The Wilcox (Santa Clara, CA) varsity football team is set for a neutral playoff game against Palma (Salinas, CA) today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Central Coast Section Football Championships, Division II, where both teams will compete for a spot in the next round.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: California State Football Championship
Who: Palma vs Wilcox
When: Today, November 30, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF Central Coast Section Football Championships (California) – Division II
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Palma vs. Wilcox
As the 2024 CIF Central Coast Section Football Championships heat up, a highly anticipated matchup is set to take place between Palma (Salinas, CA) and Wilcox (Santa Clara, CA). With both teams entering the postseason with solid records, this game promises to be an exciting and competitive contest for a spot in the next round.
Palma Overview
Palma enters this game with a 7-5 overall record, including a 2-4 record in league play. Despite a subpar league record, Palma has shown resilience with a solid 4-1 record at home and a mixed 2-4 record on the road. They are coming into the game with a 1-0 neutral-site record, which could give them the confidence they need for this playoff battle.
- Overall Record: 7-5
- League Record: 2-4
- Home Record: 4-1
- Away Record: 2-4
- Neutral Record: 1-0
- Win Percentage: .583
- League Win Percentage: .333
- Points For (PF): 338
- Points Against (PA): 236
Palma’s scoring averages reflect a steady offensive output, with a notable spike in the second quarter, where they average 10.4 points. However, their scoring dips in the fourth quarter, where they average just 4.6 points, indicating potential challenges when closing out games. Their overall average of 28.2 points per game is a solid foundation, but they’ll need to maintain consistent performance across all four quarters.
Wilcox Overview
On the other hand, Wilcox enters this contest with a much stronger overall record of 10-2, having gone a perfect 5-0 in league play. Their 5-2 record at home and 5-0 record away demonstrate their consistency and dominance throughout the season. With a .833 win percentage and a perfect 1.000 league win percentage, Wilcox will be a tough opponent to overcome.
- Overall Record: 10-2
- League Record: 5-0
- Home Record: 5-2
- Away Record: 5-0
- Win Percentage: .833
- League Win Percentage: 1.000
- Points For (PF): 344
- Points Against (PA): 149
Wilcox’s scoring averages indicate a strong, well-rounded offense. They average 28.7 points per game, with their scoring being relatively balanced across all four quarters. They begin strong, putting up 8.4 points in the first quarter, and continue to score steadily, even in the fourth quarter, where they average 3.5 points. Their ability to maintain a solid offensive output across the game could prove to be an advantage.
Team Scoring Comparison
| Quarter | Palma | Wilcox |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 5.4 | 8.4 |
| Q2 | 10.4 | 10.1 |
| Q3 | 6.1 | 6.6 |
| Q4 | 4.6 | 3.5 |
| Final | 28.2 | 28.7 |
Palma tends to pick up the pace in the second quarter but struggles to maintain the momentum in the fourth. Wilcox, however, stays consistently strong throughout the game, especially in the first half, where their scoring averages are higher. Palma will need to find a way to increase their output in the fourth quarter if they are to challenge Wilcox’s overall consistency.
The upcoming matchup between Palma and Wilcox presents an intriguing contest between two teams that have had strong seasons in their respective leagues. With Palma boasting a 7-5 record and Wilcox coming in with an impressive 10-2 record, both teams have proven themselves capable of competing at a high level. Their strong running games, combined with solid defenses, set the stage for what should be an exciting postseason showdown.
Offensive Breakdown
Both teams share a similar approach to offense, relying heavily on the run game to dictate the pace of play. Palma has averaged 230.8 rushing yards per game, led by Eli Dukes, who has rushed for 161.8 yards per game. Dukes has been the key to Palma’s offensive success, contributing to both the rushing and total yardage, with 175.7 total yards per game. While Palma also has a capable passing attack, with Patrick Driscoll contributing 87.6 passing yards per game, the offense primarily revolves around the ground game.
In contrast, Wilcox has been even more reliant on the run, averaging 280.7 rushing yards per game, led by Brayden Rosa, who has posted 119.0 rushing yards per game. Like Palma, Wilcox also features a solid passing attack, with Kai Imahara contributing 89.3 passing yards per game, but the team’s offensive identity is firmly grounded in its running game. Rosa also leads the team in total yardage, posting 149.2 total yards per game, making him a dual-threat both on the ground and through the air.
Both teams are efficient at moving the ball, with Palma averaging 323.2 total yards per game and Wilcox averaging 362.8 total yards per game. However, Wilcox holds a clear advantage in total yardage, reflecting its potent rushing attack and ability to control the clock.
Defensive Comparison
Defensively, Palma and Wilcox have both proven to be strong units, although Wilcox has the slight edge in terms of overall pressure. Palma has been solid, with no specific tackles or sack stats listed, but the team has shown it can stop the run and pass effectively. Wilcox, on the other hand, has averaged 60.9 tackles per game, with Brayden Rosa also leading the charge defensively with 7.7 tackles per game. The defense also features Santino Barragan, who has contributed 0.5 sacks per game, making him an important factor in pressuring the opposing quarterback.
Both teams have shown the ability to shut down common opponents, each winning decisively against teams like Hollister, Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory, and Menlo School, further showcasing their defensive prowess. Wilcox’s ability to generate pressure on defense, combined with its strong tackling, could give it a slight advantage in the trenches.
Key Players to Watch
For Palma, Eli Dukes is the player to watch. His ability to take over games with his ground game and contribute as a ball carrier makes him the focal point of the offense. His performance on the field will be key to keeping Wilcox’s defense off balance and controlling the tempo of the game.
On Wilcox’s side, Brayden Rosa is the standout player. Not only does he lead the team in rushing, but his strong defensive play also makes him a key factor on both sides of the ball. With Rosa’s leadership, Wilcox has been able to maintain its dominant position in the rushing game and provide crucial defensive plays.
Record Breakdown
In terms of overall record, Palma has had a strong season, finishing 7-5, but it struggled at times within its league with a 2-4 league record. However, they have performed well in non-league play, posting a 3-1 record. Wilcox, with its 10-2 record, has been dominant, particularly in league play, where it posted a 5-0 record. Their performance on the road has also been impressive, with a 5-0 away record, showing their ability to perform in hostile environments.
The common opponents between these two teams have all been victories, with both teams beating Hollister, Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory, and Menlo School, which adds an interesting element of similarity to their performance.
Final Thoughts
This game will likely come down to which team can dominate the ground game and control the clock. Palma has a strong running game led by Eli Dukes, while Wilcox is even more potent on the ground with Brayden Rosa. Defensively, Wilcox has shown the ability to generate pressure and make key tackles, which could be crucial in limiting Dukes’ impact.
For Palma, their success will depend on whether they can limit Wilcox’s rushing attack while still maintaining their own offensive efficiency. If Palma can disrupt Wilcox’s running game and force them into passing situations, it could create opportunities to control the pace.
Wilcox, on the other hand, will aim to continue its dominance on the ground and take advantage of its balanced offense to wear down Palma’s defense. With their strong record and ability to perform both at home and on the road, Wilcox enters this matchup as the slight favorite, but Palma’s resilient running game and playmaking ability could keep the game close.
Both teams have been successful this season and will be looking to take the next step toward a potential championship. The battle of the running backs and defensive strategies will be key in determining which team advances.
Conclusion
With both teams having distinct styles, this game promises to be a thrilling playoff battle. Wilcox’s ability to perform consistently across all quarters, paired with their impressive overall and league records, makes them the favorites heading into this contest. However, Palma, with their resilient play and ability to shine in the second quarter, could surprise their opponents if they can maintain their scoring throughout all four quarters.
As the game unfolds, fans can expect a high-energy, intense matchup with both teams fighting for advancement in the 2024 CIF Central Coast Section Football Championships.
