The Carlsbad varsity football team from Carlsbad, CA, will face Granite Hills from El Cajon, CA, in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF San Diego Section Football Championships (California) – Division I tournament, adding high stakes to the contest.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Granite Hills vs Carlsbad
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 CIF San Diego Section Football Championships (California) – Division I
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Granite Hills vs. Carlsbad

The 2024–2025 CIF San Diego Section Football Championships (California) – Division I tournament is set to feature an exciting neutral-site playoff game between Granite Hills and Carlsbad on Friday, November 22. With both teams bringing strong records and distinct playing styles, this matchup is shaping up to be a thrilling contest.

Team Records and Rankings

Granite Hills enters the game with a solid 9-2 record, finishing undefeated in league play (4-0) and maintaining a strong performance both at home (3-1) and away (5-0). Their balanced play and impressive offense have earned them a ranking of 60th nationally and 7th in California. Outscoring opponents 445 to 268, they have shown their ability to dominate on both sides of the ball.

Carlsbad, with an 8-3 record, has been competitive throughout the season, finishing 3-2 in league play and excelling at home (4-1). They are ranked 43rd nationally and 5th in California. Their defense has been particularly effective, allowing only 136 points, while their offense has totaled 322 points. Despite a slightly lower win percentage of .727 compared to Granite Hills’ .818, Carlsbad has shown resilience and consistency.

Offensive and Defensive Breakdown

Granite Hills has been a powerhouse offensively, averaging 40.5 points per game. Their strong first half, particularly in the second quarter (12.3 points), has allowed them to build commanding leads early in games. They are particularly dangerous in the early stages, averaging 8.0 points in the first quarter. However, their offensive output has dipped in the second half, particularly in the third quarter (0.8 points).

Carlsbad has also been an effective offensive unit, averaging 29.3 points per game. They have been strong in the first half, especially in the second quarter (14.0 points), but have struggled to score in the fourth quarter, where they average 0 points. Their defense has been a key asset, allowing only 136 points over the season, demonstrating their ability to contain opponents.

Key Matchup Insights

Granite Hills enters the game with a powerful offense, but their ability to finish strong will be tested by Carlsbad’s solid defense. Carlsbad, despite having a slightly lower overall scoring average, will need to tighten up their fourth-quarter performance and find ways to sustain offensive pressure throughout the game.

What’s at Stake?

For both teams, this playoff game represents an opportunity to continue their journey in the CIF San Diego Section Football Championships. Granite Hills will look to capitalize on their high-powered offense and flawless league record, while Carlsbad will aim to build on their defensive strength and advance in the tournament.

As the season progresses, both Granite Hills and Carlsbad have showcased their strengths, each dominating in different areas. In this comparison, we break down their key statistics to see how they stack up against each other and where they stand nationally.

Offensive Comparison

• Rushing Yards: Granite Hills has the edge in rushing yards per game with 215.4, significantly ahead of Carlsbad’s 169.9. The Granite Hills rushing game, led by standout Max Turner (151.8 yards per game), plays a central role in their offensive game plan.
• Passing Yards: Carlsbad outperforms Granite Hills in the passing game with 193.6 yards per game compared to Granite Hills’ 174.9. Carlsbad’s Eli MacNeal leads the passing attack with 181 yards per game, while Granite Hills’ Zachary Benitez adds 169.1 yards per game.
• Receiving Yards: Both teams are relatively close in receiving yards per game. Granite Hills averages 174.0 yards, while Carlsbad is just ahead with 193.7. Both teams feature talented receivers like Brenden Lewis (58.5 yards per game) for Granite Hills and Connor Hawk (65.5 yards per game) for Carlsbad.
• Total Yards: Granite Hills averages 390.3 yards per game, more than Carlsbad’s 363.5. This slight edge in total yards comes mainly from their dominant running game.

Defensive Comparison

• Tackles Per Game: Granite Hills averages 63.6 tackles per game, which is noticeably higher than Carlsbad’s 54.6. Trevor Smith leads Granite Hills with 8.2 tackles per game, while Dylan Sims leads Carlsbad with 9.5.
• Sacks Per Game: Carlsbad has been more effective at pressuring the quarterback, recording 4.1 sacks per game, compared to Granite Hills’ 1.5. Colton Thomas leads Carlsbad with 1.1 sacks per game, while Granite Hills’ Gavin Taylor has 0.6 sacks.

Scoring

• Points Per Game: Granite Hills averages 39.4 points per game, a solid lead over Carlsbad’s 29.9. Max Turner contributes significantly to this, scoring 15.3 points per game for Granite Hills.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced common opponents, though their records differ. Granite Hills has a perfect 2-0 record against these opponents, having defeated Mission Hills and Torrey Pines. Carlsbad, on the other hand, has a 1-1 record, defeating Torrey Pines but falling short against Mission Hills.

Record Breakdown

• Overall Record: Granite Hills stands at 9-2 for the season, with a solid 4-0 league record. Carlsbad is right behind with an 8-3 overall record, including a 3-2 mark in league play.
• Home/Away Record: Granite Hills has been dominant at home, posting a 3-1 record, while Carlsbad has an even stronger away record of 4-1.
• Playoff Performance: Both teams have had strong playoff performances, with Granite Hills holding a perfect 1-0 record and Carlsbad also boasting a 1-0 playoff record.

Conclusion

Granite Hills and Carlsbad each bring unique strengths to the table. Granite Hills excels in the rushing game and scoring, while Carlsbad shines in the passing attack and defensive pressure, particularly in sacks. Their head-to-head performance and record against common opponents show that both are formidable teams heading into the postseason.