The Serrano (Phelan, CA) varsity football team will face Lancaster (CA) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships – Division 8, where both teams will compete for a chance to advance in the postseason.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Lancaster vs Serrano
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – Division 8
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Serrano vs. Lancaster

The 2024 CIF Southern Section Division 8 playoffs feature an exciting neutral-site game between the Serrano (Phelan, CA) and Lancaster (CA) varsity football teams on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. Both teams come into this matchup with strong seasons, setting the stage for a thrilling playoff contest.

Team Overview

Lancaster enters the game with an impressive 10-2 record, having gone undefeated in league play (7-0). Their defense has been a major strength, allowing just 100 points throughout the season, giving them one of the best defensive records in the region. Offensively, Lancaster averages 25.6 points per game, with their strongest output in the first quarter, averaging 10 points early on. Their ability to start fast and control the game has been a key to their success.

Serrano, with an 8-3 record, has had a solid season, including a 3-2 mark in league play. Their offense has been potent, scoring 327 points this season and averaging 29.7 points per game. Serrano excels in the middle of the game, with a strong second quarter (9.4 points) and third quarter (8.3 points). While their defense has allowed 246 points, they have shown the ability to compete with high-scoring teams.

Key Match-Up Insights

• Fast Starts vs. Consistency: Lancaster’s ability to score early in the game with 10 points in the first quarter will be a crucial factor, as Serrano averages only 6.4 points in the opening quarter. Serrano will need to improve their early-game performance to keep pace with Lancaster.
• Offensive Firepower: Serrano’s offense has shown more balance throughout the game, scoring consistently in each quarter. Their high-scoring second and third quarters suggest they can adjust and take control after the break. Lancaster will need to manage Serrano’s scoring surge in the middle of the game.

Team Stat Comparison

Looking at the numbers, the teams are closely matched in most categories, but Serrano holds a slight edge in total yards, averaging 311.6 yards per game compared to Lancaster’s 287.2. Both teams have a strong rushing attack, with Serrano averaging 219.8 yards per game and Lancaster not far behind at 210.5. In terms of passing, Lancaster lags slightly with 76.7 passing yards per game, while Serrano averages 91.8.

Defensively, both teams have similar tackle numbers, with Serrano edging out Lancaster by 56.6 tackles per game to Lancaster’s 55.7. Lancaster has a small advantage in sacks, averaging 2.8 sacks per game compared to Serrano’s 2.0. When it comes to scoring, Serrano leads slightly with an average of 29.7 points per game, while Lancaster scores 25.3 points per game.

Key Players

Lancaster

• Jacob Walker (#0): Lancaster’s top rusher, Walker averages 100.1 yards per game, making him a key player for their offense.
• Jayson Wilson (#9): As the team’s primary passer, Wilson averages 63.7 passing yards per game, contributing 108.5 total yards per game.
• Tyrese Arnold-Morvant (#19): With 32.0 receiving yards per game, Arnold-Morvant is a key target for Wilson in the passing game.
• Zeon Camps (#11): A standout on defense with 10.1 tackles per game, Camps plays a crucial role in anchoring the Lancaster defense.

Serrano

• Trevor McSween (#30): The standout player for Serrano, McSween leads the team in rushing with a dominant 150.2 yards per game, a critical part of the team’s offensive success.
• Issiah Romo (#9): Serrano’s primary passer, Romo averages 91.0 passing yards per game, contributing 161.5 total yards per game.
• Cade Lafever (#14): As a top receiving option, Lafever contributes 45.5 yards per game and adds a solid presence in the passing attack.
• Elijah Martinez (#3): Leading Serrano’s defense with 6.8 tackles per game, Martinez is key to stopping opposing offenses.

Head-to-Head Insights

Both teams share a common opponent in Sultana, whom they both defeated in impressive fashion. Lancaster won 22-0 on August 23, while Serrano followed suit with a 30-14 victory on October 17. This shared success over Sultana highlights both teams’ capabilities to perform well against tough competition.

Season Breakdown

Lancaster enters this matchup with a strong 10-2 overall record, including a perfect 7-0 league mark. Their solid performances in both league and non-league games have prepared them well for the postseason. Serrano, with an 8-3 record, has had an impressive season but comes into the game with a slightly less dominant league record of 3-2. Serrano has been strong in both home and away games, with a 4-1 record at home and 6-1 on the road, showing their ability to win in various environments.

Keys to Victory

• Lancaster: To pull off the win, Lancaster needs to rely on its strong rushing attack led by Jacob Walker and control the line of scrimmage. Additionally, they will need to generate pressure on Serrano’s quarterback to disrupt their passing game.
• Serrano: Serrano’s success will depend on Trevor McSween’s ability to continue his dominant rushing performance and Issiah Romo’s efficiency in the passing game. On defense, stopping Lancaster’s run game and maintaining pressure on the quarterback will be critical to their success.

Prediction

Both teams are well-matched, but Serrano’s potent rushing attack and slightly higher scoring ability could give them the upper hand in this matchup. Lancaster’s defense will need to step up to slow down McSween, and their offense must find a way to keep pace with Serrano’s balanced attack. Expect a hard-fought, close contest, with Serrano likely edging out Lancaster by a small margin.

Conclusion

This Division 8 playoff matchup will be a clash of styles—Lancaster’s early-game explosiveness versus Serrano’s balanced attack. With a strong defensive record and powerful offense, Lancaster comes in as a tough opponent, but Serrano’s ability to rally in the second half will make for an exciting and competitive game. Fans can expect a hard-fought battle as both teams fight for a chance to advance in the CIF Southern Section playoffs.