The Ferndale varsity football team is set to host Piedmont in a home playoff game today at 1 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 North Coast Section Football Championships – Division 7 tournament, where both teams will battle for a chance to advance in the postseason.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Piedmont vs Ferndale
When: Today, November 23, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Piedmont vs. Ferndale
The 2024 North Coast Section Football Championships – Division 7 brings an exciting playoff showdown as Piedmont travels to face Ferndale. Both teams have enjoyed stellar seasons, boasting matching 10-1 records, and this matchup promises to deliver a thrilling contest as they vie for a chance to advance further in the tournament.
Team Records and Rankings
- Piedmont enters the game ranked 351st in California and 34th in their section. Their impressive 10-1 record includes a perfect 5-0 league performance. Piedmont has been dominant both at home (7-1) and on neutral fields (1-0), scoring 436 points while allowing 161. With a .909 win percentage and an unbeaten league record, Piedmont has shown they can excel against tough competition.
- Ferndale comes into the matchup ranked 371st in California and 35th in their section. They also hold a 10-1 record, though their league mark is slightly lower at 5-1. Ferndale has been exceptional at home, going 6-0, and their season includes 408 points scored and 167 allowed. Like Piedmont, they have a .909 win percentage, making this game a battle of equals.
Scoring Trends
- Piedmont:
- Q1: 10.0 points
- Q2: 12.4 points
- Q3: 12.6 points
- Q4: 5.3 points
- Average Final Score: 39.6 points
Piedmont thrives in the middle quarters, with their scoring peaking in the third quarter at 12.6 points. Their ability to establish momentum in the second and third quarters could be crucial against a strong Ferndale team. However, their scoring drops significantly in the fourth quarter, leaving room for opponents to mount late comebacks.
- Ferndale:
- Q1: 12.0 points
- Q2: 5.0 points
- Q3: 4.5 points
- Q4: 14.0 points
- Average Final Score: 37.1 points
Ferndale’s scoring pattern is the inverse of Piedmont’s. They start strong in the first quarter and save their best for last, averaging 14.0 points in the fourth quarter. Their ability to close games effectively makes them a dangerous opponent, particularly if the game remains close heading into the final quarter.
Key Matchup Factors
- Piedmont’s Mid-Game Dominance: Piedmont will look to capitalize on their strong second and third quarters to build a lead and put pressure on Ferndale. If they can take advantage of Ferndale’s lower-scoring middle periods, they could control the game heading into the final quarter.
- Ferndale’s Fourth-Quarter Surge: Ferndale’s ability to finish games strong gives them a significant edge in close contests. If the game remains tight, their late-game scoring punch could overwhelm Piedmont, especially given the latter’s scoring dip in the final quarter.
The 2024-25 high school football season has been defined by thrilling performances, and Piedmont and Ferndale have both risen as dominant forces in their leagues. With identical 10-1 records, both teams have showcased impressive strengths in offense and defense. Let’s break down their statistics, team leaders, and records to see how these two squads compare.
Team Statistics: A Balanced Battle
Offense: Strength in Different Areas
Piedmont boasts a high-powered offense, averaging 380.2 total yards per game, with a balanced attack of 201.9 passing yards and 178.3 rushing yards. Quarterback Markos Lagios leads this charge, averaging 194.2 passing yards per game, with key contributions from receiver Sam Shelby (105.2 receiving yards per game).
Ferndale, on the other hand, excels on the ground, averaging 284.5 rushing yards per game. Led by Tanner Pidgeon’s 103.8 rushing yards per game, Ferndale relies heavily on its rushing attack, as its passing game contributes just 42.0 yards per game.
Defense: Ferndale’s Edge
Defensively, Ferndale is the stronger team, averaging an impressive 58.4 tackles per game compared to Piedmont’s 26.5. Liam Bishop is a standout for Ferndale, averaging 10.3 tackles per game, making him a key defensive presence. Ferndale also edges Piedmont in sacks, averaging 1.4 per game, with Mason Garrett contributing 0.7 per game.
Scoring: A Close Contest
In terms of scoring, Piedmont holds a slight advantage, averaging 39.6 points per game compared to Ferndale’s 36.5. Tanner Pidgeon leads Ferndale in scoring, averaging 15.0 points per game, while Piedmont’s top scorer, Sam Shelby, averages 11.6 points per game.
Team Leaders: Who’s Driving Success?
| Category | Piedmont | Ferndale | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards/Game | #8 Tommy Ashton (72.3) | #2 Tanner Pidgeon (103.8) | 20.1 |
| Passing Yards/Game | #4 Markos Lagios (194.2) | #2 Tanner Pidgeon (40.8) | 51.1 |
| Receiving Yards/Game | #2 Sam Shelby (105.2) | #10 Jonah Anderson (14.7) | 17.3 |
| Total Yards/Game | #4 Markos Lagios (249.5) | #2 Tanner Pidgeon (144.6) | 36.5 |
| Tackles/Game | #6 Brandon Dicke (8.6) | #27 Liam Bishop (10.3) | 2.7 |
| Sacks/Game | #44 Faisal Malik (1.0) | #58 Mason Garrett (0.7) | 0.2 |
| Points/Game | #2 Sam Shelby (11.6) | #2 Tanner Pidgeon (15.0) | 2.6 |
Record Breakdown: Identical Dominance
Both teams have near-flawless records, with their only losses coming in tough non-league matchups. Piedmont has been dominant at home, going 7-1, while Ferndale remains undefeated at home with a 6-0 record. Both teams are also undefeated in playoff games, setting the stage for a potential deep run.
| Category | Piedmont | Ferndale |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 10-1 | 10-1 |
| League | 5-0 | 5-1 |
| Non-League | 4-1 | 4-0 |
| Home Record | 7-1 | 6-0 |
| Away Record | 2-0 | 4-1 |
| Playoff Record | 1-0 | 1-0 |
Common Opponent: Fortuna
Both teams faced Fortuna this season, with each securing a win. Piedmont defeated Fortuna 42-26 in a decisive performance, while Ferndale eked out a narrow 29-26 victory earlier in the season. This shared opponent highlights the difference in their styles: Piedmont’s explosive offense versus Ferndale’s grinding, defensive approach.
Conclusion: Strength vs. Strength
Piedmont’s balanced attack and high-scoring offense will test Ferndale’s sturdy defense and ground-and-pound style. With key players like Markos Lagios and Tanner Pidgeon leading their respective squads, this matchup would be a fascinating clash of strategies and strengths. Both teams have shown they can dominate in different ways, making any potential meeting between them a must-watch battle on the gridiron.
