The Shafter (CA) varsity football team will host Coalinga (CA) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 29, at 7:00 PM. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Central Section Football Championships – Division IV, where both teams compete for a chance to advance in the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Coalinga vs Shafter
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF Central Section Football Championships – Division IV
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Shafter vs. Coalinga

The 2024 CIF Central Section Football Championships – Division IV playoffs are set to feature an exciting clash between the Shafter Generals and the Coalinga Horned Toads. This highly anticipated matchup will take place on Friday, November 29, at 7:00 PM, with both teams looking to advance to the next round in a battle of undefeated records.

Team Records and Rankings

Coalinga enters the game with a perfect 13-0 record, making them one of the most dominant teams in the section. Ranked 187th in California and 21st in the Central Section, the Horned Toads have been unstoppable this season, finishing 5-0 in league play and boasting a flawless 8-0 record at home and 5-0 on the road. Their offense has exploded for 476 points, while their defense has allowed just 95, showcasing a nearly impenetrable team.

Scoring Trends

Coalinga has been an offensive juggernaut this season, averaging 36.6 points per game. Their scoring is consistent throughout the game, with the Horned Toads putting up an average of 12.1 points in the first quarter, 9.3 in the second, and 8.4 in the third. While their offense tends to slow down slightly in the fourth quarter, they still manage to dominate their opponents.

Key Factors to Watch

The key to this game will be whether Shafter can slow down Coalinga’s high-powered offense, which has been nearly unstoppable this season. Coalinga’s ability to execute early and maintain their momentum will be critical. Shafter, with their slightly higher scoring average, will need to match Coalinga’s offensive output and ensure they capitalize on any defensive opportunities.

Looking Ahead

As two of the top teams in the CIF Central Section, Shafter and Coalinga will leave everything on the field in this Division IV playoff battle. With Coalinga’s undefeated record and Shafter’s explosive offense, this game is poised to be a standout contest, offering football fans an intense and exciting playoff experience.

Team Stat Comparison

Offensive Breakdown

• Coalinga

  Coalinga has demonstrated a well-balanced offensive attack this season. The team averages 106.5 rushing yards per game and 215.7 passing yards per game, combining for 322.2 total yards per game. Noah Tasi, with his 215.2 passing yards per game, has been the driving force behind their passing game, while Julius Borjas contributes 56.4 rushing yards per game to keep defenses honest. Coalinga’s offense averages 36.1 points per game, showing their ability to put up big numbers.

• Shafter

  Shafter‘s offense is led by a dominant running game, averaging 245.5 rushing yards per game. Mariyon Sloan, with an impressive 116.4 rushing yards per game, has been the standout back for Shafter. In contrast to Coalinga’s balanced approach, Shafter relies more on the ground game, with 100.3 passing yards per game. Despite their lower passing numbers, their rushing attack and overall offensive efficiency have allowed them to average 39.8 points per game, slightly edging out Coalinga’s point total.

Defensive Breakdown

• Coalinga

  Coalinga has been strong on defense, averaging 72.8 tackles per game, and they have been effective in pressuring opposing quarterbacks, averaging 3.7 sacks per game. Their defense will be crucial in containing Shafter’s powerful run game, as they have shown the ability to slow down offenses and limit big plays. With Jaden Pena leading the team with 9.8 tackles per game, Coalinga will need him to be at his best to disrupt Shafter’s offensive rhythm.

• Shafter

  Shafter has a solid defense, though they’ve been less aggressive in terms of pressuring the quarterback, averaging just 1.0 sack per game. However, they’ve shown the ability to get the job done defensively, holding opponents to 39.8 points per game. The team’s defensive backbone includes Nick Rosette, who leads the team with 6.1 tackles per game. Shafter’s defense will need to step up and contain Coalinga’s balanced attack if they want to emerge victorious.

Key Players to Watch

• Coalinga:

  • Noah Tasi (#5): Tasi has been the heart of Coalinga’s offense, accounting for 215.2 passing yards per game and a total of 224.8 total yards per game. His ability to manage the game and distribute the ball will be key to keeping Shafter’s defense on its toes.
  • Julius Borjas (#23): Borjas has been the main rushing threat for Coalinga, with 56.4 rushing yards per game. His ability to establish the run will be vital in balancing the offense.
  • Dylan Teixeira (#1): As a key contributor to the receiving game, Teixeira has racked up 78.8 receiving yards per game and 8.8 points per game. He’ll be a critical part of the passing game’s success.

• Shafter:

  • Mariyon Sloan (#2): Sloan is the star of Shafter’s offense, averaging 116.4 rushing yards per game. He will be looked to for the bulk of the team’s offensive production, and his performance will likely dictate the flow of the game.
  • Ezekiel Osborne (#1): Osborne contributes a solid 154.7 total yards per game, and although he’s more involved in the passing game, he can also make an impact as a rusher. His versatility gives Shafter another weapon to use.
  • Tremelle Spain (#3): Spain has proven to be a reliable receiver, accumulating 30.7 receiving yards per game. He will be an important target for Shafter’s passing game.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced Dos Palos, and both emerged victorious, with Coalinga winning 17-14 and Shafter winning 41-38. This shared win against a tough opponent shows that both teams can compete at a high level, though Shafter’s more dominant performance could signal an edge in offensive efficiency.

Record Breakdown

• Coalinga (13-0):
  Coalinga enters this game with an undefeated record of 13-0, including a perfect 5-0 league mark. Their balanced offense and solid defense have allowed them to dominate most of their opponents, and they’ll be looking to continue their winning streak against Shafter.
• Shafter (11-1):
  Shafter has also had a successful season, with an 11-1 record, including a perfect 5-0 league record. Their high-powered rushing attack and opportunistic defense have helped them win games, and they’ll be hoping to extend their winning ways against Coalinga.

Conclusion

This matchup between Coalinga and Shafter features two teams with potent offenses and strong defensive units. Coalinga will look to rely on their balanced approach, using both the pass and run to keep Shafter off balance, while Shafter will lean on the dominant rushing of Mariyon Sloan to control the clock and grind out yards