The Murrieta Mesa varsity football team will play Glendora today at 7:00 p.m. in a neutral-site playoff game. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships – Division 6 tournament. Both teams are looking to secure a victory and advance further in the postseason.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: California State Football Championship
Who: Murrieta Mesa (CA) vs Glendora (CA)
When: Today, November 30, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – Division 6
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Glendora vs. Murrieta Mesa
As the postseason unfolds, the matchup between Glendora and Murrieta Mesa stands out as a thrilling contest between two well-balanced teams with identical records of 9-4. Both teams have proven themselves capable of competing at a high level, and this game will likely determine who has the edge in terms of offensive power, defensive resilience, and game-winning ability. Let’s dive into the statistics and key players that will play a pivotal role in this matchup.
Offensive Comparison
Offensively, Glendora and Murrieta Mesa are nearly identical, both averaging over 260 total yards per game. Glendora has accumulated 266.6 total yards per game, with 163.7 rushing yards per game and 102.9 passing yards per game. Leading the charge on the ground is Simon Zwick, who averages 73.3 rushing yards per game, while Sebastian Lawrence leads the passing attack with 80.2 passing yards per game. Tim Johnson, with 57.9 receiving yards per game, is another key weapon for the Glendora offense.
Murrieta Mesa, on the other hand, has slightly higher numbers, with 316.0 total yards per game. The Rams have a balanced offensive attack, averaging 165.9 rushing yards per game and 150.1 passing yards per game. Artyon Celestine leads the ground game for Murrieta Mesa, rushing for 101.4 yards per game, while Trey Gamble Jr. has been a force in the passing game, averaging 153.6 passing yards per game. Cooper Murphy has been a reliable target in the passing game, contributing 44.7 receiving yards per game.
Defensive Breakdown
Both teams are solid defensively, though Glendora slightly outpaces Murrieta Mesa in tackles per game. Glendora averages 73.5 tackles per game, with Aidan Yamazaki leading the way with 10.4 tackles per game. On the other hand, Murrieta Mesa averages 58.0 tackles per game, with Deshawn Reid contributing 7.9 tackles per game. While Glendora is better at making tackles, Murrieta Mesa has the edge in pass rush, averaging 4.0 sacks per game compared to Glendora’s 3.2 sacks per game. Key players like Isaiah Casillas for Murrieta Mesa and Austin Coronado for Glendora will look to disrupt their opponent’s backfield and limit offensive production.
Key Players to Watch
For Glendora, all eyes will be on Simon Zwick, whose 73.3 rushing yards per game make him the centerpiece of their offense. He will be tasked with breaking through Murrieta Mesa’s strong defensive line. Sebastian Lawrence’s ability to move the ball in the air will also be vital for Glendora to keep their offense balanced and unpredictable.
On the Murrieta Mesa side, Artyon Celestine will be the key player in the ground game, especially considering his ability to put up big rushing numbers. Additionally, Trey Gamble Jr. will need to lead the passing attack and exploit any weaknesses in the Glendora secondary, while Cooper Murphy will be relied upon to make crucial receptions to sustain drives.
Record Breakdown
Both teams have been successful throughout the season, posting 9-4 overall records. Glendora finished with a 3-2 league record, while Murrieta Mesa boasted a perfect 5-0 league record, showing that they dominated in their conference play. Both teams also performed well on the road, with Glendora going 3-3 away from home and Murrieta Mesa having a strong 6-1 away record. On the other hand, both teams have been consistent in the postseason, with each team having an undefeated 3-0 playoff record, indicating they rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest.
Common Opponents
Both teams share a common opponent in the form of Lynwood, and both Glendora and Murrieta Mesa came out victorious in their respective matchups, showing their ability to handle tough competition. This common success suggests that both teams have the capability to perform in similar conditions, which should make for an exciting and closely contested matchup.
Final Thoughts
With Glendora and Murrieta Mesa coming into this game with near-identical stats and records, the outcome is likely to come down to which team can execute their game plan more effectively. Glendora’s ability to balance its offense between the run and pass will be crucial, while Murrieta Mesa’s powerful rushing attack, led by Artyon Celestine, will look to control the clock and dominate possession.
Defensively, Glendora will need to find ways to stop the Murrieta Mesa run game, while Murrieta Mesa will need to focus on limiting Glendora’s ground attack and putting pressure on the quarterback.
This matchup promises to be a close one, with both teams having the talent and experience to come out on top. Expect a hard-fought battle as both teams aim to advance further into the postseason.
