The Highland varsity football team from Palmdale faces Woodrow Wilson from Long Beach in a neutral-site playoff game tonight at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (Division 9), where both teams aim to advance further in their quest for the title.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Highland (CA) vs Woodrow Wilson (CA)
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – Division 9
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Highland vs. Woodrow Wilson

The showdown between Woodrow Wilson and Highland promises to be a thrilling matchup, with both teams showcasing competitive statistics and talent across the board. Here’s a closer look at how these two squads compare and the standout players leading the charge.

Team Stat Comparison

Both teams are nearly identical in their offensive output, with Woodrow Wilson averaging 277.3 total yards per game and Highland close behind at 275.0. The rushing yards per game are almost equal, with Woodrow Wilson slightly edging out Highland (117.5 to 116.8). The passing and receiving yards follow a similar trend, with both teams separated by less than five yards per game in each category.

Defensively, Highland takes a significant lead in tackles per game, recording 76.3 compared to Woodrow Wilson’s 50.0. Highland also dominates in sacks, averaging 3.0 per game compared to Woodrow Wilson’s 1.2. When it comes to scoring, Highland maintains a slim edge, putting up 25.4 points per game against Woodrow Wilson’s 24.8.

Team Leaders

Both teams have standout players who drive their success:

• Woodrow Wilson:
  • Rushing Leader: #2 Deuce Weston averages an impressive 75.0 rushing yards per game.
  • Passing Leader: #15 Mack Cooper is a force in the air, throwing for 176.9 yards per game.
  • Receiving Leader: #8 Maxwell Barbee averages 80.0 receiving yards per game.
  • Defensive Leader: #3 Jalen Nelson leads with 9.0 tackles per game, while #43 Isaiah Castro contributes 1.0 sacks per game.
  • Scoring Leader: Deuce Weston also leads the scoring effort with 8.0 points per game.
• Highland:
  • Rushing Leader: #21 Roderick Erwin averages 45.8 rushing yards per game.
  • Passing Leader: #3 Justin Wyatt Jr. throws for 151.9 yards per game.
  • Receiving Leader: #6 Andrew Garner averages 62.7 receiving yards per game.
  • Defensive Leader: #11 Jayden Carrillo shines with 12.6 tackles per game, supported by #7 Jamarieh Hector’s 1.1 sacks per game.
  • Scoring Leader: Andrew Garner adds 6.5 points per game.

Record Breakdown

Both teams hold identical overall records at 9-4, but their league and non-league performances differ slightly. Highland has a stronger league record at 6-1 compared to Woodrow Wilson’s 3-3. Highland also excels at home (5-2) and in playoff games (3-0), matching Woodrow Wilson’s perfect playoff record.

What to Watch For

The game could come down to Highland’s superior defensive play against Woodrow Wilson’s offensive firepower. Mack Cooper’s ability to connect with Maxwell Barbee will be key for Woodrow Wilson, while Highland will rely on Justin Wyatt Jr. and Andrew Garner to continue their consistent performances.

With both teams evenly matched in most statistical categories, this game is shaping up to be a hard-fought battle. Can Woodrow Wilson overcome Highland’s defensive advantage, or will Highland’s well-rounded play secure the win?

Stay tuned for what promises to be a nail-biter!