The Pittsburg varsity football team will face Clayton Valley Charter in a home playoff game today at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 North Coast Section Football Championships – Division 1/Open tournament, where both teams will compete for a chance to advance in the postseason.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football
Who: Clayton Valley Charter vs Pittsburg
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 North Coast Section Football Championships – Division 1/Open
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Pittsburg vs. Clayton Valley Charter

As the 2024 North Coast Section Football Championships heat up, the Pittsburg Pirates will host Clayton Valley Charter in a highly anticipated playoff game today at 7 p.m. Both teams have earned their place in the postseason, but with contrasting records and styles of play, this matchup promises to deliver an exciting and competitive contest.

Clayton Valley Charter: Strong Season with Balanced Play

Clayton Valley Charter (6-4) enters the playoffs with a solid overall record, fueled by a strong 3-1 performance in league play. While their home record (2-3) reflects some challenges, their away record of 4-1 shows their ability to perform under pressure. With a scoring average of 23.9 points per game (PF), the Eagles have relied on a balanced offense, with their highest scoring periods occurring in the first quarter (8.0 points) and second quarter (7.7 points). However, their offense has slowed in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they averaged just 4.5 points. Defensively, Clayton Valley Charter has allowed 200 points (PA) across the season, and they will need to tighten their defense to stand a chance against Pittsburg’s high-powered attack.

Pittsburg: Dominant and Undefeated in League Play

Pittsburg (9-1) enters the game as one of the top teams in the section, with an impressive 5-0 record in league play and a remarkable 5-0 record at home. Their overall win percentage of .900 is a testament to their dominance throughout the season. Averaging 46.4 points per game (PF), the Pirates have been an offensive juggernaut, particularly in the first half. Pittsburg excels in the second quarter, scoring an average of 17.9 points. Their defense has also been formidable, allowing just 155 points (PA) across the season. With their potent offense and stingy defense, Pittsburg has the clear advantage heading into this game.

Game Outlook: Clayton Valley Charter’s Resilience vs. Pittsburg’s Firepower

In this playoff matchup, Clayton Valley Charter will need to find a way to stop Pittsburg’s explosive offense, especially in the first half. The Pirates’ ability to score quickly and efficiently, particularly in the second quarter, will be a key factor. On the other hand, Clayton Valley Charter will rely on its resilience and balanced attack, hoping to slow down Pittsburg’s offensive firepower and capitalize on opportunities to score.

As the game kicks off, all eyes will be on how Clayton Valley Charter’s defense holds up against Pittsburg’s dynamic playmakers and whether the Eagles can rise to the challenge in a high-stakes postseason battle.

As the season intensifies, the upcoming showdown between Clayton Valley Charter and Pittsburg promises to be a thrilling contest between two dynamic teams. Both squads have shown impressive offensive firepower and solid defensive play. Let’s break down the stats, key players, and performances to see how these two teams stack up as they head into this critical matchup.

Team Comparison

One of the most noticeable differences between these two teams is their offensive approach. Clayton Valley Charter has a balanced offensive attack, with 210.6 rushing yards per game and 127.0 passing yards per game. Leading the charge on the ground is Hayezon Jackson, who averages 111.4 rushing yards per game. Meanwhile, Javale Jones provides stability at quarterback, throwing for 116.8 yards per game.

On the other hand, Pittsburg has a slightly more pass-heavy offense, with 226.6 passing yards per game and 193.7 rushing yards per game. Marley Alcantara, Pittsburg’s quarterback, has been outstanding, averaging 194.5 passing yards per game, while Jamar Searcy leads the rushing attack with 103.2 yards per game.

In terms of total offensive yards, Pittsburg holds the edge with 420.3 yards per game compared to Clayton Valley Charter’s 337.6 yards per game. Pittsburg’s ability to move the ball both through the air and on the ground has made them one of the more explosive teams this season, as they also average 44.6 points per game, significantly more than Clayton Valley Charter’s 22.7 points per game.

Defensively, the two teams are fairly evenly matched. Pittsburg averages 59.9 tackles per game, while Clayton Valley Charter averages 58.9. Both teams have solid defensive lines, with Clayton Valley Charter recording 2.5 sacks per game, compared to Pittsburg’s 1.4 sacks per game.

Team Leaders

Each team has its own key players who have been crucial to their success this season.

For Clayton Valley Charter, Hayezon Jackson has been the primary rusher with 111.4 yards per game, and Javale Jones has led the passing attack with 116.8 yards per game. Tony Keck has been the top receiver with 54.6 receiving yards per game. On defense, Carson Fife leads the team in tackles with 7.7 tackles per game, and Logan Knapp has been the standout pass rusher with 1.0 sack per game.

For Pittsburg, Jamar Searcy has been the star on the ground, rushing for 103.2 yards per game, while Marley Alcantara has been the engine of the offense, throwing for 194.5 yards per game. Kenneth Ward has been a reliable target in the receiving game with 51.9 yards per game. Jewelous Walls has been the leader on defense with 6.6 tackles per game, and Etene Pritchard is the primary pass rusher with 0.5 sacks per game.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced Liberty this season, and each team has emerged victorious in their respective matchups. Clayton Valley Charter defeated Liberty 21-17, while Pittsburg triumphed 47-15. These wins highlight the strong performances of both teams against a common opponent, with Pittsburg’s offense showing a bit more explosiveness in their win.

Record Breakdown

Looking at the overall records, Pittsburg has had a strong season with a 9-1 record, including an undefeated 5-0 record in league play. They have been dominant at home with a 5-0 record and have proven their ability to win on the road with a 4-1 away record. In contrast, Clayton Valley Charter has a solid 6-4 record, with a 3-1 record in league play and a 4-1 record in non-league games. Their ability to stay competitive despite some tough losses speaks to their resilience.

Pittsburg’s strong performance in-state (8-1) and their undefeated league record suggest that they are the team to beat, but Clayton Valley Charter has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with their balanced offense and strong defense. The difference in overall records (Pittsburg’s 9-1 compared to Clayton Valley Charter’s 6-4) reflects Pittsburg’s consistency, but Clayton Valley Charter will look to capitalize on any weaknesses in Pittsburg’s defense.

Conclusion

The matchup between Clayton Valley Charter and Pittsburg is shaping up to be an exciting one. While Pittsburg boasts a more potent offense and an impressive record, Clayton Valley Charter will bring a balanced attack with the ability to control both the ground and the air. The key to Clayton Valley Charter’s success will be limiting Pittsburg’s explosive plays and controlling the pace of the game with their rushing attack. For Pittsburg, continuing their balanced offensive approach and leveraging their high-scoring capabilities will be crucial to extending their strong season.

This is a game that promises to showcase two talented teams with different strengths, and it will be interesting to see which squad can execute their game plan most effectively when the stakes are highest.