The Twelve Bridges (Lincoln, CA) varsity football team is set to face Placer (Auburn, CA) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Football Playoffs, Division 4, where both teams will vie for a spot in the next round.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Placer vs Twelve Bridges
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Football Playoffs – Division 4
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Placer vs. Twelve Bridges
The 2024 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Football Playoffs continue with a highly anticipated Division 4 matchup between Placer and Twelve Bridges. Scheduled for Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m., this neutral-site game pits two high-powered teams against each other, each eager to advance in the postseason.
Twelve Bridges Football Team (24-25 Season)
Twelve Bridges enters the playoffs with an unblemished 11-0 record. Their dominance throughout the season has been remarkable, including a perfect 6-0 in league play and a flawless 5-0 record both at home and on the road. This season, they’ve scored a staggering 564 points while allowing just 187, averaging an impressive 51.3 points per game.
Twelve Bridges excels in all quarters, but their offensive output is particularly strong in the first half, with 16.4 points in the first quarter and 14.1 in the second. They maintain momentum in the second half, averaging 9.7 points in the third quarter and 9.0 in the fourth. Their defense complements this offensive firepower, holding opponents to minimal scoring opportunities throughout the season.
Placer Football Team (24-25 Season)
Placer brings an impressive 9-2 overall record to the table, showcasing their own formidable season. With a 4-2 record in league play, Placer has excelled on the road, going 5-0 away from home and maintaining a perfect 1-0 record in neutral-site games. Their offense has been explosive, tallying 483 points while allowing only 193.
Placer’s scoring averages reveal a potent offense, particularly in the first quarter, where they average 15.7 points. They continue to produce in the second quarter with 11.0 points, but their scoring slows slightly in the third, averaging 6.7 points. However, they finish strong, putting up an average of 10.4 points in the final quarter.
Key Matchup Considerations
This game promises to be a clash of two powerful offenses. Twelve Bridges has the advantage of being undefeated, with a higher scoring average of 51.3 points per game compared to Placer’s 43.9. Their ability to score consistently across all quarters will make them a tough challenge for Placer.
Placer, however, has shown resilience and a strong defense that has allowed only 193 points all season. Their first-quarter explosiveness could put early pressure on Twelve Bridges, setting the stage for a competitive showdown. Both teams will need to execute their game plans flawlessly, as the margin for error in this playoff game will be razor-thin.
Two powerhouse teams, Placer and Twelve Bridges, are set to clash in what promises to be a thrilling high school football showdown. Both teams boast impressive records, high-octane offenses, and standout players who have carried them through dominant seasons. Here’s a breakdown of their strengths, key players, and what to expect in this marquee matchup.
Team Comparisons
Statistically, Twelve Bridges holds a slight edge in offensive production. They average a staggering 526.5 total yards per game, compared to Placer’s still-impressive 394.7 yards per game. Twelve Bridges excels in both the running and passing games, with 310.2 rushing yards and 216.3 passing yards per game, while Placer leans more on its running game, averaging 258.3 rushing yards per game and 136.5 passing yards per game.
On defense, both teams are comparable, with Twelve Bridges recording 69.4 tackles per game and Placer close behind at 67.3 tackles per game. However, Twelve Bridges’ defense has shown more ability to disrupt opposing offenses, recording 2.1 sacks per game compared to Placer’s 1.6 sacks per game.
In terms of scoring, Twelve Bridges has been a juggernaut, putting up an average of 51.3 points per game, while Placer is not far behind, averaging 41.9 points per game.
Key Players
For Placer, Baylor Kelley has been the driving force on the ground, averaging 86.9 rushing yards per game and leading the team with 13.6 points per game. Quarterback Rian Miller has been effective through the air, averaging 133.2 passing yards per game and contributing 138.5 total yards per game. On defense, Daniel Maldonado leads the team with 7.6 tackles per game, while Ivan De Silva provides some pressure with 0.5 sacks per game.
Twelve Bridges features a dynamic offense led by Braeden Ward, who averages an astounding 169.5 rushing yards per game and leads all scorers with 18.5 points per game. Quarterback Connor Flaherty has been a standout, averaging 197.9 passing yards per game and 236.9 total yards per game. Defensively, Chase Wyhlidko anchors the team with 10.9 tackles per game, and Davin Markle contributes 0.6 sacks per game, helping to keep opposing offenses in check.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced several common opponents this season, and Twelve Bridges has been slightly more dominant in those matchups:
- Casa Roble: Placer won 42-20, while Twelve Bridges secured a more decisive 51-7 victory.
- Del Campo: Placer triumphed 42-7, while Twelve Bridges won 48-12.
- Roseville: Placer suffered a narrow 36-35 loss, while Twelve Bridges emerged victorious, 55-20.
- Nevada Union: Placer won 48-21, and Twelve Bridges delivered a commanding 55-7 victory.
- Yuba City: Placer shut out their opponent 52-0, while Twelve Bridges also recorded a blowout, 56-0.
- River Valley: Placer claimed a 41-6 victory, while Twelve Bridges outscored them 66-20.
Both teams are 5-1 or better against these shared opponents, with Twelve Bridges showing a slightly stronger performance overall.
Record Breakdown
Both teams have been exceptional this season, with Twelve Bridges boasting an undefeated 11-0 record and Placer at 9-2. Twelve Bridges is particularly dominant in league play, with a perfect 6-0 record, while Placer has gone 4-2 in league competition. Both teams have shown resilience on the road and at home, with Twelve Bridges undefeated in both categories and Placer only dropping a couple of games at home.
| Category | Placer | Twelve Bridges |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 9-2 | 11-0 |
| League Record | 4-2 | 6-0 |
| Non-League Record | 4-0 | 4-0 |
| Playoff Record | 1-0 | 1-0 |
| Home Record | 3-2 | 5-0 |
| Away Record | 5-0 | 5-0 |
What to Watch For
The outcome of this game will likely hinge on a few key factors:
- Twelve Bridges’ Ground Game: With Braeden Ward leading the way, their rushing attack is the backbone of their offense. Placer’s ability to contain him will be crucial.
- Placer’s Passing Efficiency: While Twelve Bridges has a more prolific passing game, Placer’s Rian Miller will need to keep the offense balanced and efficient to keep pace.
- Defensive Stops: Both teams have been high-scoring, so whichever defense can force more stops—whether through turnovers, sacks, or key tackles—will likely have the upper hand.
- Special Teams Impact: In a game with two explosive offenses, special teams could swing momentum with big plays in the kicking or return game.
Conclusion
This game pits the balanced offensive attack of Placer against the high-powered rushing dominance of Twelve Bridges. With both teams riding playoff momentum and showcasing elite talent on both sides of the ball, this contest has all the ingredients for a thrilling and competitive battle. Will Twelve Bridges keep their undefeated streak alive, or can Placer pull off the upset and cement their status as championship contenders? One thing is certain: fans are in for an exciting game.
