The Linden (CA) varsity football team will face Bradshaw Christian (Sacramento, CA) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Football Playoffs – Division 6 tournament, where both teams will compete for a chance to advance.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Bradshaw Christian vs Linden
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Football Playoffs – Division 6
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Bradshaw Christian vs. Linden

The 2024 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Football Playoffs – Division 6 tournament continues to heat up, and a thrilling neutral-site game between Bradshaw Christian and Linden is set for Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. With both teams entering the playoffs with impressive records, this contest promises to be a battle of two high-powered offenses.

Bradshaw Christian: Undefeated and Dominant

Bradshaw Christian enters the playoffs with an undefeated 11-0 record, finishing a perfect 7-0 in league play. Their remarkable season has been built on solid performances both at home (6-0) and on the road (4-0), with a flawless 1-0 record in neutral-site games. Their win percentage stands at an outstanding 1.000, and they have demonstrated dominance on both sides of the ball.

Offensively, Bradshaw Christian has averaged 46.4 points per game, with a well-balanced attack. They start strong, averaging 12.3 points in the first quarter and 13.7 in the second. Their offense continues to perform well in the second half, averaging 8.7 points in the third and 8.0 in the fourth. With 510 points scored and only 97 points allowed, Bradshaw Christian has shown they can both score and defend at a high level.

Linden: A Resilient and High-Scoring Contender

Linden has had an impressive season as well, finishing 9-2 overall and 5-1 in league play. They have been solid at home (4-0) and on the road (4-2), with a perfect 1-0 record in neutral-site games. Linden’s win percentage stands at .818, and their league percentage of .833 reflects their consistency.

Linden’s offense has been potent, averaging 45.7 points per game. They get off to a fast start, averaging 19.8 points in the first quarter, but their scoring dips in the second quarter to 10.1 points. However, they pick up the pace again in the second half, with 4.6 points in the third quarter and 11.6 points in the fourth. Linden has scored 503 points while allowing 163, showing their ability to put up big numbers but also giving up some points.

Offensive Strengths and Strategies

Bradshaw Christian has been incredibly balanced in their scoring, consistently putting up points throughout the game. Their ability to score early and maintain their offensive output in the second half has made them a tough team to stop. Linden, on the other hand, excels in the first quarter and makes a strong comeback in the fourth, which could give them the momentum needed to close out tight games.

Key Matchup: Defense vs. Offense

The key to this game may lie in Bradshaw Christian’s ability to shut down Linden’s high-scoring offense. While Bradshaw Christian’s defense has allowed only 97 points on the season, Linden’s offense has been more explosive, particularly in the opening quarter. Bradshaw Christian’s strong defensive performance will be tested by Linden’s ability to start fast and finish strong.

Looking Ahead

As both teams prepare for this exciting showdown, Bradshaw Christian’s undefeated record and powerful offense make them the favorite, but Linden’s resilience and high-scoring ability could make this a very close contest. The game will likely come down to whether Linden can maintain their early-game success and avoid being stifled by Bradshaw Christian’s defense.

As the football season progresses, the matchup between Bradshaw Christian and Linden is poised to be one of the most exciting games of the year. Both teams have shown impressive performances, boasting high-scoring offenses and solid defensive units. With comparable statistics and strong leadership, this game promises to deliver a thrilling contest on the gridiron.

Team Comparison

When we look at the team stats, Bradshaw Christian and Linden are remarkably close in many key categories, making this matchup a difficult one to predict.

• Rushing Attack: Bradshaw Christian has been dominant on the ground, averaging 336.1 rushing yards per game. This is significantly higher than Linden’s 158.1 rushing yards per game. Bradshaw’s Mateo Mojica leads the charge with an impressive 113.3 yards per game, providing a dynamic force in the backfield. Linden’s rush game, while effective, is more balanced, with Landen Ly contributing 82.0 rushing yards per game.
• Passing Game: Linden holds the advantage in passing offense, averaging 238.0 yards per game, with Matthew Schallberger throwing for 228.7 yards per game. On the other hand, Bradshaw Christian posts 132.4 passing yards per game, with Ethan Rickert leading with 132.4 yards per game. While Bradshaw prefers to lean on its rushing attack, Linden has proven to be a more pass-heavy team.
• Receiving and Total Yards: Both teams excel in their receiving game. Bradshaw Christian averages 132.5 receiving yards per game, while Linden surpasses that with 232.4 yards per game. Linden’s DeAndre Smith is a key player, leading the team with 76.0 receiving yards per game. Bradshaw Christian’s Brandon Burden, who averages 41.7 yards per game, helps balance their attack.
• Defense: On the defensive side, Bradshaw Christian leads with 68.0 tackles per game, outpacing Linden’s 58.0 tackles per game. However, Linden has shown the ability to disrupt the quarterback more often, averaging 1.5 sacks per game, while Bradshaw Christian records 2.5 sacks per game.
• Scoring: Both teams have high-powered offenses, as indicated by their similar points per game stats. Bradshaw Christian averages 46.4 points per game, while Linden posts an almost identical 46.3 points per game.

Key Players to Watch

• Bradshaw Christian:
  • Mateo Mojica: The team’s leading rusher, averaging 113.3 yards per game, is a constant threat on the ground.
  • Ethan Rickert: A dual-threat quarterback who can also pass efficiently, contributing 132.4 passing yards per game.
  • Brandon Burden: The team’s leading receiver, capable of making big plays down the field with 41.7 receiving yards per game.
• Linden:
  • Landen Ly: The cornerstone of the Linden offense, contributing both in rushing and leadership.
  • Matthew Schallberger: A passing expert, with over 228.7 yards per game, and capable of stretching the field.
  • DeAndre Smith: A top target in the receiving game, averaging 76.0 receiving yards per game.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Both teams share a common opponent in Liberty Ranch, where they each had successful outings. Bradshaw Christian defeated Liberty Ranch 49-9, while Linden also triumphed with a 42-28 win. This shared victory suggests both teams are capable of handling strong competition, setting the stage for an intense clash.

Season Records

Both teams have dominated their respective leagues this season. Bradshaw Christian remains undefeated at 11-0, with a perfect 7-0 league record. Linden, while slightly behind with a 9-2 overall record, has been dominant within its league, finishing 5-1 in conference play. The teams will bring their strengths to this game, hoping to maintain their perfect or near-perfect records.

Conclusion

This matchup between Bradshaw Christian and Linden is shaping up to be an epic showdown. With powerful offenses, strong defenses, and dynamic playmakers on both sides, it’s anyone’s game. Bradshaw Christian may have the edge with its formidable rushing attack, while Linden’s high-flying passing game could prove to be a difference-maker. One thing is for sure: fans can expect a high-energy game filled with intensity, skill, and plenty of action.