The Centennial (Las Vegas, NV) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Galena (Reno, NV) today at 12:00 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Nevada High School Football
Who: Galena vs Centennial
When: today, November 25, 2024
Time: 12:00 p.m ET
Bracket: 2024 NIAA Football Playoffs – 5A Division III State
Live Stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Galena vs. Centennial

This upcoming playoff game features two teams with contrasting records but strong performances in their respective divisions. Galena (9-2) comes in with a strong 5-0 league record, while Centennial (6-5) has a 4-1 league record, but has had a bit more inconsistency throughout the season. Both teams have explosive offenses and capable defenses, setting the stage for an exciting matchup.

Galena (24-25) Season Overview

Galena enters the playoffs with a 9-2 record, including an undefeated 5-0 record in league play. Their offense averages 31.3 points per game, with a solid balance between the running and passing game. They average 137.3 rushing yards per game and 176.3 passing yards per game, showing their ability to strike through multiple avenues.

Scoring Averages

• Q1: 4.7 points
• Q2: 12.7 points
• Q3: 6.0 points
• Q4: 4.7 points

Galena starts slow in the first and fourth quarters but has a strong second quarter, showing they can build momentum in the middle of games. Their defense has been steady, allowing 153 points all season, which works out to 13.9 points per game.

Key Players

• Erick Rodriguez: A key figure in Galena’s ground game, rushing for 48.2 yards per game.
• Colson Kermode: The team’s leader in passing yards with 163.9 yards per game, as well as the top tackler with 10.2 tackles per game.
• Matt Ritenhouse: Contributing 58.2 receiving yards per game, Ritenhouse is another offensive weapon for Galena.

Centennial (24-25) Season Overview

Centennial has a 6-5 record and finished 4-1 in league play. They have a high-scoring offense, averaging 33.9 points per game, and rely heavily on their passing game. They average 218.5 passing yards per game and 164.5 rushing yards per game, showing their offensive versatility. Centennial’s defense has allowed 313 points on the season, which works out to 28.5 points per game, but they are capable of explosive plays.

Scoring Averages

• Q1: 8.5 points
• Q2: 1.5 points
• Q3: 5.0 points
• Q4: 10.5 points

Centennial’s scoring fluctuates greatly between quarters, particularly struggling in the second quarter but coming on strong in the first and fourth quarters. Their defense has given up a lot of points, but their offense has been productive enough to compensate.

Key Players

• Khy Harris: A key player in the running game with 109.9 rushing yards per game.
• James Monaghan IV: The top passer for Centennial, averaging 158.8 passing yards per game, and the team’s total yards leader with 150.8 yards per game.
• Jayden “Jet” Thomas: Centennial’s top receiver with 74.0 receiving yards per game.

Team Stat Comparison

• Galena:
  • Rushing Yards per Game: 137.3
  • Passing Yards per Game: 176.3
  • Total Yards per Game: 313.5
  • Points per Game: 31.3
  • Tackles per Game: 78.9
• Centennial:
  • Rushing Yards per Game: 164.5
  • Passing Yards per Game: 218.5
  • Total Yards per Game: 383.0
  • Points per Game: 33.9
  • Tackles per Game: 52.1

While Centennial has a more potent offense, averaging more total yards and points per game, Galena has a stronger defense, averaging more tackles per game.

Record Breakdown

• Galena: 9-2 overall, 5-0 league, 7-0 home, 2-2 away, 1-0 neutral
• Centennial: 6-5 overall, 4-1 league, 3-3 home, 2-2 away, 1-0 neutral

Galena has been solid at home with a perfect 7-0 record, while Centennial has struggled more on the road with a 2-2 away record. Both teams have strong neutral site records, which could be important in a playoff scenario.

Key Factors

• Galena’s Defense vs. Centennial’s Offense: Galena’s defense has been solid all season, but they will be tested by Centennial’s explosive offense. If Galena can limit Centennial’s big plays, they could slow the game down and control possession.
• Centennial’s Balanced Offense: Centennial is effective both in the run and pass game, with players like Khy Harris and James Monaghan IV leading the offense. If they can maintain offensive balance, it will be tough for Galena to keep up.
• Quarterly Scoring Trends: Galena has a strong second quarter but tends to drop off in the fourth. Centennial, on the other hand, struggles in the second quarter but has a good finish in the final frame. How these trends play out could be pivotal in determining the game’s outcome.

Conclusion: Who Has the Advantage?

Both teams have strengths and weaknesses, but Galena’s defense and home field advantage could provide the edge in this matchup. If they can contain Centennial’s offense, they have the potential to win, especially given Centennial’s inconsistency in certain quarters.

Prediction: Galena wins a close game, capitalizing on their strong defense and home-field advantage to slow down Centennial’s offense in the second half.