The Pacifica varsity football team from Oxnard, CA, will host Grant from Sacramento, CA, in an exciting playoff matchup today at 4 PM. This game, part of the 2024 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games, Division 2-AA, promises a high-stakes showdown as both teams compete for a spot in the championship.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California State Football Championship Bowl Games
Who: Grant vs Pacifica
When: Today, December 13, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games – Division 2-AA
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Grant vs. Pacifica

The 2024 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games in Division 2-AA bring us a thrilling playoff matchup between two top-tier teams: Grant High School and Pacifica High School. Both teams have excelled this season, setting the stage for an intense and competitive clash.

Rankings and Records

Grant enters the game ranked 26th in California and 2nd in their section’s Division 1 standings. With an impressive 11-3 record and a .786 win percentage, the Pacers have been a dominant force, particularly in league play, where they are undefeated at 5-0. Grant has scored a staggering 541 points this season while allowing 290, showcasing a potent offense and a disciplined defense.

Pacifica, ranked 35th in California and 23rd in their section’s Division 1 standings, has also had a strong season. Their 11-4 record and .733 win percentage highlight their resilience and ability to win high-stakes games. Pacifica’s scoring totals stand at 470 points for and 352 against, reflecting a balanced team that can compete in both offensive and defensive scenarios.

Team Scoring Averages

Grant’s offensive averages reveal a consistent and well-rounded attack, scoring 38.6 points per game. They peak in the second quarter with 10.4 points on average, setting the tone for games with a strong first half. Their ability to maintain scoring momentum throughout all four quarters has been a key factor in their success.

Pacifica averages 31.3 points per game, with their strongest output coming in the fourth quarter, where they average 9.2 points. This late-game scoring capability makes them a dangerous opponent, especially in close games. However, their slower starts compared to Grant’s early dominance may present a challenge in this matchup.

Key Matchup Factors

Grant’s strength lies in their consistency and ability to control the game early with a balanced offensive and defensive approach. They will aim to establish a lead in the first half and maintain their momentum throughout. Pacifica, on the other hand, thrives on their ability to surge late in games, a strategy that could keep them competitive against Grant’s fast-paced offense.

This Division 2-AA showdown promises to be a tightly contested battle between two elite teams with different strengths. The winner will move one step closer to state championship glory, and fans can expect a game filled with high-energy plays, strategic adjustments, and memorable moments.

As Grant and Pacifica prepare to face off, their statistical profiles highlight the strengths and dynamics that could define this matchup. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their performances, key players, and season records:

Statistical Performance

Offensive Power

Grant holds a slight edge in offensive production, averaging 389.4 total yards per game, just ahead of Pacifica’s 376.1 total yards per game. Both teams display remarkable balance in their passing and rushing attacks:

• Rushing Yards: Grant averages 147.2 yards per game, compared to Pacifica’s 134.7 yards per game.
• Passing Yards: Grant edges Pacifica slightly with 242.1 passing yards per game, while Pacifica puts up 241.4 passing yards per game.

Defensive Comparison

Pacifica has a clear defensive advantage, averaging 82.7 tackles per game, significantly higher than Grant’s 44.9 tackles per game. Pacifica also leads in sacks, recording 2.3 sacks per game, compared to Grant’s 1.8 sacks per game.

Scoring Efficiency

In scoring, Grant has the upper hand, averaging 36.1 points per game, while Pacifica follows with 31.3 points per game.

Special Teams

Pacifica showcases a unique strength in the trenches with 20 pancake blocks, led by standout Chris Pike (#67), who has recorded six blocks this season.

Team Leaders

Grant’s Standouts

• Brandon Lambert (#1) leads the ground game with 108.5 rushing yards per game.
• Luke Alexander (#7) is a prolific passer, averaging 225.2 passing yards per game and 228.9 total yards per game.
• Koby “Cheese” Shabazz (#2) is a key receiving threat with 78.3 receiving yards per game.
• On defense, Jeremiah Tuiileila (#8) anchors the team with 7.9 tackles per game and 1.2 sacks per game.
• Malakai Guidry (#15) is a scoring machine, contributing 12.0 points per game.

Pacifica’s Key Players

• Alijah Royster (#2) drives the rushing attack with 49.2 yards per game and is a consistent scorer with 8.8 points per game.
• Dominic Duran (#3) is Pacifica’s offensive leader, averaging 211.3 passing yards per game and 237.9 total yards per game.
• Savion Taylor (#11) leads the receiving corps, averaging 88.3 yards per game.
• On defense, Budder Aina (#27) is a standout, averaging 12.1 tackles per game, supported by Dejuan Colvin (#97) with 0.9 sacks per game.
• Chris Pike (#67) dominates the line with six pancake blocks, emphasizing Pacifica’s physicality in the trenches.

Record Breakdown

Overall and League Performance

Grant and Pacifica share impressive overall records, with Grant at 11-3 and Pacifica at 11-4. Grant holds a perfect 5-0 league record, while Pacifica sits at 3-2 in league play.

Home and Away Success

• Grant: Thrives at home (4-1), with strong away (4-2) and neutral-site (3-0) performances.
• Pacifica: Matches Grant’s home record (4-1), with solid showings on the road (4-3) and neutral fields (3-0).

Playoff Momentum

Both teams are undefeated in the postseason, with Grant at 4-0 and Pacifica at 5-0, signaling their ability to deliver under high-stakes conditions.

Conclusion

This game promises to be a thrilling matchup between two balanced and competitive teams. Grant’s explosive offense and scoring prowess will clash with Pacifica’s defensive tenacity and physical dominance in the trenches. With both teams demonstrating strong postseason momentum, fans can expect a high-energy, closely contested battle.