The Heritage (Brentwood, CA) varsity football team will host James Logan (Union City, CA) in a home playoff game today at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 North Coast Section Football Championships – Division 3 tournament, where both teams will compete for a spot in the next round.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: James Logan vs Heritage
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here
Game preview: James Logan vs. Heritage
The 2024-2025 high school football playoffs are in full swing, and one of the most intriguing matchups in the North Coast Section Football Championships – Division 3 is between James Logan and Heritage. The two teams will square off tonight at 7 p.m. at Heritage High School in Brentwood, where the winner will advance further in the tournament.
James Logan Season Overview
James Logan enters the playoffs with a 4-6 overall record, finishing the season with a .400 win percentage. Despite a tough season overall, the team showed resilience in league play, earning a 4-2 record in conference matchups. Their performance was more mixed on the road (2-3) and at home (2-2), and they’ve also had some struggles in neutral-site games, going 0-1.
Offensively, James Logan has averaged 25.1 points per game over the course of the season. They start games strong, averaging 9.0 points in the first quarter and 10.0 points in the second quarter, but they struggle to maintain that momentum in the second half, with a dip to just 4.6 points in the fourth quarter.
- Overall Record: 4-6
- League Record: 4-2
- Home Record: 2-2
- Away Record: 2-3
- Neutral Record: 0-1
- Points Scored: 251
- Points Allowed: 256
- Average Points Per Game (Final): 25.1
- Section Ranking: 36th
- Division Ranking: 7th
Despite the team’s struggles, James Logan has the ability to score quickly and in bursts, making them dangerous if they can maintain their offensive rhythm for four quarters.
Heritage Season Overview
Heritage enters the playoffs with a 6-4 overall record and a .600 win percentage. While they were solid in non-league play, finishing with a 4-1 away record, they faced challenges in league competition, posting a 2-3 record. Despite these ups and downs, Heritage has proven to be a resilient team capable of winning in tough environments, particularly away from home.
Heritage’s offense has been relatively consistent, averaging 24.6 points per game. They’ve had balanced scoring, putting up 7.0 points in both the first and fourth quarters, with a dip in the middle of the game, averaging just 3.5 points in both the second and third quarters.
- Overall Record: 6-4
- League Record: 2-3
- Home Record: 2-3
- Away Record: 4-1
- Points Scored: 246
- Points Allowed: 174
- Average Points Per Game (Final): 24.6
- Section Ranking: 30th
- Division Ranking: 6th
With a strong defense that has allowed only 174 points this season, Heritage has the edge in terms of limiting opponents’ scoring. Their ability to execute on both sides of the ball will be crucial in stopping James Logan’s offensive threats.
Key Matchup: Offense and Defense
The key to this game will likely be how each team handles the other’s offensive attack. James Logan has the ability to strike quickly, especially in the first half, where they average 19.0 points (9.0 in the first quarter and 10.0 in the second). However, their lack of scoring consistency in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter, could be a factor if they cannot build an early lead.
Heritage, on the other hand, has been more balanced in their scoring but has struggled to keep up the pace in the middle of games, averaging just 3.5 points in the second and third quarters. They will need to find a way to sustain momentum throughout the game, especially when facing a James Logan team that can score quickly.
The defensive side also presents an intriguing battle. Heritage has been solid defensively, giving up just 174 points this season, a significantly lower total than James Logan’s 256 points allowed. This will give Heritage an advantage if they can contain Logan’s early offensive bursts and shut down any late-game attempts at a comeback.
Looking Ahead:
As both teams prepare to face off, the game is shaping up to be a battle of offense versus defense. James Logan will need to maintain its offensive efficiency for four quarters to overcome Heritage’s defensive strength, while Heritage will look to sustain their scoring and prevent Logan from exploding offensively in the early stages.
Tonight’s playoff game promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams eager to prove they have what it takes to make a deep run in the North Coast Section Football Championships – Division 3. Fans can expect a highly competitive and hard-fought game as Heritage looks to advance in front of their home crowd.
In the 2024-2025 football season, the James Logan Colts and Heritage Patriots have each had their share of challenges and triumphs. While James Logan posts a 4-6 overall record, Heritage holds a stronger 6-4 mark. However, both teams have faced similar levels of competition and are working through key offensive and defensive dynamics as they prepare for the remainder of their season. Let’s take a closer look at how both teams compare in terms of their team stats, individual performances, and records against common opponents.
Team Stat Comparison:
Rushing Yards per Game:
- James Logan: 48.9 yards
- Heritage: 131.4 yards
Heritage significantly outpaces James Logan in the rushing department. The Patriots are able to generate over 80 more rushing yards per game, with Mekhi Adanandus leading the charge. This balance on offense provides Heritage with a solid ground game to complement their passing attack.
Passing Yards per Game:
- James Logan: 79.1 yards
- Heritage: 137.7 yards
While both teams struggle to put up huge passing numbers, Heritage has a clear advantage here, averaging 137.7 passing yards per game compared to James Logan’s 79.1. David Mercado of James Logan leads the Colts in passing, but the team’s overall aerial attack has been less effective than Heritage’s. Heritage has shown more versatility with the ball, using the passing game to complement their strong rushing attack.
Receiving Yards per Game:
- James Logan: 78.6 yards
- Heritage: 137.8 yards
Heritage again takes the lead, averaging nearly 140 yards per game in the receiving department. They have a more balanced offensive approach with players like Jordan Kinnaird and Phillip Babbitt contributing significantly to their receiving yardage. James Logan’s receiving game, while not lacking, could use more consistency and depth.
Total Yards per Game:
- James Logan: 128.0 yards
- Heritage: 269.1 yards
Heritage’s total offensive output dwarfs James Logan’s, with over 140 more yards per game. This wide margin reflects the Patriots’ ability to move the ball effectively in both the rushing and passing game, while James Logan has struggled to gain substantial yardage consistently throughout the season.
Tackles per Game:
- James Logan: 23.8 tackles
- Heritage: 72.4 tackles
There is a major discrepancy between the two teams when it comes to tackles per game. Heritage has been far more active on defense, with an average of 72.4 tackles per game, compared to James Logan’s 23.8. This indicates that Heritage’s defense has been very aggressive, likely putting significant pressure on opposing offenses and limiting their ability to sustain drives.
Sacks per Game:
- James Logan: 0.6 sacks
- Heritage: 2.0 sacks
Heritage again leads in defensive production, averaging more than two sacks per game compared to James Logan’s mere 0.6. The Patriots have been better at applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which could be a key factor in disrupting offensive flow and preventing big plays.
Points per Game:
- James Logan: 10.0 points
- Heritage: 24.6 points
Heritage scores significantly more points per game (24.6) compared to James Logan’s lowly 10.0. This differential in scoring reflects the Patriots’ ability to move the ball and finish drives, while James Logan has struggled to consistently find the end zone.
Team Leaders:
- James Logan:
- Lamar Ellis leads the team with 68.0 rushing yards per game.
- David Mercado is the primary passer, averaging 147.6 total yards per game.
- Danzel Mercado is the top receiver with 85.0 yards per game.
- Heritage:
- Mekhi Adanandus leads the Patriots’ rushing attack with 76.4 yards per game.
- Phillip Babbitt is the key quarterback, throwing for 127.5 yards per game.
- Jordan Kinnaird leads the team in receiving, contributing 56.4 yards per game.
Record Breakdown:
- James Logan Record: 4-6 overall, 4-2 in league play, 0-4 in non-league play
- Heritage Record: 6-4 overall, 4-1 in league play, 2-3 in non-league play
James Logan’s overall record (4-6) reflects a tough season, especially in non-league play where they have yet to secure a win. However, their 4-2 record in league play shows they can compete against teams within their conference. On the other hand, Heritage has been more successful in non-league games, posting a 4-1 record outside of their league. Their 6-4 overall record positions them better for a potential playoff run.
Head-to-Head and Common Opponents:
Head-to-Head:
- James Logan vs. Heritage: 0-0 (No previous matchups this season)
While these two teams have not yet faced off against each other this season, their statistical differences indicate that Heritage will likely have the edge, especially in offensive production and defensive pressure.
Common Opponents: Both teams faced Antioch, with James Logan losing 25-24, and Heritage falling 15-13. Despite both teams suffering narrow defeats, it’s clear that Heritage struggled more in this matchup, as they were unable to score as effectively as James Logan did in their closer contest.
Home and Away Performance:
- James Logan:
- Home: 2-2
- Away: 2-4
James Logan’s home record is solid at 2-2, but their away games have been more challenging, with only two wins in six attempts.
- Heritage:
- Home: 2-3
- Away: 4-1
Heritage has been more successful on the road, where they hold a 4-1 record. Their ability to win away from home gives them an advantage, especially in potentially hostile environments.
Key Takeaways:
- Heritage’s Balanced Offense: With a strong rushing attack and a capable passing game, Heritage has been able to consistently move the ball and score. Their offensive balance gives them an edge over James Logan, who has struggled to put together consistent drives.
- Defensive Dominance: Heritage’s defense has been a key factor in their success, with superior tackle and sack numbers compared to James Logan. Their defense has been able to apply more pressure, disrupt opposing offenses, and control the game.
- Struggles for James Logan: James Logan’s struggles in non-league play and their inability to score consistently have hindered their overall success. Their defense, while decent, has not been able to compensate for their offensive inefficiencies.
Conclusion:
While both teams have had their share of ups and downs this season, Heritage enters any potential matchup with a clear advantage in terms of both offensive balance and defensive strength. James Logan, however, will look to build on their league performance and capitalize on any mistakes Heritage may make. If James Logan can improve their offensive consistency and find ways to break through Heritage’s defense, they could pose a serious challenge. However, based on current statistics and performances, Heritage appears to be the stronger team.
