The Bishop O’Dowd (Oakland, CA) varsity football team will host Monte Vista (Danville, CA) in a home playoff game today at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 North Coast Section Football Championships – Division 2 tournament, where both teams will battle for a chance to advance.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Monte Vista vs Bishop O’Dowd
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game preview: Monte Vista vs. Bishop O’Dowd

The 2024 North Coast Section Football Championships – Division 2 tournament continues with an exciting playoff matchup between Monte Vista and Bishop O’Dowd. This game, scheduled for 7 p.m. today at Bishop O’Dowd’s home field in Oakland, promises to be an intense contest, as both teams are determined to advance in the postseason.

Monte Vista Season Overview

Monte Vista enters the playoffs with a 5-5 overall record, finishing the regular season with a .500 win percentage. The team had a tough season in league play, failing to win a game with a 0-4 record. However, Monte Vista was solid on the road, posting a 3-2 away record, but struggled at home with a 2-3 record.

Despite their .500 record, Monte Vista has shown they can put up points, averaging 28.0 points per game this season. The team has been relatively balanced in their scoring, putting up 7.7 points in the first quarter and 8.1 points in the second, although they tend to slow down a bit in the second half, with just 5.3 points in the fourth quarter. Monte Vista’s offensive output will be key if they want to compete with the high-scoring Bishop O’Dowd team.

• Overall Record: 5-5
• League Record: 0-4
• Home Record: 2-3
• Away Record: 3-2
• Points Scored: 280
• Points Allowed: 247
• Average Points Per Game (Final): 28.0
• Section Ranking: 14th
• Division Ranking: 3rd

While they’ve struggled in league play, Monte Vista’s ability to generate offense and stay competitive on the road makes them a dangerous team in the playoffs.

Bishop O’Dowd Season Overview

Bishop O’Dowd comes into this game with an impressive 8-2 record, having finished the regular season with an .800 win percentage. They were dominant in league play, finishing with a perfect 6-0 record. The team was equally strong both at home (4-1) and on the road (4-1), proving their ability to compete anywhere.

Bishop O’Dowd’s offense has been explosive this season, averaging 31.9 points per game. The team has been particularly strong in the first half, averaging 6.0 points in the first quarter and 11.7 points in the second quarter. While their scoring slows slightly in the second half (6.9 points in the third quarter and 5.4 points in the fourth), their early offensive surges have often been enough to secure wins.

• Overall Record: 8-2
• League Record: 6-0
• Home Record: 4-1
• Away Record: 4-1
• Points Scored: 319
• Points Allowed: 204
• Average Points Per Game (Final): 31.9
• Section Ranking: 13th
• Division Ranking: 2nd

Bishop O’Dowd’s high-powered offense, combined with a solid defense that allowed only 204 points this season, gives them a significant advantage in this matchup.

Key Matchup: Offense vs. Defense

The biggest storyline in this game will be the contrast between Bishop O’Dowd’s high-scoring offense and Monte Vista’s ability to put up points despite a challenging league season. Bishop O’Dowd’s offense has been consistent and explosive throughout the season, and they will look to continue that trend against a Monte Vista team that has shown flashes of offensive potential but struggles to maintain that level of performance throughout the game.

Monte Vista’s defense, which has allowed 247 points this season, will need to find a way to slow down Bishop O’Dowd’s high-powered offense. With an average of 31.9 points per game, Bishop O’Dowd has the ability to put up points quickly, and Monte Vista will need to execute on defense and limit the Dragons’ scoring opportunities, especially early in the game.

Looking Ahead:

Both teams bring a lot to the table heading into this matchup. Monte Vista’s offense is capable of putting up big numbers, but they will have to contend with a Bishop O’Dowd defense that has been solid all season. Meanwhile, Bishop O’Dowd will be looking to continue their dominant play and prove that they are one of the top contenders in the North Coast Section Football Championships – Division 2.

This game promises to be an exciting clash, with both teams hungry for a playoff victory. The winner will advance in the tournament and have the chance to continue their championship hopes. Fans can expect a high-energy, fast-paced contest as both teams battle for a spot in the next round.

The 2024-2025 football season has seen both Monte Vista and Bishop O’Dowd field competitive teams, with each posting solid records in their respective leagues. While Monte Vista finished the season at 5-5 overall, Bishop O’Dowd had a standout season with an 8-2 overall record. Despite the difference in win totals, both teams have shown they can excel in various aspects of the game. Let’s break down the key statistics and team leaders, and analyze what makes each team formidable.

Team Stat Comparison:

Rushing Yards per Game:

• Monte Vista: 168.8 yards
• Bishop O’Dowd: 134.8 yards

Monte Vista has the edge in the rushing game, averaging 168.8 yards per game compared to Bishop O’Dowd’s 134.8. Julian McMahan has been a key contributor to Monte Vista’s ground game, amassing 125.4 rushing yards per game. In contrast, Bishop O’Dowd’s rushing attack, led by Saliou Sow (105.1 yards per game), has been effective but less dominant in comparison.

Passing Yards per Game:

• Monte Vista: 176.5 yards
• Bishop O’Dowd: 141.9 yards

Monte Vista also leads in the passing department, with Brayden Turner throwing for 169.8 yards per game. Bishop O’Dowd has relied less on the passing game, with Devin Wilson posting 174.8 yards per game. Despite similar passing totals, Monte Vista’s higher passing average suggests a more balanced or diverse offense, capable of generating yardage in both the air and on the ground.

Receiving Yards per Game:

• Monte Vista: 176.5 yards
• Bishop O’Dowd: 140.5 yards

In the receiving game, Monte Vista has been the more productive team, averaging 176.5 yards per game. Kellan Ford leads the charge with 95.6 receiving yards per game, making him a key target for Turner. Bishop O’Dowd, with Deji Ajose leading the way, has averaged 140.5 receiving yards per game, but their passing game has been less potent overall.

Total Yards per Game:

• Monte Vista: 345.3 yards
• Bishop O’Dowd: 276.7 yards

Monte Vista outpaces Bishop O’Dowd in total yardage, averaging a substantial 345.3 yards per game. This overall offensive output, driven by both a strong rushing and passing game, makes Monte Vista a versatile and challenging team to defend. Bishop O’Dowd, with 276.7 yards per game, is efficient but less explosive in comparison.

Tackles per Game:

• Monte Vista: 43.1 tackles
• Bishop O’Dowd: 45.8 tackles

Bishop O’Dowd has slightly more success on the defensive side, averaging 45.8 tackles per game. This statistic suggests a defense that is highly engaged and effective in stopping the run and pass. Monte Vista, while also solid defensively with 43.1 tackles per game, will need to be particularly disciplined in coverage and tackling against a Bishop O’Dowd offense that has been highly efficient.

Sacks per Game:

• Monte Vista: 1.6 sacks
• Bishop O’Dowd: 1.4 sacks

Both teams are relatively close in sack totals, with Monte Vista averaging 1.6 sacks per game compared to Bishop O’Dowd’s 1.4. Monte Vista’s slight edge here reflects a defense that can disrupt the opposing quarterback and generate pressure. However, the difference in this statistic is minimal, and both defenses will need to step up their pass rush to gain an advantage.

Points per Game:

• Monte Vista: 27.8 points
• Bishop O’Dowd: 29.8 points

Bishop O’Dowd averages more points per game (29.8) compared to Monte Vista (27.8), reflecting a more consistent offensive output. Despite this, Monte Vista’s high total yardage and balance between rushing and passing suggest they are capable of putting up big numbers as well.

Team Leaders:

• Monte Vista:
  • Julian McMahan leads the team with 125.4 rushing yards per game.
  • Brayden Turner is the top passer, contributing 169.8 passing yards per game.
  • Kellan Ford leads in receiving yards with 95.6 yards per game.
• Bishop O’Dowd:
  • Saliou Sow leads the rushing attack with 105.1 yards per game.
  • Devin Wilson is the primary quarterback, throwing for 174.8 yards per game.
  • Deji Ajose is the top receiver, posting 59.1 yards per game.

Record Breakdown:

• Monte Vista Record: 5-5 overall, 0-4 in league play, 5-1 in non-league play
• Bishop O’Dowd Record: 8-2 overall, 6-0 in league play, 2-2 in non-league play

Bishop O’Dowd has had a dominant season in league play (6-0), securing the top spot in their conference. They’ve also managed a strong 8-2 record overall, showing they can win in both competitive and non-league games. Monte Vista, on the other hand, has had a mixed season with a 5-5 record, and their struggles in league play (0-4) may hinder their chances in a head-to-head matchup against a more balanced team like Bishop O’Dowd.

Common Opponents:

• Monte Vista:
  • James Logan: 1-0
    • 9/20/24: Monte Vista defeated James Logan 38-20
• Bishop O’Dowd:
  • James Logan: 1-0
    • 11/1/24: Bishop O’Dowd defeated James Logan 35-27

Both teams faced James Logan, and each came away with a victory. Monte Vista’s margin of victory (38-20) was slightly higher than Bishop O’Dowd’s (35-27), but both teams showed they could handle James Logan’s challenge.

Home and Away Performance:

• Monte Vista:
  • Home: 2-3
  • Away: 3-2

Monte Vista has struggled somewhat at home but has been more successful on the road. Their away record of 3-2 indicates that they can perform well in unfamiliar territory, but their home performance may be a concern in key matchups.

• Bishop O’Dowd:
  • Home: 4-1
  • Away: 4-1

Bishop O’Dowd has been dominant both at home and on the road, with a strong 4-1 record in each environment. Their ability to win in various settings will serve them well in high-stakes games.

Key Takeaways:

1. Monte Vista’s Balanced Attack: Monte Vista’s offense is highly balanced, with solid performances in both rushing and passing. Brayden Turner’s ability to pass and Julian McMahan’s ground game make them difficult to defend, and their ability to move the ball through both the air and on the ground gives them an edge in versatility.
2. Bishop O’Dowd’s Defensive Stability: Bishop O’Dowd’s defense has been slightly more effective, with a higher number of tackles per game. This defensive consistency, combined with their efficient offense, makes them a well-rounded team.
3. Explosive Offense vs. Consistent Defense: While Monte Vista has the edge in total yards and offensive firepower, Bishop O’Dowd has been more consistent in both the passing and rushing game. Monte Vista will need to maintain offensive balance and capitalize on any defensive lapses from Bishop O’Dowd.
4. Close Head-to-Head Competition: In their only common opponent, James Logan, both teams secured victories, though Monte Vista’s win was more decisive. This indicates that both teams can compete at a high level, but Bishop O’Dowd’s stronger overall performance this season positions them as the favorite in any future matchup.

Conclusion:

In a potential matchup between Monte Vista and Bishop O’Dowd, the game is likely to be a high-scoring affair, with Monte Vista’s offensive firepower and Bishop O’Dowd’s defensive efficiency coming into play. While Monte Vista has shown they can put up big yardage and points, Bishop O’Dowd’s consistency on both sides of the ball, coupled with their dominant league record, makes them the more complete team. However, with playmakers like Brayden Turner and Julian McMahan, Monte Vista is capable of pulling off an upset if they can execute their game plan effectively.