The Simi Valley varsity football team faces Edison from Huntington Beach in a high-stakes neutral-site playoff game tonight at 7 p.m. This matchup, part of the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (Division 3), promises an intense battle as both teams compete for a coveted spot in the next round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Edison vs Simi Valley
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – Division 3
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Edison vs. Simi Valley

The 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (Division 3) bring us a marquee matchup as Edison faces Simi Valley in a neutral-site playoff game. Both teams have had impressive seasons and enter this contest as top-tier competitors in California high school football.

Simi Valley: A Dominant Season

Simi Valley has been nothing short of spectacular this season. Ranked 27th in California and second in their division, they boast an outstanding 12-1 overall record and a strong 4-1 league performance. Their ability to win both at home (4-1) and away (6-0) has contributed to their stellar .923 win percentage.

Offensively, Simi Valley has been a powerhouse, averaging 39.5 points per game and scoring a total of 514 points this season. They excel in the first half, particularly in the second quarter, where they average 11.0 points. Their consistency across all quarters makes them a formidable opponent capable of maintaining pressure throughout the game.

Defensively, Simi Valley has allowed 310 points this season, but their high-scoring offense often gives them a comfortable margin to work with. Their balanced and explosive play style has made them a favorite to advance deep into the playoffs.

Edison: Resilient and Tested

Edison has also had an impressive season, with a 9-4 overall record and a .692 win percentage. Ranked 22nd in California and first in their division, they have excelled in neutral-site games, going 2-0, which could give them an edge in tonight’s matchup.

Edison’s offense averages 30.3 points per game, with their strongest performances in the first quarter (11.9 points). However, their scoring dips significantly in the second half, with just 3.6 points in the third quarter and 3.5 in the fourth. Despite this, their defense has been solid, allowing only 208 points all season, which gives them the ability to stay competitive in low-scoring games.

While their league performance (1-2) has been inconsistent, Edison’s 6-0 record at home and strong defensive capabilities highlight their potential to cause an upset.

Key Matchup Factors

1. Offensive Firepower: Simi Valley’s high-scoring offense will test Edison’s strong defense. If Edison can contain Simi Valley’s attack, the game could shift in their favor.
2. Momentum and Experience: Both teams have excelled in neutral-site games this season, making this a contest of poise under playoff pressure.
3. Second-Half Performance: Simi Valley’s ability to score consistently across all quarters contrasts with Edison’s second-half scoring struggles, which could be a deciding factor.

The upcoming clash between Edison and Simi Valley is set to showcase two high-performing teams, each with a unique blend of talent and style. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their stats, key players, and how they’ve fared so far this season.

Team Stat Comparison

Simi Valley brings an explosive offense into this matchup, averaging 419.2 total yards per game compared to Edison’s 331.6. The edge is most pronounced in the passing game, where Simi Valley averages 213.8 passing yards and 213.4 receiving yards per game, significantly outpacing Edison’s 135.0 and 135.5, respectively.

Edison holds its ground in the rushing game, averaging 196.6 rushing yards per game, only slightly behind Simi Valley’s 205.3. Defensively, Simi Valley’s 87.2 tackles per game outshine Edison’s 77.5. The sack count also leans in Simi Valley’s favor, with 2.4 per game compared to Edison’s 1.5.

In scoring, Simi Valley is a powerhouse, putting up 39.6 points per game, well above Edison’s 26.8.

Team Leaders

Both teams rely on standout athletes to fuel their success:

• Edison:
  • Rushing Leader: #9 Julius Gillick dominates on the ground with 155.2 rushing yards per game.
  • Passing Leader: #11 Savelio Niumata averages 115.9 passing yards per game.
  • Receiving Leader: #6 Ayden Degiacomo contributes 53.2 receiving yards per game.
  • Defensive Leader: #31 Matt Lopez leads with 10.2 tackles per game, while #22 Jeremiah Ross adds 0.5 sacks per game.
  • Scoring Leader: Julius Gillick is a key scoring threat, averaging 13.5 points per game.
• Simi Valley:
  • Rushing Leader: #15 Brice Hawkins powers through defenses with 125.6 rushing yards per game.
  • Passing Leader: #1 Tagg Harrison is a standout quarterback, throwing for 198.5 yards per game.
  • Receiving Leader: #17 Quentin McGahan leads the air attack with 63.4 receiving yards per game.
  • Defensive Leader: #9 Jayden Graham anchors the defense with 11.5 tackles per game, while #33 Izak Simpson tallies 1.2 sacks per game.
  • Scoring Leader: Brice Hawkins tops the leaderboard with an impressive 17.1 points per game.

Record Breakdown

Simi Valley’s season record of 12-1 showcases their dominance, particularly in league play (4-1) and at home (6-0). Edison, at 9-4, has also had a strong season, particularly in playoff games where both teams boast an undefeated 3-0 record.

Simi Valley has displayed a better balance across home, away, and neutral games, with strong performances in all environments. Edison has been more vulnerable on the road, with a 1-4 away record.

What to Expect

The matchup could hinge on Edison’s ability to contain Simi Valley’s high-powered passing game led by Tagg Harrison and Quentin McGahan. Meanwhile, Edison will look to their star running back, Julius Gillick, to control the tempo and keep Simi Valley’s offense off the field.

Defensively, Simi Valley’s Jayden Graham and Izak Simpson will need to step up against Edison’s strong rushing attack, while Edison’s Matt Lopez and Jeremiah Ross must disrupt Simi Valley’s rhythm.

With contrasting styles and impressive talent on both sides, this game has all the ingredients of an unforgettable battle. Will Simi Valley’s offensive firepower overwhelm Edison, or can Edison’s balanced attack and defensive grit pull off the upset?

Stay tuned for a thrilling contest!

Prediction

Simi Valley’s dominant offense and consistent play give them a significant edge in this matchup. However, Edison’s strong defense and neutral-site success make them a formidable opponent capable of keeping the game close. Expect a hard-fought contest with Simi Valley’s offensive firepower likely tipping the scales in their favor.