The Carter varsity football team from Rialto will face Palmdale in a neutral-site playoff game tonight at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (Division 12), with both teams vying for a spot in the next round of the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Palmdale vs Carter
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – Division 12
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Carter vs. Palmdale

The 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (Division 12) continue with an exciting neutral-site playoff game tonight between Carter and Palmdale. Both teams have had successful seasons and now face off for a chance to advance further in the postseason.

Palmdale: A Strong Contender

Palmdale enters the game with an 8-5 overall record and a solid .615 win percentage. Ranked 355th in California and first in their section, Palmdale has shown resilience, especially in neutral-site games where they are undefeated at 2-0. They have a respectable 4-3 league record, though they’ve been inconsistent at times during the regular season.

Offensively, Palmdale averages 34.5 points per game, with their strongest quarters coming in the second (9.5 points) and first (8.5 points). Despite being a high-scoring team, they tend to struggle in the fourth quarter, where they average only 5.0 points. Their 449 points this season demonstrate their offensive ability, but they’ll need to maintain consistency across all four quarters to keep pace with Carter.

Defensively, Palmdale has allowed 331 points, which highlights areas where they may need to tighten up against a potent offense like Carter’s.

Carter: A High-Scoring Force

Carter comes into the game with a 9-3 record and a .750 win percentage. Ranked 399th in California and second in their section, Carter has been dominant throughout the season. With a 5-1 record at home and a 2-2 mark on the road, they’ve shown their ability to win both at home and away, and their undefeated 2-0 record in neutral-site games gives them confidence heading into this playoff matchup.

Offensively, Carter has been explosive, averaging 42.8 points per game and scoring 513 points this season. Their first-quarter dominance, with 14.6 points per game, sets the tone early, and they continue to perform well throughout the game, especially in the second quarter, where they average 13.7 points. Although they do see a slight dip in scoring in the fourth quarter, they remain a formidable offensive force capable of putting up big numbers.

With a defense that has allowed only 287 points, Carter has been strong on both sides of the ball, and their offensive depth will challenge Palmdale’s defense throughout the game.

Key Factors to Watch

1. Offensive Firepower: Carter’s high-scoring offense, averaging nearly 43 points per game, will test Palmdale’s defense, which has allowed over 300 points this season.
2. First-Half Dominance: Carter’s ability to score early, especially in the first half, could give them an early lead and put Palmdale under pressure.
3. Palmdale’s Defense: Palmdale will need to improve defensively to keep up with Carter’s explosive offense and limit scoring opportunities.

As the season approaches its most crucial stretch, the matchup between Palmdale and Carter promises to be a thrilling contest. Both teams have proven themselves capable of putting up big numbers, particularly on offense. With explosive players in key positions, fans can expect an exciting game as these two high-scoring teams face off.

Team Comparison

Palmdale comes into the game averaging 313.3 total yards per game. They have a balanced offensive attack, with 100.7 rushing yards per game and 212.6 passing yards per game. Elleyon Clark leads the team with 124.0 rushing yards per game, while Joshua Suarez provides a solid passing threat, averaging 221.3 passing yards per game. Palmdale is scoring an average of 32.2 points per game, and their defense has also been solid, allowing 29.3 tackles per game.

Carter, on the other hand, has been a more potent offensive force, averaging 389.5 total yards per game. They excel in the running game, racking up 215.0 rushing yards per game. Jordan McKinney, with 114.8 rushing yards per game, and Ryder Carson, who throws for 174.5 passing yards per game, lead the charge. Carter has been putting up 42.8 points per game, showcasing their offensive firepower. Defensively, they average 58.3 tackles per game and have a slight edge in sacks, with 1.1 per game compared to Palmdale’s 1.2.

Key Players

Palmdale’s key players include:

• Elleyon Clark (#34), who leads the team with 124.0 rushing yards per game.
• Joshua Suarez (#1), who averages 221.3 passing yards per game.
• Paul Turner (#15), who contributes 70.4 receiving yards per game.
• Marciano Salazar (#5), with 4.7 tackles per game.
• Elleyon Clark (#34) also leads with 9.0 points per game.

Carter’s standout players are:

• Jordan McKinney (#2), who leads the team with 114.8 rushing yards per game.
• Ryder Carson (#7), with 174.5 passing yards per game.
• Joey Martinez (#3), who leads the team with 70.1 receiving yards per game.
• Christopher Martinez (#40), who has 8.6 tackles per game.
• Jordan McKinney (#2) also leads the team with 12.2 points per game.

Record Breakdown

Palmdale enters the game with an 8-5 overall record, including a 4-3 mark in league play. Their non-league record stands at 1-2, with a strong playoff performance, going 3-0 in postseason play. At home, Palmdale is 3-2, while on the road they are 3-3, indicating a mixed performance in different environments.

Carter, meanwhile, comes in with a solid 9-3 record, including a 4-1 record in league play. Carter has been especially dominant in non-league games, with a 2-2 record. At home, they are a strong 5-1, and on the road, they are 2-2, showcasing their ability to win in different settings. Carter has been particularly strong in neutral-site games, where they are 2-0.

What to Expect

In this matchup, the focus will be on each team’s ability to execute their strengths. Palmdale has a balanced offense with capable playmakers in both the running and passing games. However, they will face a tough test against Carter’s high-powered rushing attack. With Jordan McKinney leading the charge in the backfield and Ryder Carson providing an efficient passing game, Carter will look to wear down Palmdale’s defense and control the game clock.

For Palmdale, the key will be to find success with their passing game through Joshua Suarez and Paul Turner. While Elleyon Clark is an essential piece of the offense, Palmdale will need to mix things up to keep Carter’s defense guessing. On defense, Palmdale will need to focus on slowing down McKinney and putting pressure on Carson, forcing him into passing situations.

Carter’s defense, meanwhile, will need to keep a close eye on Clark and ensure that Palmdale does not get into a rhythm offensively. With their advantage in tackles and a slight edge in sacks, Carter’s defense will look to apply pressure and disrupt Palmdale’s offensive flow.

Final Thoughts

Carter enters this game as the stronger overall team on paper, with a more potent offensive attack and a solid defense. Their ability to control the game with their running game and high-scoring offense will be their biggest asset. However, Palmdale has shown resilience and the ability to score in bunches. If they can get their passing game going and limit Carter’s rushing success, they could make it a competitive game.

The matchup will likely come down to who can establish dominance early. Carter’s running game has been a key part of their success, while Palmdale will need to mix things up and exploit any defensive weaknesses. It’s sure to be a high-scoring game, with both teams capable of putting up big numbers on the scoreboard.

Fans can expect an exciting, fast-paced game where execution will be key. Will Carter’s offense overpower Palmdale, or will Palmdale rise to the occasion and keep the game close? The answer to that question will determine who comes out on top in this exciting matchup.

Prediction

Carter enters the game as the favorite, with their high-powered offense and solid defense setting them apart from Palmdale. However, Palmdale’s resilience and scoring ability make them a dangerous opponent, especially if they can find success in the second half. This matchup promises to be an exciting clash, but Carter’s offensive dominance likely gives them the upper hand in this Division 12 playoff battle.