The Edison (Huntington Beach, CA) varsity football team is set to host Central (Fresno, CA) today at 3:30 p.m. in a highly anticipated matchup in the 2024 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games, Division 1-A. Both teams aim to secure a spot in the next round of the prestigious tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California State Football Championship Bowl Games
Who: Edison (CA) vs Central (CA)
When: Today, December 14, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games – Division 1-A
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Edison vs. Central

As Central and Edison prepare to face off, a close examination of their statistics, team leaders, and record breakdown reveals key factors that could influence the outcome of this exciting matchup.

Team Stat Comparison

Both teams exhibit impressive performances, with strengths that could sway the game in different directions:

• Rushing Attack: Edison leads slightly with 217.2 rushing yards per game compared to Central’s 205.6. Julius Gillick, Edison’s star running back, averages a remarkable 168.9 rushing yards per game, placing him far above the national average of 19.9.
• Passing and Receiving Game: Central has a clear edge in the air, boasting 230.7 passing yards per game and 230.7 receiving yards per game. Jelani Dippel, their quarterback, is a standout, averaging 230.7 passing yards per game—double Edison’s Sam Thomson at 117.0.
• Total Offense: Central’s balanced attack results in a commanding 436.3 total yards per game, significantly outpacing Edison’s 364.9.
• Defense: Edison’s defense appears more robust, with 83.6 tackles per game compared to Central’s 64.1. Matt Lopez leads Edison with 11.1 tackles per game, narrowly trailing Central’s Aidan Chavez at 12.4.
• Points Per Game: Central averages slightly more points (35.7) than Edison (30.7), reflecting their potent offensive capabilities.

Key Team Leaders

The spotlight falls on a few exceptional players who could be game-changers:

• Central’s Brandon Smith: The running back averages 128.6 rushing yards per game and contributes 12.1 points per game, a critical part of Central’s scoring machine.
• Edison’s Julius Gillick: Gillick leads Edison’s offense, contributing 15.4 points per game—the highest among all players in this matchup.
• Quarterback Matchup: Central’s Jelani Dippel dwarfs Edison’s Sam Thomson in total yards per game (257.7 vs. 182.2), making him a central figure in Central’s offensive strategy.

Head-to-Head Factors

Despite not having met head-to-head this season, the teams share a common opponent in Clovis West. Central dominated Clovis West with a convincing 45-27 victory, while Edison suffered a narrow 29-28 loss. This suggests Central might have an edge in direct comparisons.

Record Breakdown

• Overall Performance: Central holds a stronger overall record (12-2) compared to Edison’s 11-4. Central’s 3-2 league record also outshines Edison’s 1-2.
• Home and Away: Edison remains undefeated at home (7-0), while Central’s road record (6-1) highlights their ability to perform under pressure.
• Playoff Success: Both teams are playoff powerhouses, with Central at 4-0 and Edison at 5-0 this season, underscoring their ability to rise to the occasion in high-stakes games.

Final Thoughts

This matchup promises to be a battle of strengths. Central’s high-powered offense, led by Jelani Dippel and Brandon Smith, will test Edison’s staunch defense and Julius Gillick’s ability to carry the offense. With both teams boasting strong records and playoff pedigree, fans can expect a thrilling contest that may come down to who can execute their game plan more effectively.