The Archbishop Riordan varsity football team from San Francisco, CA, is set to host Los Gatos, CA, in an exciting home playoff game today at 1 PM. This matchup is part of the prestigious “2024 CIF Central Coast Section Football Championships (California) – Open/Division I” tournament, promising intense competition and high stakes.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Los Gatos vs Archbishop Riordan
When: Today, November 23, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 CIF Central Coast Section Football Championships (California) – 0pen/Division I
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Los Gatos vs. Archbishop Riordan

The 2024-25 high school football season has showcased impressive performances from both Los Gatos and Archbishop Riordan. Despite their differences in style and overall records, each team has demonstrated strengths that highlight their competitiveness in California high school football.

Team Rankings and Records

• Los Gatos: The Wildcats boast a 24-25 overall record with a strong league performance of 9-2 and a .818 win percentage. They have been consistent at home (4-1) and away (5-1), proving their versatility. Offensively, Los Gatos has scored 342 points while allowing 133, showcasing a strong defense to complement their offense.
• Archbishop Riordan: The Crusaders have a 24-25 overall record as well, with a league record of 7-4 and a .636 win percentage. They have excelled in league play (5-2) and remain undefeated at home (5-0), though their away record (2-4) leaves room for improvement. With 393 points scored and 300 allowed, Archbishop Riordan’s games tend to be higher scoring, indicative of their offensive prowess.

Scoring Patterns

A breakdown of scoring averages reveals the distinct identities of these teams:

• Los Gatos:
  • Q1: 8.9 points
  • Q2: 15.2 points
  • Q3: 3.9 points
  • Q4: 4.2 points
  • Average Final Score: 31.1 points

  The Wildcats tend to dominate the first half, particularly in the second quarter. However, their scoring significantly tapers off in the second half, potentially leaving them vulnerable to late-game comebacks.

• Archbishop Riordan:
  • Q1: 5.3 points
  • Q2: 13.8 points
  • Q3: 3.0 points
  • Q4: 16.0 points
  • Average Final Score: 35.7 points

  The Crusaders show a contrasting strategy, starting slower but building momentum as the game progresses. Their impressive fourth-quarter average of 16 points highlights their ability to close games strongly.

Key Insights

• Defensive Edge: Los Gatos’ defensive record (133 points allowed) stands out, suggesting they rely heavily on shutting down opponents. This defensive strength allows them to maintain leads established in the first half.
• Offensive Momentum: Archbishop Riordan’s higher scoring average (35.7 points) and explosive fourth quarters highlight their offensive capabilities. Their ability to score late gives them a dangerous edge, especially against teams like Los Gatos that slow down in the second half.

Potential Matchup Dynamics

If these two teams were to face off, the outcome could hinge on several factors:

• Los Gatos would need to establish an early lead and maintain defensive discipline in the latter stages to withstand Archbishop Riordan’s fourth-quarter surge.
• Archbishop Riordan would aim to weather Los Gatos’ first-half scoring and capitalize on their late-game momentum to turn the tide.

Both teams have demonstrated why they are among the top contenders in their respective sections, and any clash between them would undoubtedly be a thrilling contest of strategy and skill.

As the high school football season reaches its peak, two teams with strong performances on both sides of the ball are Los Gatos and Archbishop Riordan. Both teams boast impressive statistics, with key players driving their success. Let’s break down their team stats, individual leaders, and common opponent performances to see how they stack up.

Team Stats Comparison

Rushing Attack:

• Los Gatos averages 151.3 rushing yards per game, while Archbishop Riordan leads in this category with 188.5 yards per game.
• Both teams rely on solid ground games to control the clock, but Riordan’s stronger rushing attack gives them an edge in this aspect.

Passing Game:

• Los Gatos is slightly behind in passing yards, averaging 175.2 yards per game compared to Archbishop Riordan’s 212.7 yards.
• The difference in passing yardage highlights Riordan’s aerial game, which is a crucial part of their offensive strategy.

Receiving Yards:

• Los Gatos averages 169.5 receiving yards per game, while Archbishop Riordan records 213.7 yards.
• This gap is consistent with the overall passing game statistics, as Riordan has demonstrated a more potent passing offense.

Total Yards:

• Los Gatos averages 326.5 total yards per game, while Archbishop Riordan outpaces them with 401.3 total yards.
• This total yardage disparity reflects Riordan’s ability to balance a strong running game with a more dynamic passing attack.

Tackles:

• On defense, Los Gatos averages 61.6 tackles per game, while Archbishop Riordan is more aggressive with 77.0 tackles per game.
• The higher number of tackles for Riordan suggests a more aggressive and effective defense, particularly in stopping opposing offenses.

Sacks:

• Los Gatos averages only 0.8 sacks per game, while Archbishop Riordan has 2.6 sacks per game, indicating their defense has a greater ability to disrupt the quarterback and generate pressure.

Points Per Game:

• The offensive firepower of both teams is evident, with Los Gatos averaging 30.2 points per game and Archbishop Riordan slightly ahead with 32.0 points per game.
• The scoring is close, suggesting both teams can put up points in high-pressure situations.

Pancake Blocks:

• Los Gatos leads in pancake blocks with 35, highlighting the strength of their offensive line. Archbishop Riordan does not have a recorded stat in this category, but it’s clear that Los Gatos has a strong front line for both the run and pass protection.

Individual Leaders

Rushing Yards Per Game:

• Los Gatos is led by #42 Grayson Doslak, who averages 73.4 rushing yards per game.
• Archbishop Riordan’s top rusher is #2 Jeremiah Jones, with an impressive 118.4 yards per game, making him a key threat on the ground.

Passing Yards Per Game:

• For Los Gatos, #14 Scotty Brennan leads the passing attack with 120.4 yards per game.
• Archbishop Riordan’s #9 Michael Mitchell Jr. is a standout with 233.2 yards per game, showcasing a much more prolific passing game.

Receiving Yards Per Game:

• Max Thomas from Los Gatos averages 62.5 receiving yards per game, while Archbishop Riordan’s Cynai Thomas leads with 66.7 yards.
• Both players are key contributors to their teams’ respective passing games, though Riordan’s receiving corps seems to have the upper hand.

Total Yards Per Game:

• Los Gatos is led by Scotty Brennan, who accumulates 139.5 total yards per game. On the other hand, Michael Mitchell Jr. from Archbishop Riordan is a standout, registering 260.3 total yards per game, highlighting his dual-threat ability.

Defensive Tackles:

• Austin Krug from Los Gatos averages 7.1 tackles per game, while Skylar Tiatia from Riordan records 8.7 tackles per game, providing a key defensive presence for Riordan.

Sacks:

• Jake Gerber from Los Gatos contributes 0.2 sacks per game, but Archbishop Riordan’s Frank Ennix is more disruptive with 1.0 sack per game.

Points Per Game:

• Grayson Doslak from Los Gatos leads with 7.1 points per game, while Jeremiah Jones from Archbishop Riordan is a playmaker with 10.2 points per game.

Pancake Blocks:

• Los Gatos’ Leonardo Cocchiglia leads the team with 9 pancake blocks, a testament to his strength in the trenches.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced a few common opponents this season, providing a valuable comparison.

• Soquel: Both teams defeated Soquel, with Los Gatos winning 14-7 and Archbishop Riordan securing a dominant 41-7 victory.
• Pittsburg: Los Gatos fell short against Pittsburg 37-20, while Archbishop Riordan also lost to Pittsburg, albeit with a closer scoreline of 56-42.
• Junipero Serra: Los Gatos triumphed 14-7, while Archbishop Riordan won 27-21, showcasing tight battles against a tough opponent.

Record Breakdown

• Los Gatos: With a 9-2 overall record, including a 4-1 mark in league play and 4-1 in non-league matchups, Los Gatos has shown resilience, especially in their tough league contests.
• Archbishop Riordan: With a 7-4 overall record, Archbishop Riordan’s 5-2 performance in non-league play reflects their competitive edge, especially in their away games where they went 5-1.

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Conclusion

Both Los Gatos and Archbishop Riordan are well-coached teams with a mix of offensive explosiveness and defensive tenacity. Los Gatos has a solid rushing attack and an aggressive offensive line, while Archbishop Riordan boasts a potent passing game and a more aggressive defense. Their shared experiences against common opponents show that they are evenly matched, and it will be an exciting showdown if these teams meet in the postseason. With standout players on both sides, this matchup promises to be a thrilling contest of strategy, skill, and determination.