The Wilcox varsity football team from Santa Clara will host Menlo-Atherton High School in a home playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 CIF Central Coast Section Football Championships in Division II, promising an exciting and competitive matchup under the Friday night lights.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Menlo-Atherton vs Wilcox
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 CIF Central Coast Section Football Championships (California) – Division II
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Wilcox vs. Menlo-Atherton

The Wilcox High School varsity football team from Santa Clara is set to host Menlo-Atherton High School in a pivotal Division II playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Central Coast Section Football Championships, with both teams eager to advance to the next stage of the tournament.

Records and Rankings

Wilcox enters the game with a solid 9-2 overall record, showcasing an impressive .818 win percentage. Ranked 82nd in California and 6th in their section, they have been dominant both at home and on the road, posting a perfect 5-0 record in league play. Wilcox has outscored their opponents 334 to 142 this season, averaging 30.4 points per game.

Menlo-Atherton, with a 7-4 overall record, has had a more balanced season, with a .636 win percentage. Ranked 145th in the state and 10th in their section, they have struggled in league play with a 2-3 record but have been strong on the road, finishing 2-2 in away games. They have scored 263 points while allowing 155, averaging 23.9 points per game.

Scoring Breakdown

Wilcox has been a more explosive team offensively, particularly in the first half, where they average 20.2 points in the first two quarters. They have a strong scoring presence in the first quarter, averaging 9.6 points, and keep the pressure on throughout the game.

Menlo-Atherton’s offense, while not as potent in the opening quarter (5.4 points), tends to ramp up in the second (9.2 points), showing their ability to adjust. However, their fourth-quarter production is a concern, as they average only 0.8 points, which could be a disadvantage in close games.

Keys to Victory

Wilcox’s offense, averaging over 30 points per game, will look to continue their strong first-half performances and capitalize on Menlo-Atherton’s weaker fourth-quarter play. Their well-balanced attack and stingy defense should give them the edge as they aim to extend their playoff run.

Menlo-Atherton will need to find a way to improve their fourth-quarter production and match Wilcox’s offensive output. Their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities in the second and third quarters will be essential to staying competitive in this high-stakes game.

What’s at Stake

This game represents a crucial opportunity for both teams to prove themselves in the CIF Central Coast Section Division II playoffs. Wilcox will look to use their home-field advantage and strong season to advance, while Menlo-Atherton will aim for an upset with a balanced offensive approach.

With both teams showcasing dynamic offenses and solid defensive performances, this promises to be a thrilling contest. Fans can expect a highly competitive matchup as Wilcox and Menlo-Atherton battle for a spot in the next round of the tournament.

The Menlo-Atherton Bears and the Wilcox Chargers are two competitive high school football teams, each boasting impressive records and unique strengths. As they head into the postseason, a closer examination of their statistics, individual performances, and matchups against common opponents offers valuable insights into their respective strengths.

Team Statistical Comparison

When comparing team statistics, there are notable differences that highlight each team’s playing style and overall strengths.

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Wilcox leads significantly with 288.5 rushing yards per game, a powerful ground game, compared to Menlo-Atherton’s 135.0 yards per game.
• Passing Yards Per Game: Menlo-Atherton has a clear advantage in passing, with 187.4 yards per game, compared to Wilcox’s 89.4 yards.
• Receiving Yards Per Game: Menlo-Atherton also leads in receiving yards, averaging 187.4 yards per game versus Wilcox’s 88.6 yards.
• Total Yards Per Game: Despite Menlo-Atherton’s passing advantage, Wilcox edges out in total yards per game with 377.9 yards, while Menlo-Atherton totals 322.4 yards.
• Tackles Per Game: Wilcox averages 61.7 tackles per game, more than Menlo-Atherton’s 55.9, indicating a strong defensive presence.
• Sacks Per Game: Wilcox has the edge in pass-rushing with 1.6 sacks per game compared to Menlo-Atherton’s 0.8.
• Points Per Game: Wilcox also leads in scoring, averaging 29.9 points per game, while Menlo-Atherton averages 23.1 points per game.

These differences suggest that Menlo-Atherton tends to rely more on the air game, while Wilcox excels in controlling the ground and dominating with a powerful defense.

Team Leaders

Each team has standout performers who contribute significantly to their success.

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Wilcox’s Brayden Rosa leads with a dominant 121.8 yards per game, while Menlo-Atherton’s Evaimalo Ama records 69.7 yards per game.
• Passing Yards Per Game: Xander Eschelman from Menlo-Atherton is the standout passer with 142.6 yards per game, while Wilcox relies less on the air game, with Kai Imahara averaging just 89.3 yards.
• Receiving Yards Per Game: Jt Roeder of Menlo-Atherton averages 65.4 yards per game, while Wilcox’s Justin Forster is the top receiver with 33.2 yards.
• Total Yards Per Game: Xander Eschelman of Menlo-Atherton leads with 149.6 total yards per game, while Brayden Rosa of Wilcox tallies 154.7 total yards per game.
• Tackles Per Game: Menlo-Atherton’s Anthony Van der Meer averages 9.7 tackles per game, while Brayden Rosa of Wilcox also stands out with 7.7 tackles per game.
• Sacks Per Game: Menlo-Atherton’s Giles Hayhurst has 0.3 sacks per game, while Wilcox’s Adam Kenney contributes 0.4 sacks per game.
• Points Per Game: Menlo-Atherton’s Angelo Marin leads the team with 5.5 points per game, while Wilcox’s Brayden Rosa is the top scorer, contributing 14.4 points per game.

These leaders are crucial to their teams’ performance, with Menlo-Atherton’s strength in passing and receiving and Wilcox’s dominance in rushing and defensive play.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced similar opponents throughout the season, and the results show some interesting patterns:

• Los Gatos: Menlo-Atherton lost 21-14 at home, while Wilcox won 19-14 at home.
• Menlo School: Menlo-Atherton won 21-18 at home, and Wilcox also defeated Menlo School 28-14 at home.
• Palo Alto: Menlo-Atherton won 27-13 at home, while Wilcox triumphed 42-13 at home.
• Sacred Heart Prep: Menlo-Atherton lost 21-7 at home, and Wilcox dominated with a 35-7 victory at home.

In terms of common opponents, Wilcox outperformed Menlo-Atherton in every game, showing their superior record in non-league matchups.

Record Breakdown

Looking at the overall performance of both teams, there is a clear contrast in their records:

• Overall Record: Menlo-Atherton stands at 7-4, while Wilcox has a stronger 9-2 record.
• League Record: Menlo-Atherton is 2-3 in league play, while Wilcox is an undefeated 5-0 in league play.
• Non-League Record: Menlo-Atherton has a 4-1 non-league record, while Wilcox is 3-2.
• Head-to-Head: Menlo-Atherton holds a 1-0 record over Wilcox in their previous matchups.
• Home vs. Away: Menlo-Atherton is strong at home with a 5-1 record, while Wilcox is perfect on the road with a 5-0 record.

While Menlo-Atherton has struggled more in league play, their strong home record suggests they are a formidable team when playing in familiar territory.

Conclusion

The comparison between Menlo-Atherton and Wilcox reveals two teams with distinct playing styles. Menlo-Atherton relies on a dynamic passing game, led by Xander Eschelman, and a solid receiving corps, while Wilcox is known for its powerful rushing attack, led by Brayden Rosa, and a tough defense. Despite Menlo-Atherton’s strength in the air, Wilcox’s dominance in the ground game and defense make them a more balanced team overall.

As both teams head into the postseason, Wilcox appears to be the stronger side, especially with their undefeated league record and superior performance against common opponents. However, Menlo-Atherton’s ability to perform well at home could give them an edge in any upcoming matchups. The postseason will likely be a true test of both teams’ strengths and strategies.