The Madera (CA) varsity football team is set to host a home playoff game against Kerman (CA) on Friday, November 29, at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Central Section Football Championships in Division III, promising an exciting showdown as both teams vie for advancement.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Kerman vs Madera
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF Central Section Football Championships – Division III
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Kerman vs. Madera

The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as the Kerman Lions take on the Madera Coyotes in a highly anticipated home playoff game on Friday, November 29, at 7:00 PM. This game is part of the 2024 CIF Central Section Football Championships – Division III tournament, and both teams bring impressive records and scoring dynamics to the field.

Rankings and Records

Kerman boasts an overall record of 11-2, ranking 198th in California and 22nd in the Central Section, with a stellar .846 win percentage. Their league performance stands at 3-1, supported by a balanced effort both at home (5-1) and away (6-1). The Lions have displayed an impressive scoring margin this season, amassing 467 points while allowing just 203.

Meanwhile, Madera enters the game with a solid 8-4 overall record, placing them 214th in the state and 25th in the section. Despite a .667 win percentage, the Coyotes have shown resilience, particularly at home, where they hold a 6-2 record. Madera has demonstrated offensive firepower this season, scoring 486 points, though their defense has allowed 332 points.

Scoring Averages: Who Has the Edge?

Both teams exhibit contrasting scoring trends. Kerman averages 35.9 points per game, with a balanced attack across all quarters. They shine in the first half, averaging 8.6 and 10 points in the first and second quarters, respectively. However, their scoring diminishes in the second half, dropping to 4.5 points in the fourth quarter.

Madera, on the other hand, leads with a higher scoring average of 40.5 points per game. While their first-quarter production lags at 5.3 points, they pick up momentum as the game progresses, particularly in the third quarter, where they average an impressive 15.5 points. This ability to dominate in the second half could prove pivotal against Kerman’s defense.

Key Factors to Watch

The game will likely hinge on Kerman’s ability to maintain a consistent defense against Madera’s late-game surge. The Lions’ early scoring prowess will test the Coyotes’ defense, especially in the first half. Conversely, Madera’s home-field advantage and capacity to finish strong could tilt the odds in their favor.

This playoff matchup promises a thrilling contest between two competitive teams eager to advance. Fans can expect an intense battle under the Friday night lights, as every drive and defensive stand becomes crucial in this fight for postseason glory.

The upcoming clash between the Kerman Lions and the Madera Coyotes is set to be a thrilling encounter as both teams bring their unique strengths to the field. With Kerman boasting an impressive 11-2 overall record and Madera standing strong at 8-4, this game could be pivotal for both squads. Here’s a breakdown of their team stats, player performances, and head-to-head comparisons.

Team Stats Overview

• Offensive Power:
  • Kerman Lions:
    Kerman has been an offensive powerhouse, averaging 396.2 total yards per game, with a balanced attack fueled by 142.6 rushing yards and an impressive 253.6 passing yards per game. The Lions’ ability to mix their offensive strategies makes them a tough team to defend. They also average 35.4 points per game, giving them an edge in high-scoring contests.
  • Madera Coyotes:
    Madera’s offense is slightly more rush-heavy, averaging 163.8 rushing yards per game, complemented by 166.8 passing yards. Their total yardage stands at 330.5 yards per game, with a scoring average of 32.4 points—just a shade below Kerman’s output.
• Defense:
  • While specific tackle and sack statistics for Kerman aren’t available, Madera’s defense, led by standout Josue Madrigales, averages 52.3 tackles per game and 1.3 sacks per game. Madrigales contributes significantly with 11.5 tackles per game, highlighting his pivotal role on defense.

Team Leaders

• Kerman Lions:
  • Julien Velez (#1): The Lions’ top rusher, averaging 80.8 yards per game, also contributes 9.4 points per game, making him a dual threat.
  • Adrian Torres (#10): A prolific passer, Torres leads the team with 248.2 passing yards per game and adds 263.8 total yards per game, showcasing his ability to carry the offense.
  • Isaiah Quinto (#5): The leading receiver for Kerman, Quinto averages 46.3 receiving yards per game, providing a reliable target for Torres.
• Madera Coyotes:
  • Blake Burton (#2): Burton’s 95.8 rushing yards per game and 10.5 points per game make him the centerpiece of Madera’s offense.
  • Joel Arellano (#9): A versatile quarterback, Arellano contributes 166.8 passing yards per game and a total of 187.3 yards per game, anchoring Madera’s offensive efforts.
  • Kenji Tiscareno (#7): Leading the receiving corps, Tiscareno averages 45.4 receiving yards per game.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced three common opponents—Torres, Justin Garza, and another yet unnamed—but the results tilt slightly in Kerman’s favor:

• Kerman Lions:
  • Defeated Torres (37-7) in dominant fashion.
  • Lost to Justin Garza (33-31) in their first meeting but avenged the defeat with a narrow 35-34 playoff victory.
• Madera Coyotes:
  • Secured a convincing win over Torres (52-7).
  • Defeated Justin Garza comfortably (53-34) in their lone matchup.

Both teams have shown they can handle these opponents, but Kerman’s ability to bounce back against Justin Garza in the playoffs demonstrates their resilience.

Record Breakdown

• Kerman Lions (11-2):
  • A strong 3-0 playoff record and a 5-1 home record underline Kerman’s dominance this season. Their only two losses came in close games, showing their ability to compete with any opponent.
• Madera Coyotes (8-4):
  • Madera has been solid, especially at home (6-2). Their 2-0 playoff record reflects their ability to elevate their game in critical moments.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Kerman’s Passing Game vs. Madera’s Defense:
  Adrian Torres’ aerial attack will be a significant challenge for Madera’s defense, particularly for standout tackler Josue Madrigales. How Madera manages to contain Torres could determine the game.
• Blake Burton vs. Kerman’s Front Seven:
  Burton’s ability to dominate on the ground will be crucial for Madera to control the pace of the game. Kerman’s defensive front will need to step up to limit his impact.
• Special Teams and Pancake Blocks:
  Kerman’s 54 pancake blocks, led by Jorge Vargas (#64) with 14, highlight their physicality in the trenches. This could be a key factor in winning the battle at the line of scrimmage.

Prediction

This matchup is set to be a close contest between two talented teams. Kerman’s well-rounded offense and big-play ability give them an edge, but Madera’s strong running game and defensive presence, spearheaded by Madrigales, make them a formidable opponent. Expect a hard-fought game where the winner will likely be decided by execution in critical moments and the ability to adapt to the opponent’s strengths.