The Saint Francis (Mountain View, CA) varsity football team will host Grant (Sacramento, CA) tonight at 7:30 p.m. in a high-stakes playoff matchup. This game is part of the prestigious 2024 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games – Division 2-AA, with both teams battling for a spot in the next round.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: California State Football Championship Bowl Games
Who: Grant vs Saint Francis
When: Today, December 06, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games – Division 2-AA
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Grant vs. Saint Francis
The 2024-2025 season has seen impressive performances from both Grant and Saint Francis, two highly competitive teams in California’s high school sports scene. Let’s dive into their rankings, records, and scoring averages to understand how these teams stack up against each other.
Rankings and Records
Grant High School
- California Section Ranking: 29
- Section Division Ranking: 2 (Division 1)
- Overall Record: 10-3
- League Record: 5-0
- Home Record: 4-1
- Away Record: 3-2
- Neutral Record: 3-0
- Win Percentage: 76.9%
- League Win Percentage: 100%
- Points For (PF): 509
- Points Against (PA): 260
Saint Francis High School
- California Section Ranking: 38
- Section Division Ranking: 2
- Overall Record: 10-3
- League Record: 6-1
- Home Record: 5-0
- Away Record: 4-2
- Neutral Record: 1-1
- Win Percentage: 76.9%
- League Win Percentage: 85.7%
- Points For (PF): 374
- Points Against (PA): 244
Both teams boast identical overall win percentages of 76.9%, though Grant edges out in league play with an unbeaten record of 5-0 compared to Saint Francis’s 6-1. Additionally, Grant’s scoring margin (+249) is significantly higher than Saint Francis’s (+130), demonstrating a more dominant performance in their games.
Team Scoring Averages
The scoring averages of the two teams reveal their strengths and patterns throughout the game.
Grant High School
- 1st Quarter: 8.4 points
- 2nd Quarter: 10.4 points
- 3rd Quarter: 7.6 points
- 4th Quarter: 7.9 points
- Final Average: 39.2 points per game
Saint Francis High School
- 1st Quarter: 8.3 points
- 2nd Quarter: 10.3 points
- 3rd Quarter: 8.8 points
- 4th Quarter: 4.7 points
- Final Average: 28.8 points per game
Grant holds a significant edge in scoring, averaging 39.2 points per game compared to Saint Francis’s 28.8. While both teams start strong in the first half, Grant maintains its consistency in the second half, whereas Saint Francis’s scoring dips notably in the fourth quarter.
The upcoming clash between Grant and Saint Francis brings two evenly matched teams to the forefront. Both teams enter the game with identical 10-3 records, impressive league performances, and standout individual stars. Here’s a closer look at their stats, key players, and the factors that could determine the outcome of this exciting matchup.
Team Stat Comparison
Grant and Saint Francis showcase contrasting strengths, with each team excelling in different facets of the game:
- Grant boasts a potent passing attack, averaging 237.7 passing yards per game, complemented by 149.1 rushing yards per game for a total offensive output of 386.8 yards per game. Their scoring average of 37.5 points per game underscores their offensive efficiency.
- Saint Francis leans on a balanced approach, with 196.8 rushing yards per game leading their offensive production and a respectable 120.9 passing yards per game. Their total yardage stands at 317.8 yards per game, contributing to their 28.8 points per game.
On defense, Saint Francis has been more active, averaging 75.0 tackles per game compared to Grant’s 48.4. Both teams have comparable sack numbers, with Grant slightly edging out at 1.9 sacks per game to Saint Francis’ 1.7.
Team Leaders
Both teams feature standout individual performers who will play pivotal roles in the game:
- Grant:
- Brandon Lambert (#1) leads the ground attack with 107.3 rushing yards per game, providing consistency in the run game.
- Quarterback Luke Alexander (#7) has been phenomenal, averaging 219.5 passing yards per game and a team-high 223.5 total yards per game.
- Koby “Cheese” Shabazz (#2) is the leading receiver with 75.2 receiving yards per game, contributing to their high-powered offense.
- On defense, Jeremiah Tuiileila (#8) leads with 7.9 tackles per game and 1.2 sacks per game.
- Saint Francis:
- Kingston Keanaaina (#2) is a dual-threat star, averaging 165.0 rushing yards per game and 179.8 total yards per game, making him the cornerstone of their offense.
- Quarterback Aaron Knapp (#12) adds balance with 110.8 passing yards per game.
- Receiver Perrion Williams (#3) provides a reliable target, averaging 55.7 receiving yards per game.
- Defensively, Jackson Cahoon (#4) leads with 8.6 tackles per game, while Jayden Lewis (#36) contributes in the pass rush with 0.3 sacks per game.
Performance Against Common Opponents
Both teams faced the powerhouse De La Salle early in the season and suffered losses:
- Grant fell to De La Salle on August 30, 2024, with a final score of 42-14.
- Saint Francis faced De La Salle on September 13, 2024, losing 42-7.
While both teams struggled against this top-tier opponent, these early-season games allowed them to identify areas for improvement and develop their strategies for success in the playoffs.
Record Breakdown
Both teams share similar records but show slight differences in their league and non-league performances:
- Grant went undefeated in league play with a 5-0 record, while Saint Francis excelled with a 6-1 league record.
- Grant has been more consistent in neutral-site games, going 3-0, compared to Saint Francis’ 1-1 record.
- In playoff games, Grant remains undefeated at 3-0, while Saint Francis holds a strong 2-1 record.
Key Factors to Watch
- Offensive Balance vs. Star Power: Grant’s dynamic passing game, led by Luke Alexander, will face Saint Francis’ rushing dominance spearheaded by Kingston Keanaaina. The team that establishes its offensive rhythm early could gain the upper hand.
- Defensive Impact: Saint Francis’ tackling strength, led by Jackson Cahoon, could neutralize Grant’s explosive plays. Meanwhile, Grant’s pass rush, with Tuiileila at the helm, will look to disrupt Aaron Knapp’s timing in the pocket.
- Playoff Experience: Both teams have proven themselves in high-pressure games, but Grant’s unblemished playoff record may give them a psychological edge.
Conclusion
This matchup between Grant and Saint Francis is set to be a classic battle of styles and execution. Grant’s high-octane offense will clash with Saint Francis’ balanced attack and defensive tenacity. With both teams evenly matched on paper, the game could come down to key plays and the performances of their standout leaders.
Fans can expect a thrilling, closely contested game as these two well-rounded teams vie for supremacy. Who will emerge victorious? All signs point to a game that could go down to the wire.
