The Birmingham (Lake Balboa, CA) varsity football team will face Narbonne (Harbor City, CA) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF LA City Section Football Championships – Open Division tournament, with both teams vying for a spot in the championship round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Narbonne vs Birmingham
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 CIF LA City Section Football Championships – Open Division
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview:

Clash of Titans: Birmingham vs. Narbonne in the Open Division Playoffs

The 2024 CIF LA City Section Football Championships – Open Division playoffs are set to deliver an electrifying matchup as Birmingham (Lake Balboa, CA) takes on Narbonne (Harbor City, CA) on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. Both teams have dominated their respective leagues and are now poised to battle for postseason supremacy.

Narbonne’s Impressive Consistency

Narbonne enters the playoffs with a stellar 9-2 record, showcasing a dominant league performance with a perfect 4-0 record. Their .818 win percentage highlights their ability to deliver results, both at home (5-0) and on the road (4-2). Despite scoring fewer points overall (232), Narbonne’s defense has been their strength, allowing just 157 points over the season. They average 21.1 points per game, with scoring that builds gradually throughout games, peaking in the second half with 3.5 points in both the third and fourth quarters. This steady, methodical approach has made Narbonne a difficult team to overcome, particularly in tight games.

Birmingham’s Explosive Offense

Birmingham, with a 6-4 overall record, boasts a perfect 5-0 league mark, underscoring their dominance in conference play. While their overall win percentage of .600 reflects some inconsistencies, their offense has been a standout feature, racking up an impressive 370 points this season. Averaging 37.0 points per game, Birmingham starts strong, with 10.5 points in the first quarter and another 10.4 in the second. However, their scoring wanes in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they average just 4.9 points. Their defense has allowed 178 points this season, suggesting they may need their high-powered offense to carry them through.

Key Factors in the Matchup

This game will be a clash of styles: Narbonne’s balanced, defense-first approach versus Birmingham’s explosive, high-scoring offense. For Narbonne, controlling the pace and leveraging their strong defense will be crucial in limiting Birmingham’s scoring opportunities. Conversely, Birmingham will look to start fast and build an early lead to put pressure on Narbonne.

Narbonne’s ability to close out games with strong second-half performances could give them an edge, especially if Birmingham’s offense cools in the later stages. However, Birmingham’s ability to score in bunches early could force Narbonne to play catch-up, a position they are less accustomed to.

The Narbonne Gauchos and Birmingham Patriots present contrasting profiles in their current football seasons, setting up a fascinating matchup based on their team statistics and individual performances. Here’s a closer look at their team comparisons, standout players, and season breakdowns.

Team Stat Comparison

A glance at their season statistics reveals the stark differences in their playing styles and strengths:

Birmingham clearly dominates in rushing, showcasing a powerful ground attack averaging 256.9 yards per game, while Narbonne relies heavily on their passing game with 129.8 yards per outing. The Patriots also far exceed in scoring, averaging 37.4 points per game compared to Narbonne’s 2.3, a testament to Birmingham’s offensive prowess.

Team Leaders

The individual performances highlight key players from both teams:

For Narbonne, quarterback Jaden O’Neal leads in almost every offensive category, responsible for 222.8 total yards per game. Meanwhile, Birmingham’s Dredon Fowles shines in rushing and scoring, significantly influencing their offensive dominance.

Season Records

Both teams have showcased strong campaigns but with notable differences in their paths:

Narbonne boasts a stronger overall record at 9-2, leveraging their consistency across both league and non-league play. Birmingham, however, went winless in non-league games but excelled in their league with a 5-0 record, highlighting their dominance over familiar opponents.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced Gardena this season, with Narbonne securing a forfeit win and Birmingham decisively winning 42-19, a result that underscores Birmingham’s offensive strength.

Matchup Outlook

This matchup presents an intriguing clash of styles: Birmingham’s rushing-heavy, high-scoring offense against Narbonne’s reliance on their passing game and quarterback Jaden O’Neal. While Birmingham appears to hold the edge statistically, Narbonne’s versatility and superior overall record cannot be overlooked.

Key Factors to Watch:

1. Birmingham’s Ground Game: Can Dredon Fowles maintain his dominance against Narbonne’s defense?
2. Narbonne’s Passing Attack: Will Jaden O’Neal’s aerial play offset Birmingham’s run-heavy strategy?
3. Defensive Impact: Birmingham’s higher tackle count and sack production could be pivotal in containing Narbonne’s offense.

As these two teams face off, their contrasting strengths set the stage for a compelling contest, with playoff implications adding extra intensity.