The Oakdale varsity football team faces Vanden today at 3:00 p.m. in a neutral-site playoff game. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Football Playoffs – Division 3 tournament, where both teams will compete for a chance to advance further in the postseason.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California State Football Championship
Who: Oakdale (CA) vs Vanden (CA)
When: Today, November 30, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Football Playoffs – Division 3
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Vanden vs. Oakdale

As the 2024-2025 high school football season unfolds, Vanden and Oakdale have emerged as two of the top teams in their respective leagues. Both teams have posted impressive records, with Vanden holding a 10-2 overall record and Oakdale standing at 9-3. As they continue their pursuit of success in the playoffs, let’s compare their statistics, individual leaders, and common opponents to gain a clearer picture of how these two teams stack up against one another.

Team Stat Comparison

Vanden:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 97.2
• Passing Yards Per Game: 264.8
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 262.4
• Total Yards Per Game: 362.0
• Tackles Per Game: N/A
• Sacks Per Game: N/A
• Points Per Game: 30.3

Oakdale:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 394.2
• Passing Yards Per Game: 31.5
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 32.3
• Total Yards Per Game: 425.7
• Tackles Per Game: 45.5
• Sacks Per Game: 1.2
• Points Per Game: 35.7

While Vanden relies on a more balanced offensive attack with a solid passing game, Oakdale excels in the ground game, averaging a staggering 394.2 rushing yards per game. Oakdale’s ability to dominate on the ground has been a key to their success, contributing to their impressive 35.7 points per game. Vanden, on the other hand, leans on a potent passing game, led by Kalani McLeod, and maintains a more balanced offensive approach, generating 362 total yards per game.

In terms of defense, Oakdale has averaged 45.5 tackles per game and 1.2 sacks, reflecting their more aggressive defensive style. Vanden’s defensive stats are not specified, but their overall offensive performance has helped them maintain a competitive edge.

Team Leaders

Vanden:

• Zack Tayeh (57.3 Rushing Yards Per Game): Tayeh leads Vanden’s ground game and provides a reliable option in the backfield.
• Kalani McLeod (262.0 Passing Yards Per Game): McLeod is the standout quarterback for Vanden, delivering impressive passing stats and contributing to their high-yardage offense.
• Logan Bailey (83.0 Receiving Yards Per Game): Bailey is Vanden’s top target, consistently making plays through the air and contributing heavily to the team’s offensive output.
• Kalani McLeod (274.7 Total Yards Per Game): McLeod’s all-around play, both through the air and on the ground, has been vital to Vanden’s success.
• Zack Tayeh (6.5 Points Per Game): Tayeh also contributes on the scoreboard, adding another dimension to Vanden’s offense.

Oakdale:

• Wes Burford (204.9 Rushing Yards Per Game): Burford has been a powerhouse in Oakdale’s dominant running attack, making him one of the most dangerous rushers in the league.
• Grant Gardner (35.8 Passing Yards Per Game): While Oakdale doesn’t rely heavily on passing, Gardner has been efficient when called upon.
• Ricky Torrez (19.0 Receiving Yards Per Game): Torrez has been the top target in the passing game, helping to round out Oakdale’s offensive attack.
• Wes Burford (215.9 Total Yards Per Game): Burford has been the focal point of Oakdale’s offense, consistently generating yards on the ground and making plays.
• Jackson Gilton (8.8 Tackles Per Game): Gilton has been the defensive leader for Oakdale, providing stability and making key plays in critical moments.
• Jaxx Velasco (1.0 Sacks Per Game): Velasco contributes to Oakdale’s defense, getting pressure on the quarterback and limiting offensive opportunities.

Both teams have standout players who lead their respective squads in key categories, with Vanden’s McLeod contributing both in the air and on the ground, while Oakdale’s Burford has been an offensive juggernaut, especially in the rushing department.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced Vista del Lago, with Vanden winning their matchups 45-14 and 28-7, while Oakdale defeated Vista del Lago 55-21. The common opponent results show that both teams were able to secure victories, though Oakdale’s victory margin was larger.

Record Breakdown

• Vanden (10-2):
  • 4-2 in league play
  • 4-0 in non-league games
  • 4-1 at home
  • 4-1 away
  • 2-0 in neutral games
  • 10-2 overall record
• Oakdale (9-3):
  • 4-2 in league play
  • 3-1 in non-league games
  • 5-0 at home
  • 2-3 away
  • 2-0 in neutral games
  • 8-3 overall record

Both teams have posted strong records overall, with Vanden having a slight edge in overall wins. Oakdale’s perfect record at home (5-0) suggests that they perform especially well on their home turf, but their away record of 2-3 highlights some challenges on the road. Vanden, on the other hand, has a balanced performance both at home and away, with 4-1 records in both categories.

Conclusion

The matchup between Vanden and Oakdale is a clash of contrasting styles. Vanden’s balanced offensive attack, led by Kalani McLeod and Zack Tayeh, faces off against Oakdale’s dominant rushing game with Wes Burford at the helm. While Vanden has relied on an effective passing game and a steady all-around offense, Oakdale has been a force on the ground, running through opponents with ease.

Both teams have proven themselves against common opponents, with both securing victories over Vista del Lago. As the season progresses, these teams will look to fine-tune their strengths and address their weaknesses in order to make a deep playoff run. Whether Vanden’s passing attack can outpace Oakdale’s relentless rushing offense will be the key to determining who advances further in the postseason.