The Sequoia (Redwood City, CA) varsity football team is set for a neutral playoff game against Leland (San Jose, CA) today at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 CIF Central Coast Section Football Championships, Division V, where both teams will compete for a chance to advance in the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California State Football Championship
Who: Leland vs Sequoia
When: Today, November 30, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF Central Coast Section Football Championships (California) – Division V
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Leland vs Sequoia

The high school football season for the 2024-2025 year saw two notable teams in the Central Coast Section (CCS) of California—Leland and Sequoia—put up impressive records in their respective leagues. Both teams have been building momentum throughout the season, but their paths to success and scoring patterns offer a fascinating comparison.

Leland: A Strong Showing with Consistent Performances

Leland’s football team finished the season with a strong overall record of 9-3, including a solid 4-1 in league play. Their home performance was particularly impressive, finishing 5-1, while they maintained a competitive 4-2 record on the road. The team’s .750 win percentage overall, paired with an .800 league win rate, shows that Leland has been a consistent and reliable performer throughout the season.

In terms of scoring, Leland averaged a healthy 24.7 points per game. Their first-quarter output was particularly noteworthy at 5.6 points, followed by 9.7 points in the second quarter, 6.4 points in the third, and 5.0 points in the fourth quarter. This balance suggests that Leland has maintained a strong offensive presence throughout the game, with a noticeable uptick in their second-quarter scoring.

Sequoia: Solid League Performance but Room for Improvement

Sequoia, while having a 7-5 overall record, also enjoyed success within their league, finishing 4-1 in league play, mirroring Leland’s league win percentage of .800. However, Sequoia’s overall performance was slightly more mixed, with a 3-3 record at home, 3-2 on the road, and a perfect 1-0 record in neutral-site games. Their overall win percentage of .583 shows room for improvement, but they remain a formidable opponent within their league.

Sequoia’s scoring, averaging 17.3 points per game, was lower than Leland’s by about 7.4 points per game. Their scoring breakdown shows a trend of steady but relatively subdued offensive output. Sequoia’s first quarter averaged 3.2 points, which gradually increased to 5.8 points in the second quarter, then dropped slightly to 5.0 points in the third, and finished with 3.8 points in the fourth. While Sequoia has shown the ability to score, their inability to consistently put up higher numbers, especially in the first and fourth quarters, might have contributed to their mixed results in comparison to Leland.

Key Differences in Scoring

The most glaring difference between these two teams lies in their scoring output. Leland’s consistent and balanced scoring across all four quarters, particularly their strong second-quarter performance, helped propel them to a higher average. Sequoia, on the other hand, struggled to maintain that consistency, particularly in the first and fourth quarters. This discrepancy in offensive firepower likely impacted their ability to close games and secure victories in more competitive matchups.

As the season heats up, the rivalry between Leland and Sequoia continues to stir excitement. Both teams have had impressive performances this year, but a detailed statistical comparison reveals a dynamic contrast in their playing styles. Let’s break down the numbers for a deeper look at how these teams stack up.

Team Stat Comparison

Leland has been a dominant force on the ground, averaging 194.2 rushing yards per game, significantly outpacing Sequoia’s 153.9. This strong rushing attack is powered by standout player Hudson Vye, who leads the team with 88.4 rushing yards per game, well above the national average of 20.1 yards.

In contrast, Sequoia has slightly edged Leland in the passing game, with 109.1 passing yards per game compared to Leland’s 84.8. Sequoia’s quarterback, Shawn Royer, has been key in this effort, accounting for 73.3 of those yards per game. Still, Leland’s Jacob Gibson has more total yards per game at 111.1, showing his versatility and ability to contribute both in the air and on the ground.

While Leland excels in rushing, Sequoia has been the more well-rounded team overall, averaging 263.0 total yards per game, which is slightly higher than Leland’s 279.0. However, Leland makes up for it with a higher points per game average of 24.5, compared to Sequoia’s 17.3. This indicates Leland’s ability to capitalize on their yardage and turn it into scoring opportunities.

In terms of defense, Sequoia outperforms Leland in tackles per game, with 56.9 to Leland’s 44.8. However, Leland has been more opportunistic in their pass rush, with 0.4 sacks per game, compared to Sequoia’s 1.0. Tackling and sacks will play a crucial role in determining which defense can disrupt the other’s offensive rhythm.

Key Players to Watch

Leland’s offensive engine revolves around Hudson Vye in the running game and Jacob Gibson in the air. Gibson’s 111.1 total yards per game and 5.6 points per game have been crucial for the team’s success, and he’ll be essential in both maintaining ball control and finding the end zone. Wyatt Markos is another standout, contributing 28.5 receiving yards per game and 7.3 tackles per game.

For Sequoia, Jordan Crockett has been an exceptional force, leading the team with 143.4 rushing yards per game, far surpassing the national average of 20.1. He’s also the leading contributor to Sequoia’s points per game at 10.5. Other notable players include Shawn Royer, who leads the passing attack with 109.1 passing yards per game, and Tyler Zarganis, who averages 59.2 receiving yards per game.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

Leland and Sequoia have faced off against common opponents this season, providing some insight into how they might fare in their upcoming match. Leland bested Alisal 35-14 on November 22, while Sequoia fell to the same team 7-0 on September 12. This head-to-head performance against Alisal suggests that Leland may have the upper hand in the upcoming matchup.

Record Breakdown

Both teams have enjoyed success this season, with Leland posting a 9-3 overall record and Sequoia at 7-5. However, Leland has been the more dominant force in league play with a 4-1 record, while Sequoia matches that in league but has a slightly weaker non-league record of 3-2 compared to Leland’s 4-1.

At home, Leland has been near perfect with a 5-1 record, while Sequoia is 3-3 at home. On the road, Leland stands at 4-2, showing resilience in hostile environments. Sequoia will have to rely on its ability to perform away from home to challenge Leland on their turf.

Both teams have been strong in the postseason, with Leland boasting a 2-0 record in playoff games and Sequoia also undefeated at 2-0.

Conclusion

As the two teams prepare for their next encounter, Leland’s superior rushing attack, higher points per game, and stronger overall offensive production put them in a favorable position. However, Sequoia’s balanced defense and more consistent passing game will be key factors in keeping the game competitive.

This matchup is shaping up to be an exciting clash, with both teams having strengths that could determine the outcome. Keep an eye on how Leland’s rush-heavy game plan stacks up against Sequoia’s defensive prowess and offensive versatility. The battle on the field will no doubt reflect the statistical trends that have been shaping their seasons.