The Marin Catholic (Kentfield, CA) varsity football team will host Cardinal Newman (Santa Rosa, CA) today at 1 p.m. in a home playoff game as part of the 2024 North Coast Section Football Championships, Division 1/Open tournament. Both teams are looking to advance in the postseason with a crucial win.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football
Who: Cardinal Newman vs Marin Catholic
When: Today, November 16, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 North Coast Section Football Championships – Division 1/Open
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Marin Catholic vs. Cardinal Newman

Today at 1 p.m., Marin Catholic (Kentfield, CA) will host Cardinal Newman (Santa Rosa, CA) in an exciting home playoff game as part of the 2024 North Coast Section Football Championships, Division 1/Open tournament. Both teams enter this matchup with impressive records, but it will be a true test of which team can perform under postseason pressure.

Team Records and Performance

Cardinal Newman enters the game with a strong 9-1 overall record, including an undefeated 7-0 performance at home. Their only loss came on the road, but with a .900 win percentage and an impressive 369 points scored throughout the season, they have proven themselves to be one of the top teams in the region. Defensively, they have allowed just 102 points, showcasing a dominant defense to match their high-powered offense.

On the other hand, Marin Catholic comes into this game with an 8-2 record, finishing a perfect 5-0 in league play. While their home record stands at 2-2, they have been unbeatable on the road, securing all six away victories. With 218 points scored and 127 allowed, they will need to step up their offensive output if they hope to topple the powerful Cardinal Newman team.

Scoring Averages and Key Stats

Cardinal Newman’s offense has been potent, averaging 36.9 points per game. They score most heavily in the first and second quarters, averaging 13.2 and 12.8 points, respectively. Their ability to start strong will be crucial in this playoff battle, and they’ll need to maintain their momentum through the second half.

Marin Catholic’s offense has averaged 21.8 points per game, with their highest production in the first half. They score an average of 6.9 points in the first quarter and 8.4 points in the second. However, they will need to find more consistency in the second half of the game to keep up with Cardinal Newman’s explosive offense.

Key Factors to Watch

• Cardinal Newman’s Explosive Start: Cardinal Newman’s ability to dominate early in the game with their strong first-half scoring could give them an early advantage. Marin Catholic will need to weather this storm and ensure they don’t fall too far behind.
• Marin Catholic’s Road Advantage: Although Marin Catholic has been less dominant at home, their perfect record on the road shows they can perform under pressure. They’ll need to rely on their road-tested experience to challenge the Cardinals.

This matchup between Marin Catholic and Cardinal Newman promises to be a thrilling contest. Cardinal Newman brings a potent offense and rock-solid defense, while Marin Catholic will rely on their resilience and the experience of playing in high-pressure situations. Fans can expect a hard-fought, high-energy game as both teams battle for a spot in the next round of the playoffs.

As the season comes down to the wire, Cardinal Newman (9-1) and Marin Catholic (8-2) are gearing up for an exciting matchup that promises to showcase two of the top teams in the area. Both teams have enjoyed successful campaigns this season, and this game could determine who advances with the momentum heading into the playoffs.

Team Stat Comparison

Offensive Breakdown

• Rushing Game: Cardinal Newman has been dominant on the ground, averaging 207.9 rushing yards per game. Jamari Gentry has been the standout performer in this category, rushing for 108.9 yards per game. The ground game is clearly a key component of Cardinal Newman’s offense, and they will look to utilize this strength against Marin Catholic. However, Marin Catholic doesn’t appear to focus on rushing statistics, making Cardinal Newman’s rushing attack an even greater factor in this game.
• Passing Attack: Cardinal Newman’s passing game has been effective, with Tino Retamoza averaging 126.8 passing yards per game. Retamoza’s versatility is essential to their success, as he leads the team in total yards per game (153.7). The balanced approach in both the air and on the ground makes Cardinal Newman a difficult team to stop offensively. On the other hand, Marin Catholic does not provide any passing statistics in the provided data, but given their overall performance, it’s clear they have a strong offense that may look to outpace Cardinal Newman’s scoring ability.

Defensive Performance

• Tackles: Cardinal Newman’s defense, led by Jimmy McKenzie, who averages 6.9 tackles per game, has been strong this season. With a focus on stopping the run, Cardinal Newman’s defense has shown the ability to make plays when necessary. Meanwhile, Marin Catholic‘s defensive stats remain undefined, but considering their overall success, they likely have a solid defense capable of stopping high-powered offenses.
• Sacks: Cardinal Newman has been aggressive in the backfield, averaging 3.0 sacks per game, led by McKenzie, who also leads the team in sacks with 1.1 per game. This pressure could disrupt Marin Catholic’s offensive rhythm, especially if they lean heavily on the passing game. Marin Catholic will need to be prepared to handle the defensive pressure Cardinal Newman brings.

Scoring:

• Cardinal Newman’s offense averages 36.9 points per game, a testament to their balanced attack on both sides of the ball. With Gentry leading the way in the ground game and Retamoza orchestrating the offense, they have the ability to score quickly and often. On the other hand, Marin Catholic has scored consistently, maintaining a solid offensive output throughout the season. While specific points per game data for Marin Catholic is unavailable, their overall record and victories over strong opponents demonstrate their capability to score when needed.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced several common opponents this season, and their results reflect a high level of competition:

• Windsor: Both teams faced off against Windsor and came away with narrow victories. Cardinal Newman won 24-23, while Marin Catholic triumphed 24-21.
• Rancho Cotate: Cardinal Newman secured a decisive 38-8 victory, while Marin Catholic also dominated with a 30-0 win.
• San Marin: Cardinal Newman triumphed 34-3, while Marin Catholic won 21-7.
• Vintage: Both teams played against Vintage and won in commanding fashion. Cardinal Newman won 33-0, while Marin Catholic won 20-0.

Both teams have demonstrated their ability to perform well against common opponents, further emphasizing the closeness and competitiveness of this matchup.

Record Breakdown

• Cardinal Newman’s 9-1 record highlights an outstanding season, with a strong 4-1 record in league play. They have been dominant at home (7-0) and are confident heading into this game. Their lone loss came in a non-league matchup, but they have consistently rebounded with dominant wins.
• Marin Catholic enters this matchup with an 8-2 record, including a perfect 5-0 in league play. They have been formidable on the road with a 6-0 record, making them a tough opponent, especially in away games.

Key Players to Watch

• Cardinal Newman: Watch for Jamari Gentry in the running game and Tino Retamoza in both the passing and rushing attacks. Jimmy McKenzie will be key on defense to disrupt Marin Catholic’s offensive flow.
• Marin Catholic: While specific player statistics aren’t available, expect Marin Catholic to bring a well-rounded team effort to both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Their successful season indicates that they have a balanced squad capable of competing with Cardinal Newman’s strengths.

Conclusion: A Close Contest

The clash between Cardinal Newman and Marin Catholic is set to be a thrilling game, as both teams enter the matchup with solid records and plenty of confidence. Cardinal Newman’s dominant rushing game and effective passing attack will be the key to their success, while Marin Catholic’s ability to neutralize Cardinal Newman’s strengths will be crucial. Given both teams’ strong performance against common opponents, this contest could come down to which team can execute under pressure and impose their style of play.

With both teams looking to maintain momentum heading into the playoffs, expect a competitive and hard-fought game. Cardinal Newman’s home-field advantage could provide the edge they need to outlast Marin Catholic, but this promises to be one of the season’s most exciting matchups.