The Pasadena varsity football team will host Lynwood in a home playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – Division 13 tournament. Both teams will be vying for a chance to advance in the postseason.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Lynwood vs Pasadena
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – Division 13
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Lynwood vs. Pasadena

The Pasadena varsity football team will host Lynwood in a pivotal home playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This contest is part of the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – Division 13 tournament, where both teams will look to advance in their postseason journey.

Team Records and Rankings

Lynwood enters the matchup with a strong 8-4 overall record, bolstered by a solid 2-3 league performance. They have been particularly effective at home with a 4-2 record and have a respectable 3-2 mark on the road. With a win percentage of .667, Lynwood has demonstrated offensive efficiency, scoring 383 points while allowing just 167.

On the other hand, Pasadena comes into the game with a 6-6 overall record and a 4-3 league performance. The team has had an even split in both home and away games, posting a 3-3 record in both categories. Despite a .500 win percentage, Pasadena has struggled defensively, allowing 305 points over the course of the season, though they have managed to score 203 points.

Scoring Averages

Lynwood’s offense has been a standout feature, averaging 31.9 points per game. They have been most effective in the first quarter, averaging 7.6 points, followed by 5.8 in the second quarter. While their scoring slows down in the second half with 4.2 points in the third and 6.4 points in the fourth, they remain consistent throughout the game.

In contrast, Pasadena’s offense has had a more inconsistent scoring pattern, averaging just 16.9 points per game. They struggle early on, scoring only 2.0 points in the first quarter, but their performance improves slightly in the second quarter (5.6 points). Despite strong fourth-quarter efforts (5.3 points), Pasadena has not been able to match Lynwood’s offensive firepower.

What’s at Stake?

This playoff game is crucial for both teams as they fight for a spot in the next round of the CIF Southern Section Football Championships. Lynwood will look to capitalize on its strong offensive play to overpower Pasadena, while the home team will need to find ways to contain Lynwood’s scoring and improve their own consistency to pull off the upset.

With both teams showing contrasting styles, this game promises to be an exciting and competitive playoff showdown. Fans can expect a battle of high-intensity football, with Lynwood looking to extend their successful season and Pasadena striving to prove their mettle on home turf.

As the 2024 season enters its final stages, the teams of Lynwood and Pasadena have shown contrasting performances, with Lynwood posting a strong 8-4 overall record and Pasadena finishing with a 6-6 record. Despite their differences in record, both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, which will shape the outcome of their upcoming matchup. Here’s a breakdown of their key statistics and what to expect as they prepare for the postseason.

Offensive Comparison

• Rushing Yards: Lynwood has been far more effective in the running game, averaging 130.0 rushing yards per game compared to Pasadena’s 79.1. Ernest Delce has been the standout for Lynwood, rushing for 89.5 yards per game, while Pasadena’s Josiah Rucker leads his team with 71.0 yards per game. Lynwood’s ability to establish a strong rushing attack will likely give them an edge in controlling the clock and dictating the tempo.
• Passing Yards: Lynwood also has the advantage in the passing game, with 131.3 passing yards per game, compared to Pasadena’s 48.7. Jordan Sewell has been efficient under center for Lynwood, throwing for 134.5 yards per game, while Pasadena has struggled through the air, with Dutch Burbidge passing for only 118.8 yards per game. Lynwood’s superior passing game should provide them with the ability to stretch the field and keep Pasadena’s defense on its heels.
• Receiving Yards: Lynwood leads in receiving yards as well, averaging 123.3 yards per game. Lucio Camacho is their top target, hauling in 57.5 yards per game. Pasadena, on the other hand, averages just 31.5 receiving yards per game, with Christopher Solis-Lumar leading the team with 39.6 yards. This disparity in the passing game could make it difficult for Pasadena to keep up if they fall behind early.
• Total Yards: Lynwood’s offense is much more productive overall, averaging 261.3 total yards per game, while Pasadena averages just 127.8 total yards per game. Lynwood’s ability to generate more yards in both the rushing and passing games gives them a significant offensive advantage.

Defensive Comparison

• Tackles Per Game: Lynwood’s defense has been solid, averaging 101.3 tackles per game. Zachariah Winters leads the defense with 12.6 tackles per game. Pasadena’s defense has been less active, averaging only 15.5 tackles per game. Ian Howard is the top tackler for Pasadena, with 7.3 tackles per game. The contrast in tackles suggests that Lynwood’s defense has been more engaged and effective at limiting opponents’ offensive success.
• Sacks Per Game: Lynwood also leads in sacks, with 1.1 sacks per game, compared to Pasadena’s 0.3. Jaleel Scott has contributed 0.4 sacks per game for Lynwood, while Pasadena’s defense has struggled to generate pressure on the quarterback, as evidenced by Jayden Zelaya’s 0.3 sacks per game. Lynwood’s ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks could lead to turnovers and stalled drives.

Scoring Comparison

• Points Per Game: Lynwood has been more prolific on offense, averaging 27.7 points per game, compared to Pasadena’s 5.2. Ernest Delce has been the top scorer for Lynwood, contributing 9.8 points per game, while Pasadena’s Josiah Rucker scores 4.5 points per game. Lynwood’s higher point production is a reflection of their ability to move the ball efficiently and capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Record Breakdown

• Overall Record: Lynwood enters the postseason with an 8-4 record, while Pasadena finished with a 6-6 record. Lynwood has been more consistent throughout the season, particularly in non-league play, where they went 4-1, while Pasadena struggled with a 0-3 non-league record.
• League Record: Lynwood posted a 2-3 record in league play, while Pasadena finished with a 4-3 record. Pasadena’s stronger league performance highlights their ability to compete within their conference, despite their struggles in non-league games.
• Non-League Record: Lynwood’s 4-1 non-league record is a testament to their ability to compete against tough teams outside of their league. Pasadena’s 0-3 non-league record suggests they had difficulties against teams from outside their league but showed resilience during league play.
• Home/Away Record: Lynwood’s 4-2 home record and 3-2 away record indicate they are capable of performing in both environments. Pasadena has an even 3-3 record at home and 3-3 on the road, showing their inconsistency in both settings. Lynwood’s better road record could give them an edge in a neutral-site postseason game.
• Playoff Record: Both teams enter the playoffs with 2-0 records, showing they are both capable of stepping up in high-pressure situations. Lynwood’s more balanced offensive and defensive performance could be a key factor in postseason success.

Conclusion

Lynwood comes into the matchup with a clear advantage on both offense and defense, with a more balanced attack and a much stronger defense. Their ability to run the ball, pass effectively, and generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks gives them a significant edge over Pasadena. Pasadena will need to find ways to improve their offensive production, particularly in the passing game, and shore up their defense if they hope to keep up with Lynwood’s high-scoring offense.

While Pasadena has the potential to be dangerous, particularly with players like Josiah Rucker and Dutch Burbidge, Lynwood’s superior all-around performance throughout the season makes them the favorites in this matchup. Expect Lynwood to use their strengths in both the rushing and passing game to control the tempo and advance further into the postseason.