff record, while Balboa sits at 2-0.

Conclusion

The statistical analysis underscores Los Molinos’ dominance in offensive and defensive metrics. However, Balboa’s strong league record and key performers like Joseph Smith and Rylen Thien-Jones make them formidable opponents. This matchup promises to be an exciting clash of styles, with Los Molinos relying on their offensive firepower and Balboa looking to capitalize on their efficiency and key player contributions.