The King/Drew (Los Angeles, CA) varsity flag football team faces Narbonne (Harbor City, CA) in a pivotal neutral playoff game today at 4 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 CIF LA City Section Flag Football Championships, Division I, as both teams compete for a chance to advance further in the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Flag Football Playoff
Who: Narbonne vs King/Drew
When: Today, November 23, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF LA City Section Flag Football Championships – Division I
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: King/Drew vs. Narbonne: A Division I Playoff Clash in CIF LA City Section Flag Football

The 2024 CIF LA City Section Flag Football Championships, Division I, brings an exciting playoff matchup between the Narbonne Gauchos and the King/Drew Golden Eagles. Both teams have had strong seasons, but only one will advance as they meet on neutral ground today at 4 p.m.

Narbonne: A Season of Balanced Success

Narbonne enters the game with a 16-9 overall record and a 4-4 league mark, ranking eighth in their section. Their season has been characterized by consistent performance, particularly at home (8-4), though they’ve shown resilience on the road and in neutral-site games with a 5-3 and 3-2 record, respectively.

Offensively, the Gauchos average 15.3 points per game, with a majority of their scoring coming in the first half. However, scoring efficiency in the second half has been a challenge, with no points recorded in the third or fourth quarters. Their defense has been solid, allowing 271 points (11.1 points per game), which will be critical in keeping King/Drew’s offense in check.

King/Drew: A Team with Playoff Momentum

The Golden Eagles of King/Drew boast an 18-13 record and an impressive 11-5 league performance, ranking 12th in their section. Their ability to grind out wins, both at home (6-5) and away (8-6), along with a 4-2 neutral record, highlights their adaptability in different environments.

King/Drew averages 13.8 points per game, with scoring spread out across all four quarters and a strong showing in overtime when needed. Their ability to stay competitive in tight situations could give them the edge in this playoff game. Defensively, the Golden Eagles have allowed 317 points (12.2 points per game), slightly more than Narbonne, but their balanced scoring can compensate.

Key Matchup: King/Drew’s Versatility vs. Narbonne’s Defensive Stability

The game’s outcome could hinge on King/Drew’s ability to maintain scoring momentum across all quarters against Narbonne’s disciplined defense. For Narbonne, starting strong in the first half will be crucial, but they’ll need to find ways to score in the second half to counter King/Drew’s late-game pushes. Both teams’ defenses will be under pressure to limit explosive plays, particularly from midfield.

What’s at Stake

With a spot in the next round of the 2024 CIF LA City Section Flag Football Championships on the line, this game promises intense competition. Narbonne will rely on their balanced approach, while King/Drew looks to capitalize on their scoring versatility. Fans can expect a closely contested battle that could come down to the final drive.

The matchup between Narbonne and King/Drew features two teams with contrasting styles and strengths. Both programs have enjoyed solid seasons, with Narbonne holding a 16-9 record and King/Drew edging ahead at 18-13. While they haven’t faced each other directly, their performances against common opponents and standout individual players paint an intriguing picture.

Team Performance Comparison

• Narbonne has been steady, showcasing a balanced offense averaging 229.6 total yards per game, with a focus on their ground game (146.0 rushing yards per game). However, they’ve struggled to convert yardage into points, scoring only 14.3 points per game.
• King/Drew lacks publicly available stats but has a slight edge in record and league performance, finishing 11-5 in league play compared to Narbonne’s 4-4. Their ability to adapt and win key games, including a 3-0 playoff record, speaks to their resilience and depth.

Key Players to Watch

Narbonne leans heavily on a few standout athletes who contribute on both sides of the ball:

• Faith Ugoje (#23) has been the team’s do-it-all star, leading in rushing (70.7 yards per game), receiving (34.4 yards per game), total yards (107.6 yards per game), and points (6.4 per game). Her versatility makes her a constant threat.
• Shayla Rivera (#11) anchors the passing game with 62.3 yards per game and adds defensive prowess, leading the team in sacks with 0.5 per game.
• Jailyn Smith-Sanders (#2) leads the defense in tackles, averaging 3.4 per game, though the team struggles with overall defensive production.

King/Drew, while lacking specific player stats, has displayed strong team performances in critical moments, as evidenced by their superior record against common opponents and solid playoff record.

Common Opponent Results

Both teams faced six shared opponents with mixed outcomes:

• Crenshaw: Both teams fell short against Crenshaw, with Narbonne losing 30-6 and King/Drew dropping two matchups, 6-0 and 26-0. King/Drew’s ability to hold Crenshaw to single-digit scores demonstrates a solid defensive effort.
• Sherman Oaks CES: Both teams secured wins, with Narbonne edging them out 12-6 and King/Drew winning 18-8.
• Dorsey: Narbonne won their game by forfeit (1-0), while King/Drew split their matchups, winning one (18-0) but losing the other (18-14).
• San Pedro: Both teams struggled against San Pedro, with Narbonne losing two close games (19-14 and 13-12) and King/Drew falling 20-6.
• Hawkins: Both teams dominated Hawkins, with Narbonne winning 22-0 and King/Drew securing two victories (28-6 and 16-0).

Record Breakdown

• Narbonne excels at home, posting an 8-4 record, but has struggled slightly in away games (5-3) and on neutral sites (3-2).
• King/Drew shows consistency across all venues, with a 6-5 home record, 8-6 away, and 4-2 in neutral settings.

Analysis and Prediction

Narbonne’s reliance on Faith Ugoje to drive both their offense and defense is both a strength and a potential liability. While her numbers are impressive, the team’s over-reliance on a single player might be exploited by a well-rounded opponent like King/Drew.

King/Drew’s superior league record (11-5) and performance in key games, including playoffs, suggest they have the depth and adaptability to succeed. Their clean slate against Narbonne in common opponent matchups and ability to win under pressure further bolster their credentials.

Conclusion

While Narbonne has the talent to challenge, King/Drew’s consistent performance and greater success against shared opponents make them the favorites in this hypothetical showdown. For Narbonne to have a chance, they’ll need a standout performance from Faith Ugoje and contributions from their supporting cast to bridge the gap.