The Acalanes (Lafayette, CA) varsity football team takes on Campolindo (Moraga, CA) in an exciting neutral-site playoff game tonight at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 North Coast Section Football Championships – Division 3, with both teams battling for a chance to advance further in the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Campolindo vs Acalanes
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 North Coast Section Football Championships – Division 3
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Acalanes vs. Campolindo

The 2024 North Coast Section Football Championships – Division 3 heats up tonight as the Acalanes Dons face off against the Campolindo Cougars at a neutral venue. With a 7:00 PM kickoff, this playoff showdown features two competitive teams eager to secure a spot in the next round.

Team Records and Rankings

The Acalanes Dons, ranked #14 in their section and #176 in California, enter the game with an impressive 9-3 overall record. Acalanes has been particularly strong at home, boasting a 6-1 record, and has been consistent in league play with a 3-1 mark. Their offensive firepower has been a standout feature, as they’ve amassed 430 points this season while allowing 229.

Campolindo, ranked #17 in their section and #200 in California, holds a 7-5 record. The Cougars have had a balanced season, splitting their league games 2-2. While their overall scoring output is lower than Acalanes, with 280 points scored and 201 allowed, they have proven to be a resilient team capable of competing under pressure.

Scoring Trends

Acalanes brings a high-scoring offense to the table, averaging 35.8 points per game. The Dons excel in the first quarter, where they average a dominant 10.7 points, setting the tone early. Their balanced scoring continues throughout the game, making them a tough team to outlast.

Campolindo averages 23.3 points per game, with their strongest quarter being the second, where they score an average of 7.8 points. The Cougars also have a steady fourth-quarter performance, averaging 6.5 points, indicating their ability to close games with determination.

Keys to the Game

For Acalanes, maintaining their explosive starts will be crucial. By jumping to an early lead, they can put pressure on Campolindo to play catch-up, a situation that plays to their advantage. Defensively, they will need to contain Campolindo’s late-game surges.

Campolindo’s path to success lies in slowing down Acalanes’ high-octane offense and staying within striking distance through disciplined defense. If they can capitalize on opportunities in the second quarter and remain resilient in the fourth, the Cougars could pull off a surprise victory.

What’s at Stake

With both teams vying for a spot in the next round of the Division 3 playoffs, this game promises to be a battle of strategy, execution, and determination. Will Acalanes’ offensive firepower prevail, or will Campolindo’s resilience lead to an upset? Fans can expect an exciting night of football in this postseason showdown.

As the Campolindo Cougars and Acalanes Dons gear up for their next contest, their season stats and performances highlight a tale of contrasts. Here’s a breakdown of how these two teams compare, showcasing their strengths and opportunities heading into the showdown.

Team Statistics

Acalanes has proven to be the more productive team offensively and defensively, leading in key metrics:

• Offense:
  Acalanes averages 374.7 total yards per game, powered by a balanced attack with 168.4 rushing yards and 206.3 passing yards. Campolindo trails significantly, managing 266.1 total yards, split between 139.2 on the ground and 126.9 through the air.
• Scoring:
  Acalanes also has a distinct advantage in scoring, putting up 35.3 points per game compared to Campolindo’s 23.2.
• Defense:
  The Dons lead in defensive stats, with 66.1 tackles and 2.9 sacks per game, while Campolindo averages 51.3 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

Acalanes also benefits from standout offensive line performance, recording five pancake blocks this season, a stat absent from Campolindo’s profile.

Team Leaders

The standout players from both teams reflect their respective strengths:

• Rushing:
  Campolindo’s Micah Parker leads the ground game with 107.8 rushing yards per game, outpacing Acalanes’ Austin Wampler at 88.2.
• Passing and Receiving:
  Acalanes quarterback Tyler Winkles is the clear leader, averaging 209 passing yards per game and connecting with top receiver Niko White for 81 yards per game. Campolindo relies on Reid Habas, who averages 129 passing yards and finds Joe Revelos for 62.1 receiving yards.
• Defense:
  Acalanes linebacker David Roux leads with 6.8 tackles per game, while Campolindo’s Mack Fisher contributes 5.9 tackles. In sacks, the teams are evenly matched, with Crosby Kelly and Drew McKenzie each averaging close to one per game.

Common Opponents

The two teams share a 2-2 record against common opponents, but their results reveal differences in their performances:

• Amador Valley:
  Both teams suffered losses, with Acalanes narrowly falling 24-23 and Campolindo losing decisively 37-7.
• Las Lomas:
  Campolindo defeated Las Lomas 30-7, while Acalanes lost 21-14.
• Clayton Valley Charter:
  Acalanes edged out a victory (28-27), whereas Campolindo fell short (20-12).
• Miramonte:
  Both teams secured wins, with Campolindo winning comfortably 35-17, while Acalanes managed a closer 35-28 victory.

Record Breakdown

Acalanes holds the upper hand in overall and league records, with notable success at home:

• Overall Record:
  Acalanes is 9-3, compared to Campolindo’s 7-5.
• League Performance:
  Acalanes leads with a 3-1 record in league play, while Campolindo stands at 2-2.
• Playoffs:
  Both teams are undefeated in the postseason, each posting a 2-0 record.

Acalanes has been dominant at home, going 6-1, while Campolindo has been slightly less consistent with a 4-3 home record.

Key Matchup Considerations

• For Campolindo:
  The Cougars must leverage Micah Parker’s rushing ability and limit Acalanes’ offensive output to keep the game close.
• For Acalanes:
  The Dons’ well-rounded offense, led by Winkles and White, could overwhelm Campolindo’s defense if they execute efficiently.

Prediction

Acalanes enters the matchup as the favorite, with a stronger offense, a solid defense, and a more consistent season record. However, Campolindo’s resilience, shown in big wins over common opponents, means this game could be tighter than it appears on paper. Fans can expect a competitive battle between two playoff-caliber teams.