The Piner High School varsity football team in Santa Rosa, CA, will host a home playoff game against Benicia, CA, today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 North Coast Section Football Championships, Division 6 tournament. Both teams are competing for a chance to advance further in the postseason.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Benicia vs Piner
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here
Game preview: Piner vs. Benicia
Tonight, the Piner High School varsity football team will face off against Benicia in a highly anticipated home playoff game at 7 p.m. as part of the 2024 North Coast Section Football Championships, Division 6 tournament.
Benicia’s Season Breakdown
Benicia enters the game with a 4-6 overall record and a 2-2 league performance. Despite some struggles this season, the Benicia Panthers have shown they can compete, especially with their strong home performance (4-2). However, they’ve struggled on the road, posting a 0-4 away record. Benicia has averaged just 11 points per game, with a significant dip in scoring during the first and second quarters, where they average a combined 1.4 points per period.
Piner’s Strong Showing
On the other hand, Piner boasts a strong 8-2 overall record and a dominant 5-1 league performance. The Pioneers have been particularly impressive at home, winning all five of their home games this season. With a potent offense averaging 33 points per game, Piner has demonstrated an explosive capability on the field, especially in the second half, where they have averaged a combined 24.5 points in the third and fourth quarters.
The Pioneers’ scoring efficiency has been evident in their balanced attack, scoring 10.5 points in the first quarter, followed by consistent output in the second and third quarters. Their high-powered offense has been one of the best in the region, outscoring their opponents 330-210 on the season.
The Matchup
As the game unfolds, Piner’s offensive strength will be tested against a Benicia team that has shown flashes of promise but has struggled with consistency. The key for Benicia will be to limit Piner’s high-scoring attack and find a way to improve their early-game performance. For Piner, maintaining their offensive rhythm and continuing their dominance at home will be crucial in securing a spot in the next round of the playoffs.
With the playoffs on the line, both teams will be giving their all in what promises to be an exciting and intense matchup tonight at Piner High School. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if Piner can extend their successful season or if Benicia can pull off an upset on the road.
As the high school football season progresses, a closer look at the statistical breakdowns of teams can reveal important insights into their strengths and potential for success. In this article, we compare the performance of the Benicia Panthers and the Piner Prospectors based on key team statistics and player contributions, along with their respective records so far this season.
Team Stat Comparison: Benicia vs. Piner
Rushing Yards Per Game
- Benicia: 126.6 yards
- Piner: 20.3 yards
Benicia leads Piner significantly in rushing yards per game, averaging over six times as many yards on the ground. With a strong rushing game, Benicia is better equipped to control the clock and wear down opposing defenses. Piner will need to improve their rushing attack to balance out their offense and keep opposing defenses guessing.
Passing Yards Per Game
- Benicia: 230.7 yards
- Piner: 51.6 yards
Benicia also leads in passing yards per game by a wide margin. With an aerial attack averaging over 230 yards per game, they rely on the arm of quarterback Soso Prak to move the ball downfield. Piner, on the other hand, will need to find a more consistent passing game, as their average of just 51.6 yards per game shows they’ve been struggling to generate significant yards through the air.
Receiving Yards Per Game
- Benicia: 230.9 yards
- Piner: 17.4 yards
Similar to their passing yards per game, Benicia outperforms Piner in receiving yards as well. Benicia’s offense, led by wide receiver Jaden Hernandez, boasts 230.9 receiving yards per game. Piner has been limited in their passing attack, which translates into a low 17.4 receiving yards per game, indicating they may need to establish a more effective passing strategy to increase their offensive production.
Total Yards Per Game
- Benicia: 357.3 yards
- Piner: 36.7 yards
Benicia’s well-rounded offensive scheme produces a remarkable 357.3 total yards per game. Their ability to balance both the rushing and passing game has helped them maintain a high offensive output. In contrast, Piner is struggling with only 36.7 total yards per game, which could be a major concern as they look to improve their offense.
Tackles Per Game
- Benicia: 53.6 tackles
- Piner: 2.7 tackles
Benicia’s defense has been highly effective, averaging over 53 tackles per game. This solid defensive effort ensures that they can contain opposing offenses and limit big plays. Piner, on the other hand, appears to be struggling defensively with just 2.7 tackles per game, highlighting a need for improved defensive execution to prevent opponents from racking up big yardage.
Sacks Per Game
- Benicia: 2.0 sacks
- Piner: 0.2 sacks
Benicia’s defense also excels in pressuring the quarterback, averaging 2.0 sacks per game. Their ability to disrupt the pocket and force mistakes will be critical for their success. Piner’s defense has struggled to generate pressure, with just 0.2 sacks per game. Increasing their pass rush could be an area of focus if they are to improve their defensive performances.
Points Per Game
- Benicia: 33.3 points
- Piner: 2.6 points
Benicia has a high-scoring offense that averages 33.3 points per game. Their ability to put points on the board through both passing and rushing plays gives them an edge in most matchups. Piner, however, is struggling to score, averaging only 2.6 points per game. Their offense will need to find a way to put more points on the board to have a chance against stronger teams.
Team Leaders: Benicia vs. Piner
Benicia
- Rushing Yards: #9 Joseph Martinez, 36.6 yards per game
- Passing Yards: #11 Soso Prak, 230.7 yards per game
- Receiving Yards: #2 Jaden Hernandez, 90.8 yards per game
- Total Yards: #11 Soso Prak, 259.4 yards per game
- Tackles: #4 Brendan Walker, 6.1 tackles per game
- Sacks: #5 Carson Kennedy, 1.2 sacks per game
- Points: #1 Apollo Pereira, 10.4 points per game
Benicia’s success can largely be attributed to standout performances across the board. Soso Prak leads the offense with impressive passing stats, while Jaden Hernandez contributes heavily in the receiving game. Defensively, Brendan Walker and Carson Kennedy are key players who lead the team in tackles and sacks.
Piner
- Rushing Yards: #9 Joseph Martinez, 20.3 yards per game
- Passing Yards: #11 Soso Prak, 51.6 yards per game
- Receiving Yards: #2 Jaden Hernandez, 17.4 yards per game
- Total Yards: #11 Soso Prak, 36.7 yards per game
- Tackles: #4 Brendan Walker, 2.7 tackles per game
- Sacks: #5 Carson Kennedy, 0.2 sacks per game
- Points: #1 Apollo Pereira, 2.6 points per game
Piner has struggled to find consistent playmakers on both sides of the ball. Their leaders in rushing, passing, receiving, and total yards have been significantly lower than Benicia’s counterparts. Piner will need to make substantial improvements across the board to compete effectively in their league.
Record Breakdown: Benicia vs. Piner
- Benicia Record: 4-6 overall, 2-2 league, 2-4 non-league
- Piner Record: 8-2 overall, 5-1 league, 3-1 non-league
Benicia has had a rough season with an overall record of 4-6, but their league performance (2-2) suggests they have been competitive in their conference. Piner, in contrast, has been far more successful, with an 8-2 overall record and a strong 5-1 league performance. Their dominance in the non-league games (3-1) further underscores their success this season.
Conclusion
Benicia and Piner have shown contrasting strengths in their performance this season. Benicia’s potent offense and solid defense have made them a formidable opponent despite their overall record, while Piner’s dominant offense and balanced play have propelled them to a much stronger overall record. Moving forward, Benicia will need to continue leveraging their offensive depth and defensive capabilities, while Piner must work on improving their offensive consistency and defensive pressure to maintain their momentum.
As the season progresses, both teams will be looking to build on their strengths and shore up their weaknesses in preparation for the playoffs.
