The Lincoln (San Diego) varsity football team will host Mission Hills (San Marcos) in a home playoff game today at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 CIF San Diego Section Football Championships – Open Division tournament, where both teams will compete for a spot in the next round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football
Who: Mission Hills vs Lincoln
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 CIF San Diego Section Football Championships (California) – Open Division
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Lincoln vs. Mission Hills

The 2024 CIF San Diego Section Football Championships are in full swing, and one of the most highly anticipated matchups in the Open Division will take place today, as the Lincoln Hornets host the Mission Hills Grizzlies in a playoff clash at 7 p.m. Both teams have proven their mettle throughout the season and are eager to advance in the tournament.

Mission Hills: A Strong Season with a Balanced Attack

Mission Hills enters the postseason with an 8-2 overall record, including a solid 4-1 performance in league play. They have been consistent both at home (4-1) and on the road (4-1), reflecting their balanced style of play. Scoring an average of 29.0 points per game, the Grizzlies have been able to get the job done offensively, with a well-rounded approach. However, their defense has also been solid, limiting opponents to just 179 points over the course of the season. Mission Hills’ ability to keep games competitive and play both sides of the ball efficiently will be key to their success in the playoffs.

Lincoln: High-Scoring and Undefeated at Home

The Lincoln Hornets, with an 8-2 record, have had an equally impressive season, boasting a perfect 4-0 record in league play. They have been especially dominant at home, with a 3-2 record, and are undefeated on the road, going 5-0. With a high-scoring offense averaging 41.7 points per game, the Hornets have proven to be a formidable force. Their offense has been explosive throughout the season, especially in the second and third quarters, where they average a combined 22.5 points. Additionally, their defense has been stingy, allowing just 141 points in total, showcasing a well-balanced team that excels both offensively and defensively.

Game Outlook: Lincoln’s Offensive Power vs. Mission Hills’ Balanced Play

This playoff game promises to be a thrilling contest between two high-caliber teams. Lincoln’s offensive firepower will be tested against Mission Hills’ defense, while the Grizzlies will look to execute their balanced approach and keep pace with the Hornets. Lincoln’s ability to score quickly, particularly in the second and third quarters, will be key to putting pressure on Mission Hills, while the Grizzlies’ defense must find a way to slow down the high-scoring Hornets.

As both teams prepare to face off in this crucial playoff game, fans can expect a hard-fought battle filled with big plays, key defensive stops, and high-intensity moments. The winner will advance further in the tournament, with both teams hoping to continue their quest for a championship in the Open Division.

As the season progresses, the matchup between Mission Hills and Lincoln stands out as one of the most anticipated games. Both teams have put together impressive 8-2 records, showcasing their offensive and defensive strengths. With powerful attacks on both sides, this game promises to be a thrilling contest. Let’s take a closer look at how these teams compare statistically and what fans can expect from this exciting clash.

Team Comparison

Both Mission Hills and Lincoln have explosive offenses, with each team averaging over 400 total yards per game. Mission Hills has been efficient in their attack, accumulating significant yardage, though their exact rushing, passing, and receiving yards per game aren’t available in the comparison. Lincoln, however, has been a balanced powerhouse, with 212.8 rushing yards, 236.8 passing yards, and 236.8 receiving yards per game. This balance between the ground and air attack makes Lincoln a formidable opponent, averaging 449.6 total yards per game.

Both teams have displayed impressive scoring capability. Mission Hills averages 41.7 points per game, while Lincoln follows closely with their own high-scoring offense. Defensively, Lincoln has been stronger, averaging 95.3 tackles per game and an impressive 3.6 sacks per game. Their defense has been active, and their ability to pressure the quarterback and stop the run will be key in this matchup.

Key Players

The standout player for Mission Hills has been Aden Jackson, who has been the focal point of both the rushing and scoring game. Averaging 118.6 rushing yards per game and contributing 11.6 points per game, Jackson’s ability to break through the line will be crucial for Mission Hills’ success. At quarterback, Akili Smith Jr. has been efficient, passing for 186.7 yards per game and accumulating 210.3 total yards per game.

For Lincoln, Aden Jackson also stands out as the top performer, particularly in the rushing department, where he leads with 118.6 yards per game. On defense, Dylon Dunn has been a key player, averaging 8.8 tackles per game and providing leadership on that side of the ball. Jair Benjamin, though contributing only 0.9 sacks per game, has been pivotal in pressuring opposing quarterbacks.

Record Breakdown

Both teams have very similar records heading into this matchup. Mission Hills holds an 8-2 record with a solid 4-1 mark in league play, while Lincoln shares the same overall record of 8-2, but they have been more dominant in their league with a perfect 4-0 record. On the road, Lincoln has been particularly impressive, with a 5-0 away record, suggesting they perform well in hostile environments.

Both teams also share similar home and away records, but Lincoln’s undefeated away performance gives them a slight edge heading into this contest. Mission Hills will look to use their home-field advantage to make a statement.

Common Opponents

As the teams share no common opponents so far in the season, it’s difficult to compare how they stack up against similar competition. However, with both teams performing admirably in league and non-league play, we can expect this game to be a competitive one.

Conclusion

The Mission Hills vs. Lincoln matchup promises to be an exciting and high-scoring game between two teams with potent offenses and solid defensive units. Both teams have had strong seasons with identical overall records, but Lincoln’s defensive pressure and perfect away record give them a slight advantage heading into the game. Mission Hills, led by Aden Jackson and Akili Smith Jr., will rely on their offensive firepower to put points on the board and hold off Lincoln’s potent attack.

This game will likely come down to who can impose their style of play—whether it’s Mission Hills’ high-scoring offense or Lincoln’s balance and defensive dominance. Fans can expect a thrilling battle between these two talented teams.