The University City varsity football team from San Diego, CA, will host Poway, CA, in a home playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 CIF San Diego Section Football Championships (California) – Division II tournament, promising an exciting matchup between the two teams.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Poway vs University City
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 CIF San Diego Section Football Championships (California) – Division II
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: University City vs. Poway

The 2024–2025 CIF San Diego Section Football Championships (California) – Division II tournament has set the stage for a compelling playoff showdown as University City and Poway clash on Friday, November 22. With contrasting records and strengths, this game promises to be an exciting contest with high stakes for both teams.

Season Records and Rankings

University City enters the game with an impressive 10-1 overall record, having been dominant throughout the season. Their 6-0 performance on the road and 4-1 home record highlight their consistency, and their 3-1 league performance reflects their competitive edge in a tough division. Ranked 164th in California, University City has outscored opponents 449 to 188.

Poway, with a 4-7 overall record, has faced significant challenges this season, especially in league play, where they finished with a 0-5 record. Despite a balanced home record of 3-3 and struggles on the road (1-4), Poway has shown flashes of competitive play, with a season point total of 245 against 264 allowed. They are ranked 163rd in California.

Offensive and Defensive Breakdown

University City has been an offensive juggernaut, averaging 40.8 points per game. Their strongest quarters have been the first (10.3 points) and second (15.5 points), allowing them to establish early leads and maintain momentum. Defensively, they have been just as effective, allowing only 188 points across the season.

Poway, while scoring an average of 22.3 points per game, has struggled to keep pace with high-powered offenses. They are particularly strong in the third quarter (8.2 points) but have not been able to maintain consistency in the first and fourth quarters, averaging 4.8 and 6.2 points, respectively. Their defense has been susceptible, conceding 264 points over the season.

Key Matchup Insights

University City enters the game as the heavy favorite, with their dominant offense and strong defensive play. Their ability to strike early in games and maintain control will put pressure on Poway to keep up. Poway will need to capitalize on their moments of offensive success and improve defensively to pull off an upset.

What’s at Stake?

For University City, this game is an opportunity to continue their dominant run and advance in the CIF San Diego Section Football Championships. Poway, on the other hand, will need to defy the odds and deliver a near-perfect performance to continue their playoff journey.

With contrasting records and styles of play, this Division II playoff game is set to be an intense and thrilling matchup, where University City’s explosive offense faces Poway’s resilient but inconsistent squad. Fans can expect a high-energy battle as both teams vie for a spot in the next round.

The upcoming matchup between Poway and University City promises to be an exciting contest, showcasing two teams with contrasting seasons. While University City enters the game with an impressive 10-1 record, Poway has faced more challenges, posting a 4-7 overall record. Despite these differences, both teams have demonstrated key strengths that will make for an intriguing matchup. Let’s break down how these teams compare in terms of team statistics, individual leaders, and overall performance.

Team Stats Comparison

When examining the stats, it becomes clear that University City has outperformed Poway in most major categories this season.

• Rushing and Passing Yards:
  University City has been more dynamic on offense, with 176.0 rushing yards per game, compared to Poway’s 105.6 rushing yards. The passing game is also a strength for University City, with 229.9 yards per game, which outpaces Poway’s 191.2 yards. The combined offensive output of University City averages 405.9 total yards per game, compared to Poway’s 296.8 total yards.
• Receiving Yards:
  Both teams feature strong receiving games. Poway has accumulated 188.0 receiving yards per game, while University City averages 229.8 receiving yards, further contributing to their high offensive totals.
• Points Per Game:
  University City is significantly more effective at converting yards into points, averaging 40.8 points per game, compared to Poway’s 22.3 points per game. This difference in scoring ability is a key factor in University City’s successful season.
• Tackles and Defense:
  University City excels on defense, averaging 68.5 tackles per game compared to Poway’s 43.6 tackles per game. In addition, University City leads in sacks, averaging 2.7 sacks per game, while Poway’s defense has recorded just 1.2 sacks per game.

Individual Leaders

Both teams have standout players who have played pivotal roles in their respective seasons.

• Poway’s Leaders:
  • Luke Jorgensen has been the team’s top rusher, with an average of 78.6 rushing yards per game, and he also leads in scoring with 7.1 points per game.
  • Ty Hurst has been the key figure in the passing game, averaging 183.5 passing yards per game and 185.1 total yards per game.
  • Colin McCann leads the receiving corps, with 50.2 receiving yards per game.
  • On defense, Oliver Vera leads with 5.7 tackles per game, while Bobby McKay contributes with 0.3 sacks per game.
• University City’s Leaders:
  • Nakeem Jones is the team’s top rusher, averaging 109.1 rushing yards per game.
  • Quentyn DeMara has been outstanding in the passing game, throwing for 226.4 yards per game and leading the team with 270.3 total yards per game.
  • Dreyden Garner leads the receiving game with 83.6 receiving yards per game.
  • Tay Lockett leads the defense with 9.4 tackles per game, while Dyami Collins has contributed with 1.0 sack per game.

Record Breakdown

• Overall Record:
  University City enters the matchup with a stellar 10-1 record, while Poway has faced difficulties, posting a 4-7 record. This reflects University City’s dominance this season and Poway’s struggle to find consistency.
• League and Non-League Performance:
  Poway has faced challenges in league play, posting an 0-5 record, while University City has been more successful, with a 3-1 league record. University City has also been perfect in non-league games, with a 6-0 record, while Poway has a 3-2 record in non-league play.
• Home and Away:
  University City has been particularly strong on the road, with a perfect 6-0 away record, while Poway has struggled with a 1-4 record on the road. At home, Poway has posted a 3-3 record, while University City has a solid 4-1 home record.
• Playoff Performance:
  Both teams have seen success in the playoffs, with University City boasting a 1-0 playoff record, while Poway has yet to make a playoff appearance this season.

Conclusion

University City has been the more dominant team this season, with a high-powered offense and a stout defense, reflected in their impressive 10-1 record. Poway, on the other hand, has faced a more challenging season with a 4-7 record, but they possess talented players capable of making plays. University City’s ability to generate more offensive yards and put points on the board will likely give them the upper hand in this matchup. However, Poway will look to exploit any weaknesses and aim to create an upset in this intriguing contest. Fans can expect a hard-fought battle as both teams look to end the season on a positive note.