The Simi Valley (CA) varsity football team will face Loyola (Los Angeles, CA) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – Division 3 tournament, with both teams aiming to advance further in the postseason.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Loyola vs Simi Valley
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – Division 3
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Loyola vs. Simi Valley

The 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships – Division 3 tournament will feature an exciting playoff showdown between Loyola (Los Angeles, CA) and Simi Valley (CA) on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. With both teams having had strong seasons, this neutral-site game promises to be a thrilling contest as they both aim for postseason success.

Team Overview

Loyola enters the game with a 6-6 overall record and a 2-3 league record. Despite their .500 record, they have been competitive throughout the season, especially on the road, where they hold a 4-3 record. Loyola has scored 343 points and allowed 313, averaging 28.6 points per game. Their scoring is well-balanced across the game, with an average of 7.0 points in the first quarter, 7.1 in the second, 8.1 in the third, and 5.3 in the fourth. Their offense is capable of putting up solid numbers, but they will need to elevate their play against a high-scoring team like Simi Valley.

Simi Valley, with an impressive 11-1 record, has been dominant throughout the season. They finished with a 4-1 league record, showcasing their strength both at home (4-1) and on the road (6-0). Simi Valley has been a scoring powerhouse, putting up 486 points while allowing just 287, averaging 40.5 points per game. Their offense has been explosive, particularly in the first half, where they average 10.5 points in the first quarter and 11.9 points in the second. Simi Valley’s strong scoring continues through the third quarter (10.5 points), and even their fourth-quarter performance (7.6 points) remains impressive. Their offensive depth will be a key factor in this matchup.

Key Match-Up Insights

• Offensive Power: Simi Valley’s high-powered offense has averaged 40.5 points per game, nearly 12 more points than Loyola’s 28.6. Their ability to score in every quarter, especially in the first half, gives them a significant edge over Loyola. Loyola will need to find a way to keep pace with Simi Valley’s offensive onslaught.
• Defensive Strategy: Simi Valley has allowed 287 points this season, which is significantly lower than Loyola’s 313. Simi Valley’s defense, combined with their explosive offense, provides them with a well-rounded team that is difficult to beat. Loyola will need to improve their offensive consistency, especially in the second half, to challenge Simi Valley’s defense.
• Game Momentum: Loyola’s ability to put up points in the second and third quarters (7.1 and 8.1 points, respectively) gives them the potential to stay in the game. However, Simi Valley’s steady scoring, especially in the first half, could set the tone early and give them a strong lead heading into the second half.

The upcoming playoff game between Loyola and Simi Valley promises to be a thrilling encounter, as both teams bring potent offenses and strong defenses to the table. With Loyola finishing the regular season at 6-6 and Simi Valley dominating with an 11-1 record, this game sets the stage for a high-stakes matchup. Let’s break down the key stats and storylines for this exciting contest.

Offensive Breakdown

• Rushing Yards: Simi Valley boasts a much stronger rushing attack, averaging 201.5 yards per game. Brice Hawkins leads the charge with 123.5 rushing yards per game, showcasing his ability to break through defenses. Loyola, on the other hand, averages 124.0 rushing yards per game, with Sean Morris II contributing 121.7 yards per game. While Simi Valley holds the edge in rushing yards, both teams rely on their ground games to set up their offenses.
• Passing Yards: In the passing game, Simi Valley again has the upper hand, averaging 218.8 passing yards per game. Tagg Harrison has been outstanding, throwing for 202.1 yards per game, and his ability to lead the offense in the air will be crucial. Loyola, while not far behind, averages 156.6 passing yards per game, with Ashton Pannell passing for 159.3 yards per game. Both teams have solid quarterbacks capable of making big plays in the air, but Simi Valley’s passing attack has been more explosive.
• Receiving Yards: Simi Valley leads in receiving yards as well, averaging 218.2 yards per game. Quentin McGahan (68.9 yards per game) and Harrison (who also plays a key role in the passing game) are key contributors to this high-output offense. Loyola, with 163.6 receiving yards per game, relies on Markus Kier, who averages 77.2 yards per game. While Loyola has some solid receiving talent, Simi Valley’s aerial attack is more dynamic, leading to a higher overall yardage.

Defensive Breakdown

• Tackles Per Game: On the defensive side, Simi Valley leads with an average of 87.5 tackles per game, with Jayden Graham contributing 11.2 tackles per game. Loyola isn’t far behind with 77.5 tackles per game, led by Henry Casani with 12.4 tackles per game. Both teams have capable defenses, but Simi Valley has been more active in terms of overall tackles.
• Sacks Per Game: Simi Valley also leads in sacks, averaging 2.4 per game. Izak Simpson and Dean Kirkland have been key contributors to the pass rush. Loyola, meanwhile, averages 2.1 sacks per game, with Max Meier contributing 0.7 sacks per game. Both teams will need to get pressure on the quarterback, particularly with the high-powered offenses they are facing.

Scoring and Points Per Game

• Simi Valley has a clear advantage in points per game, averaging 40.6 points per game, largely due to their explosive offensive play. Brice Hawkins and Tagg Harrison are both scoring threats on the ground and through the air. Loyola, while scoring 26.7 points per game, will need to step up their offensive production to keep pace with Simi Valley‘s high-scoring attack.

Record Breakdown

• Overall Record: Simi Valley enters this game with an impressive 11-1 overall record, while Loyola has had a more challenging season, finishing 6-6. However, Simi Valley has been dominant throughout the season, only losing once. Loyola has shown resilience, earning key wins to secure their playoff spot.
• League Record: Loyola finished with a 2-3 record in league play, while Simi Valley had a strong 4-1 record in their league, showing their dominance within their conference. Simi Valley will likely have more momentum coming into this game after finishing league play on a high note.
• Non-League Record: Loyola went 2-3 in non-league matchups, while Simi Valley excelled with a 5-0 non-league record. Simi Valley’s success in non-league games demonstrates their ability to perform against teams outside of their conference, adding confidence to their playoff run.
• Playoff Record: Both teams have been impressive in the playoffs, with Loyola holding a 2-0 playoff record and Simi Valley standing at 2-0. This suggests that both teams are capable of stepping up their game in the postseason and making deep runs.

Home/Away Performance

• Simi Valley has been dominant on the road, boasting a perfect 6-0 away record. Loyola has been solid at home with a 1-3 record, but Simi Valley‘s road success suggests they are well-prepared for any environment, which could give them an edge if this game is played away.

Conclusion

The matchup between Loyola and Simi Valley is an exciting one, as Simi Valley brings a dynamic and high-scoring offense led by Tagg Harrison and Brice Hawkins, while Loyola will look to slow them down with a balanced attack and tough defense.

With Simi Valley boasting a superior offensive output, including both the rushing and passing games, they will enter the game as the favorites. However, Loyola has the talent to compete, especially if they can find success on the ground with Sean Morris II and execute in the passing game with Ashton Pannell.

In this clash of styles, Simi Valley‘s explosive offense and perfect away record give them the advantage. Still, Loyola will be looking to pull off an upset with strong defense and efficient offensive execution.