The El Camino Real (Woodland Hills, CA) varsity flag football team faces Cleveland (Reseda, CA) in a highly anticipated neutral playoff game today at 2:30 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 CIF LA City Section Flag Football Championships, Division II, as both teams battle for a spot in the next round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Flag Football Playoff
Who: Cleveland vs El Camino Real
When: Today, November 23, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF LA City Section Flag Football Championships – Division I
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: El Camino Real vs. Cleveland: A Flag Football Playoff Matchup to Watch

As the 2024 CIF LA City Section Flag Football Championships continue, a Division II showdown features the Cleveland Cavaliers and the El Camino Real Conquistadors. Both teams have shown determination this season, but their contrasting performances set the stage for an intriguing playoff matchup.

Cleveland: Battling Through Adversity

The Cleveland Cavaliers come into the game with an 8-11 overall record and a 2-7 mark in league play, ranking 17th in their section. Despite their challenges, Cleveland has been effective in neutral-site games, maintaining a perfect 2-0 record. Scoring has been sporadic for the Cavaliers, who average 13.4 points per game but struggle to make an impact in the second half, as they have yet to score in the third or fourth quarters this season.

Defensively, Cleveland has allowed 301 points, an average of 15.8 points per game. To succeed against El Camino Real’s efficient offense, Cleveland must tighten its defensive game and find ways to generate scoring opportunities early.

El Camino Real: A Stronger Contender

The El Camino Real Conquistadors have had a stronger season, boasting a 9-5 overall record and a 5-4 record in league play. Ranked seventh in their section, the Conquistadors have shown balance and consistency, especially in home games, where they are 5-1. Their scoring average of 21.7 points per game highlights their offensive capability, making them one of the more formidable teams in the tournament.

El Camino Real’s defense has been tested this season, allowing 265 points (an average of 18.9 points per game). However, their ability to close out tight games and maintain control under pressure gives them the edge heading into this matchup.

Key Matchup: Cleveland’s Defense vs. El Camino Real’s Offense

The Cavaliers will need to find a way to disrupt the Conquistadors’ rhythm on offense, particularly in the first half, where Cleveland has shown some scoring potential. For El Camino Real, maintaining offensive consistency and capitalizing on Cleveland’s scoring struggles in the second half could secure their path to the next round.

Playoff Stakes

With a spot in the next round of the 2024 CIF LA City Section Flag Football Championships on the line, both teams will bring their best to this neutral-site game. El Camino Real will aim to extend their strong season, while Cleveland looks to defy the odds and continue their success on neutral ground. Fans can expect a competitive and exciting game when these two teams face off.

As the season progresses, the matchup between Cleveland and El Camino Real highlights two teams with differing strengths and trajectories. While both have faced challenges, their shared opponents and standout players offer intriguing insights into their performances.

Team Overview and Performance

• Cleveland has struggled to find consistency this season, posting an overall record of 8-11, with a disappointing 2-7 league record. Despite their challenges, they have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly against common opponents, where they managed a 3-4 record.
• El Camino Real, in contrast, boasts a stronger overall record of 9-5, including a solid 5-4 league performance. Their ability to excel in key games, particularly in the playoffs, has made them a formidable opponent. They also hold a 3-4 record against common opponents but have dominated Cleveland in head-to-head matchups, going 3-0.

Statistical Comparison

Offensively, Cleveland struggles to generate yardage, averaging just 99.6 total yards per game. Their ground game contributes 43.7 rushing yards per game, while their passing game adds 55.8 yards per game. Scoring has been a challenge, with the team averaging only 8.5 points per game.

El Camino Real’s offensive stats are unavailable, but their results suggest a more effective attack, particularly in games where they scored decisively against common opponents, including a 41-18 victory over San Fernando.

Key Players to Watch

• Cleveland:
  • Nina Ramirez (#9) has been the team’s standout performer, leading in passing yards (132.1 per game), total yards (177.1 per game), and points scored (7.7 per game). Her contributions make her the backbone of Cleveland’s offense.
  • Cindy Martinez (#8) leads the receiving corps with 65.7 yards per game, adding depth to the passing game.
  • On defense, Amber Ramirez (#13) is a key contributor, averaging 8.3 tackles per game, while Sophie Ward-Bourlier (#16) leads the team in interceptions with 1.0 per game.
• El Camino Real:
  • While specific individual stats for El Camino Real players are unavailable, their team’s stronger overall record and performances against common opponents indicate a balanced attack and solid defense.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced identical opponents during the season, producing mixed results:

• Against San Fernando, Cleveland secured a 26-6 victory, while El Camino Real dominated with a 41-18 win.
• Cleveland and El Camino Real both defeated Chatsworth multiple times, but El Camino Real showcased superior offensive performances, including a decisive 32-0 victory.
• Both teams struggled against Birmingham, with Cleveland losing all three matchups by significant margins, while El Camino Real showed slightly more resilience in their losses.

Record Breakdown

• Cleveland has a more challenging record at home (3-6) and away (3-5), showing inconsistency regardless of location. However, they have performed slightly better in neutral-site games (2-0).
• El Camino Real excels at home (5-1) and performs well on the road (5-4), suggesting greater adaptability and resilience in various environments. Their 3-0 playoff record further underscores their ability to perform under pressure.

Conclusion

The matchup between Cleveland and El Camino Real offers an opportunity for Cleveland to redeem themselves against a superior rival. While Cleveland relies heavily on the playmaking abilities of Nina Ramirez, El Camino Real’s more balanced approach and superior record suggest they hold the edge in this contest.

El Camino Real’s success against common opponents, especially their dominant win over San Fernando and clean sweep of Cleveland in head-to-head games, positions them as the favorites. However, if Cleveland can find a way to unlock their offense and tighten their defense, they could pose a challenge in this rivalry.