The Morro Bay (CA) varsity football team will face Selma (CA) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 29, at 7:00 PM. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Central Section Football Championships – Division V, with both teams competing for a chance to advance in the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Morro Bay (CA) vs Selma (CA)
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF Central Section Football Championships – Division V
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Morro Bay vs. Selma

The Selma and Morro Bay football teams are set to face off in what promises to be an intriguing game, with each squad bringing a unique set of strengths to the table. Selma, known for its balanced offensive approach, faces Morro Bay, a team with a powerful passing attack. The game will feature two teams with contrasting styles and strengths, and the outcome could hinge on which squad can impose its game plan.

Team Stat Comparison

Offensive Breakdown

• Selma
  Selma relies on a well-rounded offense, with 165.8 rushing yards per game and 83.2 passing yards per game. While their rushing game is the stronger facet, Aaron Ramirez plays a key role in the passing attack, contributing 81.5 passing yards per game. Together, these efforts combine for 249.1 total yards per game, as Selma balances both aspects of the game. However, they have struggled to score consistently, averaging 15.8 points per game.
• Morro Bay
  Morro Bay is a pass-heavy team, averaging 319.9 passing yards per game, largely due to the efforts of Sands Dougherty, who leads the offense with 316.0 passing yards per game. While their rushing game (109.0 rushing yards per game) is less dominant, it complements their aerial attack well. Overall, the team averages 428.9 total yards per game, significantly higher than Selma’s total. This explosive offense has allowed Morro Bay to score an average of 31.1 points per game.

Defensive Breakdown

• Selma
  Defensively, Selma has averaged 54.1 tackles per game, but their pass rush has been modest, with just 0.6 sacks per game. They allow 15.8 points per game and have shown they can keep opponents contained, though their defense will face a much tougher test against Morro Bay’s high-flying offense.
• Morro Bay
  Morro Bay, on the other hand, is more aggressive in its defensive efforts, averaging 1.7 sacks per game and 70.5 tackles per game. While their defense gives up 31.1 points per game, it has had to contend with some high-powered offenses. Morro Bay’s ability to generate pressure and disrupt Selma’s offense will be key to their success.

Key Players to Watch

• Selma:
  • Jacob Hernandez (#4): Hernandez is the focal point of Selma’s rushing attack, averaging 67.9 rushing yards per game, and will be tasked with helping the team control the clock.
  • Aaron Ramirez (#1): As the quarterback, Ramirez has shown his ability to distribute the ball effectively, contributing 81.5 passing yards per game.
  • Dallas Luna (#44): Luna is a solid receiving option, contributing 27.7 receiving yards per game.
• Morro Bay:
  • Sands Dougherty (#16): Dougherty is the engine that drives the Morro Bay offense, with 316.0 passing yards per game. His connection with John Myers will be critical in breaking down Selma’s defense.
  • John Myers (#3): Myers has been a standout receiver for Morro Bay, averaging 107.2 receiving yards per game.
  • Radden Batalla (#50): Batalla plays an important role on the defensive side, averaging 8.4 tackles per game and helping to anchor Morro Bay’s defense.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced a few common opponents, offering some insight into their respective abilities:

• Selma defeated Cabrillo (29-26) and Reedley (20-8), showing resilience in tight games.
• Morro Bay had a split record against common opponents, losing to Cabrillo (41-39) but winning against Reedley (34-26).

Record Breakdown

• Selma (8-5):
  Selma enters this game with a record of 8-5. They have been competitive, particularly in non-league play with a 3-3 record. Their 2-2 league record indicates they have room for improvement in tougher matchups. Selma will rely on a balanced attack to keep Morro Bay’s offense off the field.
• Morro Bay (7-6):
  Morro Bay has a record of 7-6, with their struggles coming in league play, where they went 1-3. Despite their record, their potent offense and aggressive defense make them dangerous. Morro Bay will need to capitalize on their offensive strength and limit Selma’s effectiveness on the ground.

Conclusion

The matchup between Selma and Morro Bay will showcase two teams with different approaches to the game. Selma’s ability to control the clock with its ground game and balanced offense will be crucial in slowing down Morro Bay’s high-powered passing attack. Meanwhile, Morro Bay will look to exploit their aerial advantage, with Sands Dougherty and John Myers leading the charge.

Both teams have strengths and weaknesses that could tip the scales in either direction, making this game an exciting contest to watch. As the teams battle it out, fans can expect a game full of contrasting styles and high-stakes moments. The team that executes their game plan effectively and makes key plays in critical moments will likely come out on top.