The Amador Valley (Pleasanton, CA) varsity football team faces Bishop O’Dowd (Oakland, CA) in a neutral-site playoff game tonight at 7:00 PM. This crucial matchup is part of the 2024 North Coast Section Football Championships – Division 2, with both teams aiming to secure a spot in the next round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Bishop O’Dowd vs Amador Valley
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 North Coast Section Football Championships – Division 2
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Amador Valley vs. Bishop O’Dowd

The 2024 North Coast Section Football Championships – Division 2 continues tonight with a thrilling playoff showdown between the Amador Valley Dons and the Bishop O’Dowd Dragons. The game kicks off at 7:00 PM at a neutral site, as both teams aim to advance in the high-stakes postseason.

Team Records and Rankings

Bishop O’Dowd boasts an impressive 10-2 overall record and an undefeated 6-0 mark in league play, earning them a #10 ranking in their section and #123 in California. With a balanced performance both at home and on the road, the Dragons have scored 372 points while allowing 247, showcasing a strong offense and solid defense.

Amador Valley, ranked #8 in the section and #113 in the state, enters the matchup with an 8-4 record. Despite a challenging 1-2 league record, the Dons have been effective in postseason play and have excelled on their home turf with a 5-2 record. Their offense has been prolific, scoring 431 points this season, but their defense has allowed 329, highlighting potential vulnerabilities.

Scoring Trends

The Dragons average 31 points per game, with their scoring peaking in the second quarter at 11.7 points. They are consistent throughout the game, maintaining a steady output in each quarter and adding an average of 3 points in overtime games. Their well-rounded attack makes them a formidable opponent.

The Dons, however, hold a slight edge in scoring, averaging 35.9 points per game. Their most productive quarter is also the second, where they match Bishop O’Dowd’s 11.7-point average. Amador Valley’s offense is particularly explosive in the first half, averaging 10 points in the first quarter and maintaining momentum into the third quarter with 9.6 points.

Key Factors to Watch

For Bishop O’Dowd, their key to victory lies in continuing their balanced scoring and controlling the pace of the game. Their ability to adapt in tight situations, as shown by their overtime performance, could be crucial in a closely contested matchup.

Amador Valley will rely on their high-powered offense to set the tone early. If the Dons can exploit Bishop O’Dowd’s defensive gaps and maintain their scoring edge, they have a strong chance of overcoming their opponent. Defensively, they will need to tighten up to withstand the Dragons’ consistent attack.

Looking Ahead

With both teams bringing dynamic offenses and strong postseason aspirations, this Division 2 playoff matchup promises to be a battle from start to finish. Fans can expect a high-energy game as Bishop O’Dowd looks to extend their dominant season, while Amador Valley seeks to capitalize on their offensive firepower to secure a spot in the next round.

As the season progresses, two standout teams, Bishop O’Dowd and Amador Valley, are set to clash, bringing contrasting strengths and records to the field. Here’s an in-depth look at their statistical comparisons, team leaders, and season breakdowns.

Team Statistics

Both teams bring robust offensive capabilities, but there are noticeable differences in their style of play and key metrics:

• Rushing Attack: Amador Valley has the edge, averaging 194.4 rushing yards per game compared to Bishop O’Dowd’s 150.3.
• Passing and Receiving: Amador Valley is dominant through the air, with 287.7 passing yards and 287.5 receiving yards per game, significantly outpacing Bishop O’Dowd’s 162.6 and 161.4, respectively.
• Total Offense: Amador Valley leads with an impressive 482.1 total yards per game, overshadowing Bishop O’Dowd’s 312.8.
• Defensive Play: Bishop O’Dowd shows a stronger defensive presence, averaging 56.7 tackles and 1.5 sacks per game, while Amador Valley’s defensive stats remain unspecified.

Despite Amador Valley’s offensive prowess, both teams are nearly tied in scoring, with Amador Valley slightly ahead at 33.7 points per game compared to Bishop O’Dowd’s 33.3.

Team Leaders

Key players from both squads demonstrate exceptional individual performances:

• Rushing: Bishop O’Dowd’s Saliou Sow averages 105.3 rushing yards per game, narrowly surpassing Amador Valley’s Ismael Duenas at 102.3.
• Passing: Amador Valley’s Tristan Tia leads with a stellar 287.7 passing yards per game, far ahead of Bishop O’Dowd’s Devin Wilson at 175.5.
• Receiving: Anthony Harrington of Amador Valley averages 115.9 receiving yards per game, almost double Bishop O’Dowd’s top receiver, Deji Ajose, at 62.0.
• Total Offense: Tristan Tia again dominates, contributing 348.6 total yards per game compared to Devin Wilson’s 178.8.

Defensively, Bishop O’Dowd’s Elliott Lewis leads the team with 9.4 tackles per game and 0.5 sacks, highlighting the defensive emphasis lacking in Amador Valley’s profile.

Common Opponents

A look at their performances against common opponents reveals contrasting results:

• Bishop O’Dowd holds a flawless 3-0 record, including two victories over Monte Vista (24-20, 31-28) and a win against Liberty (23-15).
• Amador Valley is 1-1 against common foes, narrowly defeating Monte Vista (32-28) but falling to Liberty (34-28).

Season Record Breakdown

Both teams boast solid overall records, though Bishop O’Dowd has been more consistent:

• Overall Record: Bishop O’Dowd is 10-2, while Amador Valley trails at 8-4.
• League Performance: Bishop O’Dowd is undefeated in league play (6-0), whereas Amador Valley has struggled at 1-2.
• Playoffs: Both teams are undefeated in postseason play, setting the stage for a high-stakes matchup.

Home-field advantage appears evenly matched, with both teams excelling at home and on the road.

Conclusion

This matchup presents a battle between Bishop O’Dowd’s balanced approach and defensive grit against Amador Valley’s explosive offensive firepower. While Amador Valley’s superior passing game could dictate the pace, Bishop O’Dowd’s ability to capitalize on turnovers and dominate defensively may prove decisive.

The game promises to be a thrilling clash of styles, with the winner likely decided by which team can impose its strengths while mitigating the other’s key advantages. Fans should expect a contest worthy of the season’s most pivotal moments.