The Mission Viejo varsity football team will host Centennial in a home playoff game today at 7 p.m. This highly anticipated matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) in Division 1. Both teams are looking to advance further in the tournament with a strong performance.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: California High School Football
Who: Centennial vs Mission Viejo
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – Division 1
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Centennial vs. Mission Viejo
As the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships heat up, one of the most anticipated matchups in Division 1 features Centennial (Corona) and Mission Viejo. Both teams have had exceptional seasons and will face off in a thrilling playoff game with high stakes.
Centennial Huskies: A High-Scoring Team with Dominant League Play
Centennial (24-25) enters the game with a strong 8-2 overall record, boasting a remarkable .800 win percentage. Ranked 23rd nationally and 5th in California, the Huskies have proven themselves to be a dominant force, particularly in league play where they finished undefeated at 5-0. Centennial’s offense has been explosive, averaging an impressive 47.4 points per game, with balanced scoring throughout each quarter. The Huskies average 11.9 points in the first quarter, 13.9 in the second, 9.0 in the third, and 7.7 in the fourth.
With a powerful offense and solid team chemistry, Centennial looks poised to challenge Mission Viejo for a spot in the next round of the tournament. Their ability to maintain consistent scoring throughout the game, especially early on, will be crucial in this high-stakes matchup.
Mission Viejo Diablos: Perfect Season and a Fierce Defense
Mission Viejo (24-25) comes into this playoff game with a perfect 10-0 record, ranking 9th nationally and 4th in California. The Diablos are one of the most dominant teams in the nation this season, with a 1.000 win percentage and an equally impressive 1.000 league percentage. Mission Viejo has been stellar both offensively and defensively, with an average of 42.8 points per game and a stout defense that has allowed just 117 points all season.
Mission Viejo’s offense is highly efficient, averaging 11.0 points in the first quarter, 15.5 in the second, 8.8 in the third, and 8.5 in the fourth. Their ability to score quickly and often, particularly in the second quarter, has been one of the key factors in their undefeated season.
Key Factors for Both Teams
Centennial will need to continue their explosive offensive performance while maintaining strong defensive play to contain Mission Viejo’s high-powered offense. The Huskies have shown they can score in bunches, and if they can carry that momentum into the second half, they’ll have a chance to pull off the upset.
For Mission Viejo, their focus will be on maintaining their perfect season and continuing their dominance on both sides of the ball. With a strong defense and an offense that can produce quickly, they are well-positioned to advance in the tournament. Mission Viejo’s ability to execute in the second and fourth quarters, when they have been most productive, will be key to their success in this matchup.
Conclusion: A Battle of Undefeated vs. Dominant
The upcoming CIF Southern Section Division 1 playoff game between Centennial and Mission Viejo promises to be an exciting and intense contest. Centennial will look to build on their explosive offense and league dominance, while Mission Viejo will aim to continue their undefeated streak and defensive excellence. Both teams have the tools to succeed, but it will come down to execution, especially in the second half. Fans can expect a thrilling game as two of California’s top teams battle for a chance to advance in the tournament.
The highly anticipated high school football game between Centennial and Mission Viejo is set to be a thrilling contest, with both teams boasting impressive records and powerful offenses. As the regular season nears its end, these two powerhouse programs are primed for a showdown that could determine postseason implications. Let’s break down the key stats and individual performances leading up to this exciting matchup.
Offensive Breakdown
Centennial’s offense has been explosive this season, leading the way with 486.6 total yards per game. Their balanced attack, which averages 237.9 rushing yards and 248.7 passing yards per game, has allowed them to dominate opponents. Centennial’s ability to mix up the offense has been key, with Braylin Drake leading the way on the ground, averaging 142.0 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Husan Longstreet has been equally efficient, posting 178.1 passing yards per game and totaling 236.3 yards per game overall. Receiver Cory Butler, Jr. adds another dimension to their offensive attack with 82.4 receiving yards per game.
In comparison, Mission Viejo’s offense has also been strong, with 411.2 total yards per game, but their strength lies in the passing game. Mission Viejo averages 276.7 passing yards per game, with quarterback Luke Fahey throwing for 145.8 yards per game and leading the team with 164.3 total yards per game. The running back committee is led by Hinesward Lilomaiava, who averages 62.2 rushing yards per game, contributing to the team’s 134.5 rushing yards per game. Meanwhile, receiver Vance Spafford has been a standout, posting 89.5 receiving yards per game.
Both teams show depth and versatility on offense, but Centennial’s more balanced attack gives them the advantage in overall yardage and scoring, as they average 41.6 points per game compared to Mission Viejo’s 31.2 points per game.
Defensive Comparison
When it comes to defense, both teams are solid, but Centennial’s defense has been more active overall, averaging 61.9 tackles per game. Mission Viejo, however, leads in sacks with 7.1 per game compared to Centennial’s 2.5 sacks per game. The Diablos’ aggressive defense has been a key factor in their dominant season, allowing them to control the line of scrimmage.
Individually, Centennial’s Cade Paterson leads the team with 6.4 tackles per game, while Jonathan McKinley II has contributed 1.1 sacks per game. For Mission Viejo, Jaden Williams has been a force, averaging 9.8 tackles per game and 2.3 sacks per game, highlighting his ability to disrupt plays in the backfield. Vance Spafford, in addition to his receiving efforts, also plays a crucial role on defense.
Key Players to Watch
On offense, Braylin Drake is the key player for Centennial, and his performance in the running game will be crucial to maintaining offensive balance. Husan Longstreet’s ability to manage the passing game will also be important for Centennial’s success. For Mission Viejo, Luke Fahey’s arm and ability to distribute the ball will be critical to the Diablos’ chances. His connection with Vance Spafford, who leads the receiving corps, will be one of the most exciting matchups to watch.
Head-to-Head Against Common Opponents
Looking at common opponents, Centennial has a 1-1 record, with losses to Santa Margarita and a win against Chaparral. Mission Viejo, on the other hand, has defeated both teams in their head-to-head matchups. Mission Viejo secured a decisive win over Santa Margarita (35-7) and Chaparral (51-10), while Centennial’s only common opponent win was a 54-12 victory over Chaparral.
Both teams show the ability to compete against strong programs, but Mission Viejo’s undefeated record against common opponents gives them an edge heading into this matchup.
Record Breakdown
Centennial enters this game with an 8-2 overall record and a perfect 5-0 league mark, showcasing their dominance in conference play. Mission Viejo is even more impressive, boasting an undefeated 10-0 record, with a strong 7-0 record in out-of-state games and a flawless 3-0 record in league play.
Centennial has shown resilience in non-league play with a 3-2 record, but Mission Viejo’s undefeated performance in both league and non-league contests places them as the more formidable opponent in this matchup. The teams also mirror each other in home and away records, with Centennial holding a 4-1 home record and Mission Viejo posting a perfect 7-0 mark on the road.
Key Takeaways
While both teams have high-powered offenses, Centennial’s balanced approach and ability to control the game with both the run and pass give them a slight advantage in terms of total yards and points per game. However, Mission Viejo’s explosive passing game, spearheaded by Luke Fahey and Vance Spafford, could be the key to breaking down Centennial’s defense.
The game will likely come down to which team can execute better on both sides of the ball. Centennial’s ability to maintain offensive balance and score quickly could be pivotal, while Mission Viejo’s defense—led by Jaden Williams—will look to pressure Centennial’s offense and make critical stops.
As both teams bring impressive records and formidable strengths to the table, fans can expect an intense and closely contested battle. With both teams having something to prove, this showdown is sure to be one of the highlights of the season.
