The Bakersfield (CA) varsity football team will face Frontier (Bakersfield, CA) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 CIF Central Section Football Championships – Division I-A tournament, where both teams will compete for a spot in the next round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Frontier vs Bakersfield
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 CIF Central Section Football Championships – Division I-A
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Frontier vs. Bakersfield

As the 2024 CIF Central Section Football Championships – Division I-A tournament heats up, one of the most exciting matchups will take place on Friday, November 22, between Frontier (Bakersfield, CA) and Bakersfield (CA). Both teams have had strong seasons, and this clash of local rivals promises to deliver an intense, action-packed playoff contest.

Frontier’s Strong Season

Frontier enters the game with an 8-4 overall record, posting a .667 win percentage. They have been particularly successful in league play, finishing 3-1, and have demonstrated resilience both at home (5-2) and on the road (3-2). Frontier’s offense has scored 328 points this season, averaging 27.3 points per game. Their scoring is well-balanced, averaging 7.7 points in the first quarter, 7.0 in the second, and 8.2 in the third, but they tend to slow down in the final quarter, scoring just 3.6 points. Despite the challenges in the fourth quarter, Frontier’s solid all-around performance has earned them a spot in the playoffs, where they will look to make a deep run.

Bakersfield’s Dominant Campaign

Bakersfield, on the other hand, has had a near-perfect season with an 11-1 overall record and a .917 win percentage. Their league performance was also impressive, finishing 3-1, and they have been a force both at home (6-1) and away (4-0), demonstrating their ability to win in a variety of environments. Bakersfield has been one of the highest-scoring teams in the section, amassing 458 points this season, with an average of 38.2 points per game. Their offense has been particularly potent, averaging 8.0 points in the first quarter, 13.6 in the second, and 7.3 in the third, while still managing to score 6.6 points in the fourth quarter. With a combination of early game explosiveness and consistent scoring, Bakersfield has been a dominant force this season.

A Clash of Styles

In this highly anticipated matchup, Frontier’s balanced scoring attack will face off against Bakersfield’s explosive offense. While Frontier has shown the ability to keep pace with strong teams, Bakersfield’s firepower and scoring consistency will be a major challenge. The Bakersfield team’s ability to start fast and finish strong gives them a distinct advantage, and their defense, which has allowed just 138 points this season, will be crucial in limiting Frontier’s offensive output.

The upcoming football game between Frontier and Bakersfield is shaping up to be an exciting and highly competitive matchup. Both teams have been exceptional this season, posting impressive records. Frontier comes in with an 8-4 overall record, while Bakersfield boasts a remarkable 11-1 record. With both teams showing strength on offense and defense, this game promises to deliver an intense and thrilling battle.

Offensive Breakdown:

• Rushing Attack: Bakersfield has been the more dominant team on the ground, averaging 227.1 rushing yards per game, with Brison Abbott leading the charge at 131.0 yards per game. In contrast, Frontier has averaged 112.3 rushing yards per game, with Rj Green accounting for 61.8 yards per game. While Bakersfield has a more potent rushing attack, Frontier will rely on other aspects of their offense to stay competitive.
• Passing Game: Frontier has a strong passing game, averaging 133.7 yards per game, with Brady Campbell contributing 157.8 total yards per game. Bakersfield, however, has been even more productive in the air, averaging 151.8 passing yards per game, with Elijah Cavazos throwing for 142.9 yards per game. Both teams will look to use their passing game to stretch the field and create big-play opportunities.
• Total Offense: Bakersfield has been the more explosive team overall, averaging 378.9 total yards per game compared to Frontier’s 245.9 yards per game. Bakersfield’s high-powered offense, led by their running and passing attacks, will be a challenge for Frontier to contain. However, Frontier has shown the ability to execute efficiently and will need to focus on controlling the tempo to keep Bakersfield’s offense off the field.

Defensive Comparison:

• Tackles: Frontier has been solid defensively, averaging 92.8 tackles per game. Logan Slaton leads the team with 8.5 tackles per game, and Brady Durkan contributes significantly to the defense as well. On the other hand, Bakersfield has averaged 51.7 tackles per game, with Izaiah Bautista leading the team with 6.9 tackles per game. While Bakersfield’s defense has been effective, Frontier’s more aggressive approach has given them the upper hand in terms of tackles.
• Sacks: Frontier has been a more effective team in terms of pass rush, averaging 3.8 sacks per game, with Brady Durkan contributing 2.0 sacks per game. Bakersfield, by comparison, averages 2.3 sacks per game. Frontier’s ability to pressure the quarterback will be key in disrupting Bakersfield’s high-powered offense.

Scoring:

• Points Per Game: Bakersfield has been the more prolific team in terms of scoring, averaging 38.3 points per game, compared to Frontier’s 24.3. Bakersfield’s ability to put up big numbers will be crucial in putting pressure on Frontier to keep up. However, Frontier has shown the ability to win close games and will need to rely on their defense to stifle Bakersfield’s offensive surge.

Record Breakdown:

• Frontier: With an overall record of 8-4, Frontier has performed well, particularly in non-league play, where they went 3-3. They have been strong in league play, posting a 3-1 record. Frontier’s defense and ability to control the ball on offense will be key in matching up against Bakersfield’s potent attack. They also have a perfect 1-0 record in neutral-site games.
• Bakersfield: Bakersfield enters the game with a stellar 11-1 record, including a perfect 6-0 record in non-league play. They have been a dominant force all season, and their offense has been a major factor in their success. Bakersfield’s only loss came in-state, but they have proven themselves on both sides of the ball. Their ability to score quickly and often has made them a formidable opponent.

Common Opponents:

• San Joaquin Memorial: Both teams faced San Joaquin Memorial, with Frontier winning 42-8 on 9/20/24 and Bakersfield defeating them 23-7 on 11/8/24. Both teams showed dominance against this opponent, but Frontier’s larger margin of victory suggests they can handle tougher competition.
• Stockdale: Frontier defeated Stockdale 29-0 on 10/4/24, while Bakersfield also had success, winning 49-0 on 9/6/24. Both teams dominated this common opponent, although Bakersfield showcased more offensive firepower in their victory.
• Centennial: On 11/1/24, Frontier won 28-14 against Centennial, while Bakersfield defeated them 22-21 on 10/10/24. This close matchup shows both teams’ ability to win in competitive games, but Bakersfield’s tight victory underscores their resilience in high-pressure situations.

Conclusion:

This game between Frontier and Bakersfield will be a clash of styles. Bakersfield enters the matchup as the favorites with their potent offense and undefeated record in non-league play. However, Frontier has proven themselves against tough opponents and will look to use their defensive strength and efficient offense to disrupt Bakersfield’s rhythm.

Ultimately, the key for Frontier will be containing Bakersfield’s offense while making enough plays on the offensive side to stay competitive. For Bakersfield, maintaining their offensive dominance and limiting turnovers will be critical in ensuring they don’t let Frontier dictate the pace.

This matchup will be one of the most highly anticipated games of the season, as Bakersfield looks to continue their dominance, while Frontier aims to upset the high-flying Bakersfield squad.