The Granada Matadors (13-5) varsity flag football team from Livermore, CA will play a neutral playoff game against the Pittsburg Pirates (13-7) today at 5 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 NCS Girls Flag Football Championships.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Flag Football
Who: Granada vs Pittsburg
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 5 PM
Bracket: 2024 NCS Girls Flag Football Championships – 2024 NCS Girls Flag Football Ch
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Game preview: Granada vs Pittsburg

As the high school football season heats up, two teams stand out with impressive records and competitive histories. Pittsburg and Granada have both had strong seasons in 2024-25, with their statistics, team performances, and head-to-head matchups telling an interesting story of how they stack up against one another.

Team Records & Performance

• Pittsburg has posted a solid 13-7 overall record for the season. With a 6-4 league record, they show a competitive edge, especially when playing at home (8-4). The team has demonstrated a decent offensive capability, scoring an average of 18.5 points per game and putting up 394 total points over the course of the season. Their defense has also been effective, holding opponents to 270 points. However, their scoring consistency remains a challenge, with notable performances in the first and fourth quarters.
• Granada, on the other hand, has been slightly more successful with a 13-5 overall record and a 6-2 league standing. They have proven to be a formidable opponent, with an impressive 8-2 home record. Granada’s offense is potent, averaging 20.4 points per game and totaling 366 points on the season. Their defense, while strong, has allowed more points than Pittsburg’s, with 316 points conceded. Granada’s strong quarters seem to shine in the latter half of games, suggesting resilience in the second half.

Scoring Averages

• Pittsburg’s scoring averages show that their offense tends to pick up steam late in the game, averaging 4.3 points in the 4th quarter and 4.0 points in overtime. Their performance in the opening quarters has been more subdued, with 2.0 points in the first quarter and 0 points in the second and third quarters.
• Granada’s scoring is steadier, averaging 20.3 points per game, though there is less detail available for their quarter-by-quarter breakdown. However, based on their overall points, it’s clear they maintain a consistent offensive attack throughout their games.

Team Statistics Comparison

Both teams have shown notable strengths in different areas:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Pittsburg leads with 73.5 yards per game, while Granada trails with 47.3 yards per game.
• Passing Yards Per Game: Granada has a clear advantage, averaging 201.1 yards per game, while Pittsburg has 172.3 yards.
• Total Yards Per Game: Granada edges Pittsburg with 248.3 total yards compared to 245.7.
• Tackles Per Game: Pittsburg is more aggressive in defense, averaging 26.6 tackles per game, compared to Granada’s 22.4.

Both teams also have strong interception and sack numbers, with Pittsburg’s 1.9 interceptions per game slightly ahead of Granada’s 1.6, while Pittsburg’s 0.9 sacks per game outpaces Granada’s 0.7.

Key Players

• Pittsburg’s standout player, Jaycelyn Luna, leads the team in rushing yards with 42.4 per game and contributes significantly to the offense.
• Granada’s standout player, Kayla Clarin, also excels in rushing with 30.1 yards per game, while Kathryn Vail shines with 182.8 passing yards per game, leading the team’s aerial attack.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced several common opponents this season, and the outcomes provide some insight into their comparative strength.

• Against California, Pittsburg won 14-12, while Granada lost 18-13.
• In matchups with College Park, Pittsburg suffered a 19-13 loss, while Granada faced a larger defeat, 41-8.
• Against Heritage, Pittsburg lost 18-7 and 14-13 in two close matchups. Granada, however, won 19-0 and 20-14 in their games against Heritage.

Overall, Pittsburg has a 1-3 record against common opponents, while Granada is slightly better at 2-4.

Playoff Outlook

With both teams holding strong records and competitive league performances, the question of who will go further in the playoffs remains open. Pittsburg has performed better in high-pressure situations, with more home victories, but Granada’s stronger passing game and consistent scoring make them a dangerous contender in any matchup.

As the season heads into its final stretch, the Pittsburg vs. Granada rivalry will continue to be one to watch. Whether it’s Pittsburg’s gritty defense or Granada’s dynamic offense that prevails, these teams are sure to make an impact on the playoff scene.