The Carter varsity football team from Rialto will face Palmdale in a neutral-site playoff game tonight at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (Division 12), with both teams vying for a spot in the next round of the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Carter (CA) vs Palmdale (CA)
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – Division 12
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Carter vs. Palmdale

As the season heats up, the highly anticipated matchup between Palmdale and Carter promises to be a thrilling contest. Both teams have impressive offensive units and are putting up impressive statistics across the board. The clash of these two powerhouses will certainly capture the attention of fans, with both sides boasting standout players who can dominate on both sides of the ball.

Team Comparison

Palmdale comes into this game averaging 313.3 total yards per game. With a balanced offensive attack, the team averages 100.7 rushing yards and 212.6 passing yards per game. Leading the way is Elleyon Clark, who is responsible for 124.0 rushing yards per game. Additionally, Joshua Suarez provides a potent passing option, averaging 221.3 passing yards per game. Palmdale scores an average of 32.2 points per game, a testament to their ability to move the ball effectively on offense. However, their defense has allowed 29.3 tackles per game, indicating some potential vulnerabilities.

Carter, on the other hand, boasts one of the most dynamic offenses in the league, averaging 389.5 total yards per game. They excel in the running game, gaining 215.0 rushing yards per game. Jordan McKinney leads the charge with 114.8 rushing yards per game, while Ryder Carson brings balance to the offense with 174.5 passing yards per game. Carter’s high-scoring offense averages 42.8 points per game, making them a formidable opponent for any defense. On the defensive side, Carter has been impressive, averaging 58.3 tackles per game and 1.1 sacks per game, showing they can make plays on both sides of the ball.

Key Players to Watch

For Palmdale, the key players include:

• Elleyon Clark (#34), who is a major offensive weapon, averaging 124.0 rushing yards per game.
• Joshua Suarez (#1), who leads the passing attack with 221.3 yards per game.
• Paul Turner (#15), who contributes 70.4 receiving yards per game.
• Marciano Salazar (#5), who makes an impact on defense with 4.7 tackles per game.
• Ny’Jol Williams (#55), who adds depth to the defense with 0.6 sacks per game.

For Carter, standout players include:

• Jordan McKinney (#2), a key part of their offense, leading the team with 114.8 rushing yards per game.
• Ryder Carson (#7), who helps balance the offense with 174.5 passing yards per game.
• Joey Martinez (#3), who is a key receiving target with 70.1 yards per game.
• Christopher Martinez (#40), who is the leader of the defense with 8.6 tackles per game.
• Michael Martinez (#50), who contributes 0.3 sacks per game on the defensive line.

Record Breakdown

Palmdale enters the game with an 8-5 overall record, including a 4-3 mark in league play. They have a 1-2 record in non-league games but have been strong in the postseason, boasting a 3-0 record in playoff games. At home, Palmdale has a 3-2 record, while on the road, they are 3-3. Their ability to perform in different environments will be put to the test against a tough Carter team.

Carter comes into the game with a solid 9-3 overall record, including a 4-1 league record. Their non-league record stands at 2-2, and they are also undefeated in neutral-site games, with a 2-0 record. Carter’s ability to win in various settings — home, away, and neutral-site games — will give them confidence going into this matchup.

What to Expect

In this game, the focus will be on the explosive offenses of both teams. Palmdale has a well-rounded offense that can attack through the air or on the ground. However, they will face a difficult challenge against Carter, who has a high-powered rushing attack that dominates time of possession. The key for Palmdale will be to use Joshua Suarez‘s arm to spread out Carter’s defense and create opportunities for Elleyon Clark to make plays on the ground.

For Carter, their goal will be to establish the running game early and control the clock. With Jordan McKinney in the backfield and Ryder Carson providing an efficient passing game, Carter will look to wear down Palmdale’s defense. Defensively, Carter will aim to slow down the explosive Palmdale offense and make big stops when it counts.

Final Thoughts

Carter enters this game with the stronger overall record and a more potent offense, making them the slight favorites. Their high-scoring offense and solid defense make them a difficult team to beat. However, Palmdale has shown the ability to be competitive with a well-balanced offensive attack, and their defense will need to step up to keep this game close.

Expect a high-scoring affair, with both teams capable of putting up big yardage and points. Carter’s ability to dominate in the running game and Palmdale’s balanced offensive play will be key factors in this exciting matchup. The team that can execute their game plan effectively will come out on top in what promises to be an exciting contest.