The 2024 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games – Division 2-AA tournament presents an exciting matchup between the Pacifica (Oxnard, CA) and Narbonne (Harbor City, CA) varsity football teams. Both squads have had solid seasons, and this home playoff game, set for today at 7 p.m., is sure to be a thrilling contest as they battle for a spot in the next round.

Narbonne Football Team Overview (2024-25)

Narbonne enters this game with a 7-6 overall record and an undefeated 4-0 league performance. Their journey this season has been a mix of highs and lows, with the team showing resilience in league play. Narbonne’s offense has scored 334 points, averaging 25.7 points per game. They have struggled a bit on the road, posting a 2-4 away record, but their perfect league record demonstrates their ability to perform when it counts.

In terms of scoring, Narbonne has been slow to start, averaging just 1.2 points in the first quarter and 2.3 points in the second. However, they have shown improvement in the second half, scoring 3.5 points in both the third and fourth quarters. Their ability to finish strong will be key in this playoff game against a tough Pacifica team.

Pacifica Football Team Overview (2024-25)

Pacifica comes into the game with a 10-4 record and a solid 3-2 league performance. Their 433 points scored and 332 points allowed reflect their balanced approach to both offense and defense. With a win percentage of .714, Pacifica has been a strong contender throughout the season, showing versatility with a 3-1 home record and a 4-3 away record.

The Pacifica offense has been potent, especially early in games, averaging 7.0 points in the first quarter and 10.8 points in the second. While their scoring slows down in the second half, with averages of 4.8 points in the third and 9.2 points in the fourth, they still manage to put up an average of 30.9 points per game. Pacifica will look to carry over their early-game success into the second half to close out the game strong.

Key Matchup Comparisons

• Offensive Power: Pacifica has the advantage in scoring, averaging 30.9 points per game compared to Narbonne’s 25.7. Pacifica’s ability to score quickly in the first half, particularly with their 7.0 points per game in the first quarter, could give them an early lead that will be difficult for Narbonne to overcome.
• Defensive Strength: While both teams have allowed more points than they would like, Pacifica’s defensive efforts have kept them in competitive games, allowing 332 points on the season. Narbonne, with 195 points allowed, will need to rely on their defense to slow down Pacifica’s high-scoring offense.
• Finishing Strong: Narbonne’s scoring ability in the second half, with 7.0 points per quarter in the third and fourth, suggests they can close games well. However, Pacifica’s scoring consistency, particularly in the second quarter and their ability to finish games with 9.2 points in the fourth, will be a tough challenge.

In what promises to be an exciting matchup, Narbonne and Pacifica are set to face off in a game that will showcase contrasting styles of play. With Narbonne’s tough ground game and Pacifica’s dynamic passing attack, this game is poised to deliver a high-energy showdown. Let’s take a closer look at the team stats, key players, and season records for both teams ahead of this thrilling contest.

Team Stat Comparison

Narbonne:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 9.4
• Passing Yards Per Game: 111.0
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 30.5
• Total Yards Per Game: 120.4
• Tackles Per Game: 8.4
• Sacks Per Game: 0.4
• Points Per Game: 3.7
• Pancake Blocks: N/A

Narbonne’s offensive and defensive stats paint a picture of a team that focuses on grinding out tough, physical football. They rely primarily on their rushing attack, but with just 9.4 yards per game, their offense has struggled to gain traction this season. Their passing game averages 111 yards per game, which also lags behind the competition. On the defensive side, they have managed only 8.4 tackles per game, and their sack numbers are minimal at 0.4 per game. The team has been held to just 3.7 points per game, a number that shows the difficulty they’ve had in putting up consistent scores.

Pacifica:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 134.3
• Passing Yards Per Game: 244.1
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 244.1
• Total Yards Per Game: 378.4
• Tackles Per Game: 83.5
• Sacks Per Game: 2.2
• Points Per Game: 30.9
• Pancake Blocks: 19

Pacifica, on the other hand, presents a much more balanced and potent offensive attack, averaging 378.4 total yards per game. The team’s 134.3 rushing yards per game and 244.1 passing yards per game show their ability to strike both on the ground and through the air. Their scoring is a reflection of this versatility, as they put up 30.9 points per game. Defensively, Pacifica has a stronger presence with 83.5 tackles per game and 2.2 sacks per game, making them more disruptive to opposing offenses. Their offensive line has also excelled in the trenches with 19 pancake blocks, showing their ability to control the line of scrimmage.

Team Leaders

Narbonne:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: #2 Jaden O’Neal – 20.3
• Passing Yards Per Game: #2 Jaden O’Neal – 238.8
• Receiving Yards Per Game: #5 Michael Ashford – 57.3
• Total Yards Per Game: #2 Jaden O’Neal – 259.2
• Points Per Game: #2 Jaden O’Neal – 4.0

Jaden O’Neal is the driving force for Narbonne, leading the team in rushing, passing, total yards, and points scored. His 238.8 passing yards per game is impressive given the team’s overall struggles. However, Narbonne’s offense relies heavily on his ability to contribute both in the air and on the ground. Michael Ashford is the top receiving threat with 57.3 yards per game, adding some balance to the attack.

Pacifica:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: #2 Alijah Royster – 50.5
• Passing Yards Per Game: #3 Dominic Duran – 212.0
• Receiving Yards Per Game: #11 Savion Taylor – 89.6
• Total Yards Per Game: #3 Dominic Duran – 240.8
• Points Per Game: #2 Alijah Royster – 9.0
• Pancake Blocks: #67 Chris Pike – 6

For Pacifica, Alijah Royster leads the team with 50.5 rushing yards per game, while Dominic Duran shines as the quarterback, with 212.0 passing yards per game. Duran’s versatility allows Pacifica to stretch the field and find success both on the ground and through the air. Savion Taylor is the top receiver with 89.6 yards per game, further bolstering the team’s balanced offense. Royster also leads the team in points scored, further solidifying his importance in the offense. On the offensive line, Chris Pike’s six pancake blocks demonstrate the team’s ability to control the line of scrimmage and create opportunities for the running backs and quarterback.

Record Breakdown

Narbonne (24-25):

• Overall Record: 7-6
• League Record: 4-0
• Non-League Record: 0-6
• Playoff Record: 3-0
• Home Record: 3-2
• Away Record: 2-4

Narbonne’s season has been a roller coaster, with a losing record in non-league games but a perfect 4-0 league record. Despite struggles against tough competition in non-league play, they have found success when it matters most, winning their league and advancing in the playoffs with a 3-0 postseason record.

Pacifica (24-25):

• Overall Record: 10-4
• League Record: 3-2
• Non-League Record: 3-2
• Playoff Record: 4-0
• Home Record: 3-1
• Away Record: 4-3

Pacifica has had a much more consistent season, with a 10-4 overall record. Their 3-2 league record is respectable, and they’ve performed well both at home (3-1) and on the road (4-3). Their success in the playoffs (4-0) speaks to their ability to rise to the occasion when it counts.

Conclusion

This matchup between Narbonne and Pacifica presents two teams with different strengths and styles. Narbonne will rely heavily on the all-around efforts of Jaden O’Neal to make plays both in the passing and rushing game. However, their struggles to generate offense will be a major challenge against Pacifica’s potent and well-balanced attack.

On the other hand, Pacifica’s ability to dominate on both sides of the ball, with a strong passing game led by Dominic Duran and a physical rushing attack from Alijah Royster, makes them the favorite in this matchup. Their defensive presence and offensive versatility should allow them to control the tempo of the game.

Fans can expect a game filled with contrasting approaches—Narbonne will try to limit mistakes and grind out possessions, while Pacifica looks to execute their high-octane offense. This contest promises to be an exciting and closely contested battle, with Pacifica likely having the edge based on their superior offensive output and defensive consistency.