The Balboa varsity football team from San Francisco, CA, is set to host Los Molinos in a highly anticipated home playoff game today at 12:30 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games, Division 7-A tournament, promising an exciting contest between two determined teams.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California State Football Championship Bowl Games
Who: Los Molinos vs Balboa
When: Today, December 07, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games – Division 7-A
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Los Molinos vs. Balboa

As the 2024-2025 high school football season reaches its climax, Los Molinos and Balboa prepare to clash in a pivotal playoff matchup as part of the CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games in Division 7-A. Both teams have showcased unique strengths and challenges this season, setting the stage for an exciting contest.

Rankings and Records

Los Molinos enters the game ranked 784th in California and 25th in their section’s Division 3 standings. With an 8-5 overall record and a .615 win percentage, the Bulldogs have demonstrated resilience throughout the season. Their scoring performance, 436 points for and 436 against, reflects a team capable of both explosive plays and hard-fought battles.

Balboa, meanwhile, holds a higher ranking at 574th in California and first in their section’s Division 1 standings. The Buccaneers’ 7-5 overall record and .583 win percentage highlight their competitive edge. Notably, they boast a 5-1 league record, demonstrating consistent success against divisional rivals. Their point differential of 311 scored to 198 allowed showcases a strong defense that has been key to their victories.

Team Scoring Averages

The scoring trends of both teams reveal contrasting styles of play. Los Molinos averages 33.5 points per game, with balanced scoring across quarters. Their highest-scoring quarters are the first (11.4 points) and third (11.0 points), making them a formidable team both at the start and coming out of halftime. Additionally, their overtime average of 6.0 points reflects their ability to handle pressure in critical moments.

Balboa’s scoring average of 25.9 points per game relies heavily on strong starts, with 13.8 points in the first quarter. However, their scoring output declines significantly as games progress, with just 3.5 points in the fourth quarter. This trend suggests that while the Buccaneers often take early leads, maintaining momentum through the second half could be a key challenge against Los Molinos.

Key Takeaways

This matchup promises a thrilling battle of contrasting strategies. Los Molinos will look to capitalize on their consistent scoring across all quarters and their ability to perform in overtime situations. Balboa, on the other hand, will aim to leverage their defensive strength and strong starts to secure an early advantage and hold off the Bulldogs in the latter stages of the game.

With a place in the championship on the line, both teams will need to execute their game plans flawlessly. Fans can expect a hard-fought game filled with intensity, strategy, and memorable moments as these two teams vie for Division 7-A glory.

As Los Molinos and Balboa prepare to face off, a detailed examination of their statistical performance this season paints a clear picture of their strengths and weaknesses. Here is a breakdown of the key numbers and team leaders heading into this matchup:

Statistical Performance

Offensive Strengths

Los Molinos boasts an impressive offensive lineup, with a staggering 479.5 total yards per game, more than triple Balboa’s output of 143.8 total yards per game. Their ground game is a cornerstone of their success, averaging 324.8 rushing yards per game, compared to Balboa’s 68.6 rushing yards per game. Through the air, Los Molinos also maintains an edge, recording 154.7 passing yards per game versus Balboa’s 75.2 passing yards per game.

Defensive Prowess

Defensively, Los Molinos again outpaces Balboa with 54.2 tackles per game, surpassing Balboa’s 31.3 tackles per game. They also lead in sacks, averaging 3.5 per game, compared to Balboa’s 1.9 per game.

Scoring Efficiency

In terms of scoring, Los Molinos averages 30.8 points per game, a significant lead over Balboa’s 19.4 points per game. This disparity highlights Los Molinos’ ability to convert their yardage into points.

Team Leaders

Los Molinos’ Standouts

• Harrison Hamre (#8) is the backbone of Los Molinos’ offense, leading in multiple categories:
  • Rushing Yards: 223.5 per game
  • Total Yards: 239.7 per game
  • Points: 16.6 per game
• Jaydin Underwood (#1) contributes with 135.6 passing yards per game, while Karson Fox (#10) excels in receiving with 120.9 yards per game.
• On defense, Wyatt Gillett (#44) leads with 11.1 tackles per game, and Parker Heitman (#22) adds pressure with 1.3 sacks per game.

Balboa’s Key Players

• Joseph Smith (#4) is Balboa’s primary playmaker, leading in rushing (72.3 yards per game), receiving (74.3 yards per game), total yards (146.7 per game), and points (12.3 per game).
• Rylen Thien-Jones (#6) shines in the passing game with 141.0 yards per game.
• Defensively, Sent Barrera (#9) tops with 7.8 tackles per game, while Mekai Smith (#8) contributes with 1.4 sacks per game.

Record Breakdown

Overall Performance

Both teams share identical overall records of 8-5. However, Balboa has the edge in league play, boasting a 5-1 record compared to Los Molinos’ 3-3. Los Molinos has been more consistent outside the league, going 2-2 in non-league games compared to Balboa’s 0-4.

Home and Away Records

• Los Molinos performs well at home, with a 4-3 record, and shows resilience on neutral fields with a 1-0 record.
• Balboa matches Los Molinos’ home record (4-2) and has a similar neutral site success (1-0).

Playoff Success

Both teams have found success in the postseason. Los Molinos holds a slight edge with a 3-0 playoff record, while Balboa sits at 2-0.

Conclusion

The statistical analysis underscores Los Molinos’ dominance in offensive and defensive metrics. However, Balboa’s strong league record and key performers like Joseph Smith and Rylen Thien-Jones make them formidable opponents. This matchup promises to be an exciting clash of styles, with Los Molinos relying on their offensive firepower and Balboa looking to capitalize on their efficiency and key player contributions.