The Amador Valley (Pleasanton, CA) varsity football team will host Las Lomas (Walnut Creek, CA) in a home playoff game today at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 North Coast Section Football Championships in Division 2. Both teams will compete for a chance to advance in the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Las Lomas vs Amador Valley
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game preview: Las Lomas vs. Amador Valley

The 2024 North Coast Section Football Championships are heating up, and one of the most intriguing matchups in Division 2 is set for today at 7 p.m. as Amador Valley (Pleasanton, CA) hosts Las Lomas (Walnut Creek, CA) for a home playoff game. With both teams looking to make a deep run in the postseason, this game promises to be a competitive and high-energy showdown.

Las Lomas (7-3 Record)

Las Lomas enters the playoff game with a strong 7-3 overall record. They’ve proven to be a solid team both at home (4-1) and on the road (3-2), showcasing their ability to win in different environments. Their league record of 2-2 reflects a balanced performance, though they will look to elevate their play in the postseason.

Las Lomas has been consistently productive on offense, averaging 29.7 points per game. Their best quarters are the second (11.6 points) and third (9.5 points), where they’ve been able to build leads and keep pressure on their opponents. Their defense has been impressive as well, allowing just 171 points over the season, giving them a significant point differential.

Team Scoring Averages:

• Q1: 5.3 points
• Q2: 11.6 points
• Q3: 9.5 points
• Q4: 3.6 points
• Final: 29.7 points

Amador Valley (6-4 Record)

Amador Valley, with a 6-4 overall record, comes into the playoffs looking to prove themselves after a mixed league performance (1-2). Despite some struggles within their league, they’ve been strong at home (3-2) and even on the road (3-2), showing their resilience in different settings.

Offensively, Amador Valley has been a powerhouse, averaging 35.1 points per game, which is higher than Las Lomas’ total. The team’s offensive strength is evident in the first and second quarters, where they score an average of 10.3 and 11.3 points, respectively. They have also demonstrated the ability to sustain their scoring through the second half, especially in the fourth quarter (7.7 points). However, their defense has allowed 279 points, which may be a concern going into a high-stakes playoff game.

Team Scoring Averages:

• Q1: 10.3 points
• Q2: 11.3 points
• Q3: 7.8 points
• Q4: 7.7 points
• Final: 35.1 points

Key Factors for the Game

For Las Lomas, the key will be maintaining their defensive solidity while capitalizing on their scoring opportunities, especially in the middle of the game. Their ability to put up points in the second and third quarters could be crucial in building an early lead.

Amador Valley, on the other hand, will need to continue its offensive firepower and improve its defensive performance to secure a victory. With a strong first half, they can set the tone for the game, but their defense will need to step up to keep Las Lomas’ offense in check.

As the high school football season enters the home stretch, two strong teams from the East Bay, Las Lomas and Amador Valley, have been turning heads with their impressive performances. While both teams have achieved solid records, Las Lomas boasts a 7-3 overall record, while Amador Valley is close behind at 6-4. Here’s a detailed comparison of their key stats, players, and performance trends.

Offensive Comparison

Both Las Lomas and Amador Valley show offensive balance, with impressive yardage gains both in the air and on the ground. Amador Valley has a slight edge in total yards per game, averaging 477.5 yards, compared to Las Lomas’s 364.5 yards. This difference is largely driven by Amador Valley’s dominant passing game, which averages 303.9 passing yards per game, nearly doubling Las Lomas’s 193.1 passing yards per game.

Amador Valley’s top passer, #3 Tristan Tia, has been exceptional, leading his team with 371.5 total yards per game, including 303.9 yards through the air. Las Lomas counters with #12 Dylan Thomas, who has thrown for 193.1 yards per game and leads his team in total yards (201.6 yards per game). Amador Valley also boasts a more potent receiving game, with #6 Anthony Harrington averaging 117.9 receiving yards per game. Las Lomas’s #5 Roman Mercado is their top receiver, contributing 95.5 receiving yards per game.

Both teams have balanced rushing attacks, with Las Lomas averaging 171.4 rushing yards per game and Amador Valley not far behind at 173.6 yards per game. Las Lomas’s #4 Kaden Lagaya leads the rushing effort with 89.3 yards per game, while Amador Valley’s top rusher, #3 Tristan Tia, adds 67.6 yards per game on the ground in addition to his passing stats.

Defensive Comparison

Las Lomas shows a strong defensive presence, averaging 50.8 tackles per game, but specific sack and pressure statistics are not available for either team. Las Lomas’s #6 Cruz Silva leads the team with 8.3 tackles per game, while Amador Valley does not list a standout defensive player in tackles, though they have managed to limit their opponents to an average of 34 points per game.

Special Teams & Key Players

Key players for Las Lomas include Kaden Lagaya, who contributes both as a rusher and a leader in total yards. Dylan Thomas is also crucial for their offensive balance, contributing heavily in both passing and receiving. For Amador Valley, Tristan Tia is the clear standout, excelling as both the team’s quarterback and rusher. His ability to dominate both the passing and rushing game has made him a dual-threat, and he leads the team in total yards and points per game.

Record Breakdown

In terms of overall performance, Las Lomas holds the edge with a 7-3 record, while Amador Valley stands at 6-4. Both teams have similar records within their respective leagues, with Las Lomas finishing 2-2 in league play and Amador Valley at 1-2. However, Amador Valley has been stronger in non-league matchups, posting a 5-1 record compared to Las Lomas’s 5-1 mark.

Both teams have also performed relatively well in their respective home and away games, with Las Lomas achieving a 4-1 record at home and Amador Valley posting a 3-2 away record. Additionally, both teams have shown they can win against common opponents. Las Lomas defeated Acalanes 21-14 but lost to Campolindo 30-7. Amador Valley triumphed over both Acalanes (24-23) and Campolindo (37-7), showcasing their strength against similar competition.

Conclusion

While both teams show a similar level of success, Amador Valley has a more explosive passing game, thanks to the dual-threat capabilities of quarterback Tristan Tia, while Las Lomas maintains a balanced offensive attack that features both solid rushing and passing. Defensively, Las Lomas edges Amador Valley in tackles per game, but both teams have shown they can win against quality opponents.

In conclusion, Amador Valley’s high-powered offense gives them the edge in terms of total yardage and scoring potential, but Las Lomas’s balanced approach and strong defensive play keep them competitive. The performance of their key players, especially in matchups against common opponents, will be pivotal as both teams look ahead to potential playoff spots. With both teams having strong playoff hopes, their upcoming games will be crucial in determining their postseason fate.