The Portola (Irvine, CA) varsity football team will host Baldwin Park (CA) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. Both teams will compete in this high-stakes matchup as part of the CIF Southern Section playoffs, with hopes of advancing further in the postseason.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Baldwin Park vs Portola
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Portola vs. Baldwin Park

The 2024 CIF Southern Section playoffs will feature an intriguing matchup as Portola (Irvine, CA) hosts Baldwin Park (CA) on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. Both teams bring contrasting styles and strengths to the field, setting the stage for a compelling battle in this postseason clash.

Team Overview

Baldwin Park enters the game with a 7-5 record, displaying solid offensive capabilities throughout the season. They have scored 314 points while allowing 322, averaging 26.2 points per game. Baldwin Park’s offense tends to start strong, averaging 9.5 points in the first quarter, though their production dips in the second quarter before recovering in the second half. Their road record of 3-3 demonstrates their resilience in away games, which will be critical in facing Portola on their home turf.

Portola, with a 6-6 record, has shown resilience despite a challenging season. Their defense has been slightly stronger than Baldwin Park’s, allowing 211 points compared to their opponent’s 322. However, Portola’s offense has been less prolific, averaging 18.5 points per game. They tend to improve as the game progresses, with their scoring peaking in the second quarter at 6.7 points. Portola’s 4-1 league record and 3-2 home performance highlight their potential to rise to the occasion during key games.

Key Match-Up Insights

• Scoring Trends: Baldwin Park’s strong starts will be a factor against Portola, which tends to score modestly in the first quarter (2.3 points). However, Portola’s consistent defense may help them contain Baldwin Park’s explosive beginnings.
• Defensive Strength: Portola’s ability to limit opponents to 211 points this season is a significant advantage over Baldwin Park’s more porous defense. If Portola can capitalize on their defensive edge, they may keep the game within reach despite their lower scoring average.
• Game Momentum: Baldwin Park’s offense has demonstrated its ability to recover in the second half, with consistent contributions in the third and fourth quarters. Portola will need to remain vigilant late in the game to avoid giving up crucial points.

The upcoming playoff clash between Baldwin Park (7-5) and Portola (6-6) pits two teams with different strengths against each other. Baldwin Park, led by a dynamic passing attack, faces Portola, a team known for its balanced approach. Both squads are coming off playoff wins and aim to extend their postseason runs in what promises to be an intriguing matchup.

Team Comparisons

• Total Offense:
  Baldwin Park boasts a significant advantage in offensive production, averaging 367.5 total yards per game compared to Portola’s 231.7. This disparity is fueled by Baldwin Park’s potent passing game, which averages 206.8 yards per game—more than double Portola’s 84.0.
• Rushing Attack:
  On the ground, the teams are more evenly matched. Baldwin Park averages 160.8 rushing yards per game, with Mark Carbajal leading the way at 81.9 yards per game. Portola, meanwhile, relies on Timothy Grettenberg, who contributes 72.9 rushing yards per game as part of their 147.7-yard average.
• Defensive Contributions:
  Both teams showcase defensive consistency. Portola’s Maxwell Mapstone leads all defenders with an impressive 12.4 tackles per game, while Aldo Hernandez anchors Baldwin Park’s defense with 10.9 tackles per game. Both teams generate pressure, averaging around two sacks per game.
• Scoring:
  Baldwin Park holds an edge in points per game, averaging 23.6 to Portola’s 18.5. However, Portola’s defense has shown the ability to contain high-scoring opponents, which could play a crucial role in the matchup.

Key Players to Watch

• Baldwin Park:
  • Jake Garcia: The quarterback is the engine of the offense, averaging 201.8 passing yards and 255.3 total yards per game. His ability to exploit Portola’s secondary will be a decisive factor.
  • Tremell Horn: The go-to receiver, averaging 82.7 receiving yards per game, provides a reliable target for Garcia and poses a deep-threat challenge for opposing defenses.
  • Aldo Hernandez: With 10.9 tackles per game, Hernandez leads a defense tasked with slowing down Portola’s balanced attack.
• Portola:
  • Timothy Grettenberg: The running back is the focal point of Portola’s offense, averaging 72.9 rushing yards and 5.0 points per game. A strong performance from him is vital for Portola to keep pace.
  • Nash Luper: The quarterback contributes in both the passing and rushing games, with 85.3 passing yards and 87.6 total yards per game.
  • Maxwell Mapstone: A defensive standout, Mapstone’s 12.4 tackles per game make him a crucial player in limiting Baldwin Park’s offensive rhythm.

Record Breakdown

• Baldwin Park:
  The Braves enter the game with a solid 7-5 record, including a 3-2 mark in league play. They’ve been dominant at home (4-2) and undefeated in playoff games (2-0). Their offense has proven capable of explosive performances, which will be crucial against Portola.
• Portola:
  The Bulldogs have a balanced 6-6 record, with a strong 4-1 league performance. Despite struggling in non-league games (0-5), they’ve found their stride in the postseason, also holding a 2-0 playoff record. Their defense has been the backbone of their success, particularly in tight games.

Keys to Victory

• Baldwin Park:
  • Leverage their passing game: Jake Garcia and Tremell Horn need to exploit mismatches in Portola’s secondary.
  • Control the tempo: Establishing a complementary run game with Mark Carbajal can keep the defense guessing.
  • Contain Grettenberg: Limiting Portola’s rushing attack will force them to rely on the less-explosive passing game.
• Portola:
  • Establish the run: A productive game from Grettenberg will help control possession and keep Baldwin Park’s high-powered offense off the field.
  • Defensive pressure: Disrupt Garcia with a consistent pass rush to limit his effectiveness.
  • Capitalize on turnovers: Winning the turnover battle can be a game-changer, especially in a matchup where both teams have playoff momentum.

Prediction

This game presents a contrast in styles: Baldwin Park’s high-octane offense versus Portola’s balanced, methodical approach. While Portola’s defense may keep them in the game, Baldwin Park’s ability to generate big plays through the air gives them the edge in this postseason showdown. Expect a close contest with Baldwin Park prevailing late to advance in the playoffs.

Conclusion

This playoff matchup between Portola and Baldwin Park is a clash of contrasting strengths: Baldwin Park’s dynamic offense against Portola’s disciplined defense. While Baldwin Park has shown the ability to score in bursts, Portola’s home-field advantage and defensive consistency could give them the edge in a tightly contested game. Fans can expect a gritty, strategic battle as both teams fight for a chance to advance further in the CIF Southern Section playoffs.