The King/Drew (Los Angeles, CA) varsity football team is set to face Palisades (Pacific Palisades, CA) in a neutral playoff game today at 6 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF LA City Section Football Championships, Division I tournament, marking a critical game for both teams in their playoff journey.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California State Football Championship
Who: Palisades vs King/Drew
When: Today, November 30, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF LA City Section Football Championships – Division I
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Palisades vs. King/Drew

The 2024 CIF LA City Section Football Championships are heating up, and today’s matchup between Palisades and King/Drew promises to be an exciting clash of top-tier teams. Both schools have demonstrated impressive records and are bringing their best to the field in this pivotal Division I playoff game.

Palisades: A Dominant Force

Palisades (11-2) has had an outstanding season, finishing with a .846 win percentage and a .800 record in league play. Their 5-2 home record and perfect 6-0 performance away from home highlight their strength in all settings, and they have outscored their opponents 547 to 299 throughout the season. Offensively, Palisades is a high-powered team, averaging 42.1 points per game. They’ve been particularly effective in the first half, putting up 11.8 points in the first quarter and 13.4 points in the second quarter, which sets the tone for their strong finishes. While their scoring dips slightly in the second half (with 9.2 points in the third and 5.8 in the fourth), their offensive depth and consistency make them a formidable opponent.

King/Drew: A Resilient Team with Defensive Strength

King/Drew (10-3) has also had a successful season, finishing with a .769 win percentage and a .800 league record. Their home record of 5-1 and away record of 3-1 showcase their ability to compete on the road and at home, with a 2-1 neutral-site record further adding to their resilience. King/Drew has averaged 31.0 points per game this season, with their scoring heavily concentrated in the second and third quarters, where they average 5.7 points in Q2 and 7.8 points in Q3. However, the team has struggled to find consistent scoring in the first and fourth quarters, with an average of just 3.5 points in the first quarter and 1.2 points in the fourth. Despite this, their strong defense, allowing just 179 points across the season, will be key to limiting Palisades’ offensive onslaught.

Key Differences: Offense vs. Defense

The main difference between these two teams lies in their offensive output. Palisades has been far more prolific, averaging over 42 points per game, with a balanced attack in the first half of games. King/Drew, on the other hand, has had to rely on strong defensive performances to keep their games close, especially when their offense slows down. Their ability to generate consistent scoring in the second and third quarters will be crucial in keeping pace with Palisades’ high-powered attack.

As the postseason approaches, Palisades and King/Drew are poised to meet in what promises to be a thrilling match-up. Both teams have enjoyed successful campaigns, but they go about their business in very different ways. A detailed statistical comparison highlights their contrasting styles and provides insight into what we can expect when these two squads face off.

Team Stat Comparison

Palisades has been an offensive powerhouse this season, averaging 403.9 total yards per game. Their offense is incredibly well-balanced, with 164.4 rushing yards per game and 239.5 passing yards per game. This dual-threat offense has allowed them to consistently put points on the board, averaging 42.4 points per game, one of the highest marks in the league.

On the ground, Harrison Carter has led the charge with 86.5 rushing yards per game, while through the air, quarterback Jack Thomas has been the driving force, with 239.3 passing yards per game and an impressive 281.5 total yards per game. Lehenry A. Solomon adds another dimension to their offense, contributing 61.5 receiving yards per game.

In contrast, King/Drew has posted solid numbers as well, averaging 330.8 total yards per game. Their offense is a little more reliant on the rushing attack, with 151.1 rushing yards per game, although their passing game (179.7 yards per game) is still potent. Key to their success is running back Jahmir Torres, who leads the team with 88.3 rushing yards per game, and quarterback Keenan Jackson, who throws for 177.4 passing yards per game.

Defensively, Palisades is strong, averaging 68.5 tackles per game, though their sack total (0.8 per game) is significantly lower than King/Drew’s 4.2 sacks per game. King/Drew has also been more efficient in pressuring the quarterback, which could prove to be a key factor in disrupting Palisades’ high-flying offense. However, Palisades’ defense has been much more effective in terms of points allowed, with 42.4 points per game scored against them compared to King/Drew’s 31.0.

Key Players to Watch

For Palisades, the trio of Harrison Carter, Jack Thomas, and Lehenry A. Solomon will be pivotal in their offensive attack. Carter’s explosive ability to break big runs is complemented by Thomas’ ability to move the ball through the air, connecting with Solomon and others. The team’s success in the postseason will likely depend on how well this trio can perform under pressure.

On the other side, King/Drew will rely heavily on the versatile Jahmir Torres, who is their leading rusher with 88.3 yards per game and a key contributor to their scoring with 12.7 points per game. Quarterback Keenan Jackson is also a critical component, as his passing game will need to be efficient against a Palisades defense that has been tough to crack. Linebacker Chinedu Onyeagoro, who leads the team in sacks (1.5 per game), will be key in pressuring Palisades’ Jack Thomas and disrupting their offensive rhythm.

Common Opponents and Head-to-Head

Both teams have faced some common opponents this season, offering a glimpse into how they perform against similar competition. Palisades and King/Drew each had a win and a loss against these shared foes.

• On August 23, 2024, Palisades defeated Dymally 58-6, while King/Drew triumphed 42-0 against Dymally on October 11, 2024.
• Against Brentwood School, Palisades lost a close game 33-30 on September 13, 2024, while King/Drew also lost to the same opponent 22-0 earlier in the season on August 29, 2024.

These results show that both teams have had their challenges, but also that they are capable of dominating when they are clicking.

Record Breakdown

In terms of overall performance, Palisades holds a slight edge with an 11-2 record, compared to King/Drew’s 10-3 mark. Both teams are 4-1 in league play, but Palisades has been a bit more successful in non-league games with a 4-1 record, while King/Drew is 3-2 in such contests. At home, Palisades is 5-2, while King/Drew has been dominant at home with a 5-1 record. Both teams have shown strong away records as well, with Palisades going 6-0 on the road and King/Drew 3-1.

In the postseason, both teams have been nearly perfect, with Palisades at 3-0 and King/Drew at 3-0, showing they can perform under the pressure of the playoffs.

Conclusion

As Palisades and King/Drew prepare for their showdown, it’s clear that they are two of the most formidable teams in the league. Palisades boasts a high-powered offense that excels both in the air and on the ground, while King/Drew’s defense—especially their ability to sack the quarterback—will play a crucial role in trying to stifle Palisades’ offensive explosion. Additionally, both teams have solid special teams and a strong core of leaders on both sides of the ball.

The key to the game will likely be which team can impose its will on both sides of the ball. Will Palisades’ explosive offense be too much for King/Drew’s defense to handle? Or will King/Drew’s pass rush and efficient offense be able to keep Palisades off balance? With both teams looking to make a statement, this matchup is sure to be one of the most exciting of the postseason.