The Alisal High School varsity football team from Salinas, CA, will host Leland High School from San Jose, CA, in an exciting playoff matchup on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 CIF Central Coast Section Football Championships in Division V, promising intense competition under the Friday night lights.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Leland vs Alisal
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 CIF Central Coast Section Football Championships (California) – Division V
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Alisal vs. Leland

On Friday, November 22, the Alisal High School varsity football team (Salinas, CA) will face off against Leland High School (San Jose, CA) in a highly anticipated Division V playoff game as part of the 2024 CIF Central Coast Section Football Championships. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., and the home-field advantage could prove crucial for Alisal as they look to advance further in the tournament.

Team Records and Rankings

Both teams enter the matchup with solid seasons under their belts. Leland boasts an 8-3 overall record, with a strong .727 win percentage and an impressive 4-1 showing in league play. Their offensive firepower is evident, having scored 261 points while allowing just 152. They are ranked 501st in the state and 41st in their section.

Alisal, on the other hand, has a 6-5 overall record and a .545 win percentage. While their numbers might not appear as dominant, their 4-2 league record and an undefeated 5-0 performance at home underline their capability to defend their turf. Alisal has scored 254 points this season but allowed 225, which highlights the need for defensive consistency.

Scoring Breakdown

When comparing scoring averages, Leland holds a slight edge with an average of 23.7 points per game, while Alisal closely trails at 23.1. Leland’s most productive quarters are the second (10.1 points) and third (6.2 points), showcasing their ability to build momentum before halftime and extend their lead. Alisal’s standout quarter is the fourth, averaging 11.5 points, indicating a strong ability to rally late in games.

Key Factors

Leland will look to capitalize on their balanced offensive output and proven track record of success on the road. However, Alisal’s undefeated home record could be the deciding factor, especially with the support of their fans. Alisal’s knack for closing games in the fourth quarter may also prove pivotal if the contest remains tight heading into the final moments.

What’s at Stake

This game is not only a battle of strategy and talent but also a fight to keep championship aspirations alive. With both teams bringing unique strengths to the field, fans can expect an intense and thrilling contest.

Will Leland’s steady offense prevail, or will Alisal’s home dominance and late-game heroics secure a victory? The answer awaits under the Friday night lights.

When comparing the performance of Leland and Alisal high school football teams this season, the statistics and records highlight key strengths and weaknesses. Both teams have shown competitive records, with Leland at 8-3 overall and Alisal close behind at 6-5. Here’s a deeper look into their season performance and statistical highlights.

Team Statistics: Leland Dominates Offensively

Leland boasts superior offensive metrics across all major categories:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Leland averages an impressive 176.0 yards, driven by standout performances from #8 Hudson Vye, who alone contributes 82.0 rushing yards per game.
• Passing and Receiving Game: Jacob Gibson (#3) leads with 78.2 passing yards per game, while Wyatt Markos (#1) averages 31.4 receiving yards. Together, they elevate Leland’s air attack.
• Total Yards Per Game: With 266.4 total yards per game, Leland outpaces its competition.
• Defensive Efforts: Leland’s defense averages 45.2 tackles per game, with Wyatt Markos as a standout performer at 7.3 tackles per game. However, their sack rate is low, averaging only 0.5 per game.

In contrast, Alisal’s stats for these categories were unavailable but are inferred to fall below the national average based on performance trends.

Record Breakdown: A Tight Matchup

Both teams ended the season with an identical 24-25 historical record, making them evenly matched overall. However, this season tells a more nuanced story:

• League Play: Leland edged out Alisal, going 4-1 in league games compared to Alisal’s 4-2.
• Non-League Play: Leland performed slightly better at 3-2, while Alisal struggled at 1-3.
• Home vs. Away: Both teams excel at home (Leland: 5-1, Alisal: 5-0). Alisal struggles on the road (1-3), whereas Leland is more balanced at 3-2 away.

Key Players and National Context

• Jacob Gibson (#3): The leader in total yards per game for Leland, averaging 110.6 yards, is well above the national average of 36.5 yards.
• Hudson Vye (#8): Leland’s ground game success is heavily reliant on Vye, whose 82.0 rushing yards per game triple the national average of 20.2 yards.
• Defensive Stars: Wyatt Markos leads tackles for Leland, far surpassing the national average with 7.3 tackles per game.

Playoff Potential

Both teams enter the postseason with confidence, holding identical 1-0 playoff records. Their comparable performance under pressure promises an exciting matchup if they cross paths.

Conclusion

Leland has a clear edge in offensive production and a balanced home-and-away performance. Alisal, despite being statistically weaker in certain areas, remains a formidable opponent with a strong home-field advantage and playoff potential. If these two teams meet, expect a competitive showdown highlighting Leland’s firepower against Alisal’s resilience.