The Poway varsity football team will face Mater Dei Catholic from Chula Vista in a highly anticipated neutral-site playoff game tonight at 7:30 p.m. This clash is part of the 2024 CIF San Diego Section Football Championships in Division II, promising an exciting matchup between two competitive teams vying for glory.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Mater Dei Catholic vs Poway
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF San Diego Section Football Championships (California) – Division II
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Mater Dei Catholic vs. Poway

As the 2024 CIF San Diego Section Football Championships (Division II) continue, tonight’s matchup between Mater Dei Catholic and Poway promises a compelling clash of styles and team dynamics. With contrasting seasons behind them, these teams bring unique strengths and challenges to this neutral-site playoff battle.

Mater Dei Catholic: A Powerhouse Season

Mater Dei Catholic enters the game with an impressive 9-3 record, showcasing their dominance throughout the season. Ranked 111th in California and 11th in their division, they have been nearly unstoppable in league play, boasting a perfect 4-0 record. Whether playing at home or away, the team has performed consistently, earning a strong .750 win percentage.

Offensively, Mater Dei Catholic is a high-scoring team, averaging 34.3 points per game. Their scoring peaks in the second quarter, where they average 10.8 points, and they remain effective late in games with 5.8 points in the fourth quarter. They’ve tallied an impressive 412 points this season, backed by a defense that has allowed 296 points. This balance of offensive firepower and defensive resilience makes Mater Dei Catholic a formidable contender.

Poway: Grit in the Face of Adversity

Poway’s journey to this playoff stage has been more arduous. With a 5-7 overall record and an 0-5 showing in league play, the team has faced significant challenges. Ranked 131st in California and 14th in their division, Poway has struggled for consistency but shown flashes of promise, particularly on the road, where they’ve posted a 2-4 record.

Poway averages 25.7 points per game, with their best scoring performances in the third quarter (8.2 points). They’ve scored a total of 308 points while allowing 291, reflecting a narrow margin in their defensive efforts. Despite these struggles, Poway’s ability to hang tough in close games could make them a dangerous opponent in the playoffs.

Key Matchup Factors

1. Offensive Edge: Mater Dei Catholic’s high-powered offense will challenge Poway’s defense, which has shown vulnerabilities against strong teams.
2. Defensive Stability: Poway’s defensive record (291 points allowed) is slightly better than Mater Dei Catholic’s, but they’ll need to step up significantly to contain a team that scores as efficiently as Mater Dei Catholic.
3. Momentum: Mater Dei Catholic enters the game on the back of a strong regular season, while Poway will need to channel resilience and grit to upset the odds.

The Mater Dei Catholic Crusaders (9-3) and the Poway Titans (5-7) will face off in a postseason battle that highlights the stark differences in their seasons. Mater Dei Catholic enters the game riding high on a balanced offensive attack and strong postseason momentum, while Poway looks to capitalize on grit and determination to turn their season around. Here’s how the two teams compare heading into this matchup.

Statistical Comparison

Mater Dei Catholic has showcased a dominant and well-rounded offense, outpacing Poway in almost every statistical category.

• Offense:
  The Crusaders boast an impressive 429.3 total yards per game, fueled by quarterback Kartell Purvis, who averages 236.7 passing yards and 250.5 total yards per game. Gael Aguilar adds consistency to the rushing attack, averaging 57.0 yards per game. Isaiah Cook leads the receiving corps with 80.7 yards per game.
  Poway, while not as explosive, has a capable offense led by running back Luke Jorgensen, who averages 85.3 rushing yards per game, and quarterback Ty Hurst, who contributes 172.8 passing yards and 174.3 total yards per game.
• Defense:
  Mater Dei Catholic’s defense has been steady, averaging 57.3 tackles per game, with Noah Cook leading the charge at 7.7 tackles per game. However, their pass rush has struggled, managing only 0.8 sacks per game.
  Poway averages 43.9 tackles per game, led by Oliver Vera’s 5.5 tackles per contest, and has a slightly stronger pass rush, averaging 1.5 sacks per game.
• Scoring:
  The Crusaders outscore the Titans on average, posting 30.8 points per game compared to Poway’s 25.7. Poway will need to find ways to match Mater Dei Catholic’s offensive output to stay competitive.

Key Players

• Mater Dei Catholic:
  • Kartell Purvis (QB): The centerpiece of the Crusaders’ offense, Purvis has been stellar, averaging 236.7 passing yards and contributing significantly to their playoff run.
  • Isaiah Cook (WR): Cook is a consistent downfield threat, leading the team in receiving yards per game.
  • Noah Cook (LB): Anchors the defense with 7.7 tackles per game.
• Poway:
  • Luke Jorgensen (RB): Poway’s primary offensive weapon, Jorgensen averages 85.3 rushing yards and 8.5 points per game.
  • Ty Hurst (QB): Hurst provides versatility with his dual-threat ability, averaging 172.8 passing yards and contributing significantly to Poway’s total offense.
  • Bobby McKay (DL): Leads the Titans’ pass rush with 0.4 sacks per game.

Common Opponent

Both teams have faced St. Augustine this season, and each came away victorious.

• Mater Dei Catholic narrowly defeated St. Augustine 13-10 on September 27, showcasing their ability to win close, defensive games.
• Poway secured a more decisive 34-16 victory on August 30, powered by a strong offensive performance.

Record Breakdown

Mater Dei Catholic’s 9-3 record includes an undefeated league run (4-0) and a perfect postseason showing so far (2-0). Their success on the road (4-1) and at home (5-2) demonstrates their consistency.

Poway’s 5-7 record reflects a challenging season, including a winless league campaign (0-5). However, their 2-0 postseason record indicates they’ve hit their stride at the right time.

Keys to Victory

• Mater Dei Catholic:
  The Crusaders need to leverage their high-powered offense to control the game. Kartell Purvis and Isaiah Cook will be key in exploiting Poway’s secondary. On defense, containing Luke Jorgensen and forcing Poway to rely on their passing game will be critical.
• Poway:
  The Titans must find ways to disrupt Mater Dei Catholic’s rhythm, particularly by pressuring Purvis. Offensively, Luke Jorgensen will need a standout performance, and Ty Hurst must spread the ball effectively to keep the Crusaders’ defense guessing.

Prediction

Mater Dei Catholic enters this matchup as the clear favorite, thanks to their superior offensive firepower and balanced attack. Poway’s resilience and recent playoff momentum can’t be overlooked, but they will need to play their best game of the season to keep up. Expect the Crusaders to dictate the pace and secure a hard-fought victory.