The Red Bluff varsity football team faces off against Pleasant Valley in a neutral playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 Northern Section Football Playoffs, Division 2 (NSCIF 2024). Both teams are eager to advance in the tournament, making this a crucial game.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California State Football Championship
Who: Red Bluff (CA) vs Pleasant Valley (CA)
When: Today, November 30, 2024
Bracket: 2024 Northern Section Football Playoffs – D2 Football NSCIF 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Pleasant Valley vs. Red Bluff

As the football season progresses, the showdown between Pleasant Valley and Red Bluff promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams boasting impressive records and strong individual performances. Let’s break down their team statistics, key players, common opponents, and overall performance to get a sense of what fans can expect from this highly anticipated match.

Team Stats Comparison

Looking at the team statistics for Pleasant Valley and Red Bluff, we see contrasting styles of play, though both teams excel in different areas.

Offensive Yardage:

• Red Bluff has a noticeable advantage in rushing yards, averaging 255.8 rushing yards per game, compared to Pleasant Valley’s 180.8. This suggests that Red Bluff relies heavily on its ground game, led by standout running back Kayden Leaf.
• In passing, the teams are closer, with Pleasant Valley averaging 98.6 passing yards per game and Red Bluff slightly ahead with 104.9 passing yards per game.
• Receiving yards are also comparable, with Pleasant Valley at 98.4 yards per game and Red Bluff at 104.8 yards per game.
• Total yards show a clear edge for Red Bluff, averaging 360.7 total yards per game, compared to Pleasant Valley’s 279.5 yards per game. This highlights Red Bluff’s ability to gain yards both on the ground and through the air.

Defensive Metrics:

• In terms of tackles, Red Bluff leads with 57.7 tackles per game, a strong defensive presence compared to Pleasant Valley’s 35.8 tackles per game. This suggests Red Bluff is more active on defense, with a greater capacity to stop opposing offenses.
• Sacks per game show Red Bluff also leading with 2.6 sacks per game, while Pleasant Valley is at 1.3 sacks per game. This indicates that Red Bluff has a more effective pass rush.
• Points per game also favor Red Bluff, with 34.2 points per game compared to Pleasant Valley’s 26.9 points per game, highlighting Red Bluff’s higher-scoring offense.

Team Leaders

Both teams have key players that drive their success.

Pleasant Valley’s Key Players:

• Lucas Benson is the standout for Pleasant Valley, leading the team with 87.9 rushing yards per game, 83.5 passing yards per game, and 127.1 total yards per game. Benson is also the team’s leading scorer, with 7.4 points per game.
• On defense, Gavin Garretson contributes 5.1 tackles per game, leading the team in defensive efforts.

Red Bluff’s Key Players:

• Kayden Leaf is the focal point of Red Bluff’s offense, with an impressive 127.0 rushing yards per game and 236.2 total yards per game. Leaf also leads the team in scoring with 10.2 points per game.
• Defensively, Jaret Bridwell leads the team with 10.5 tackles per game, and Bryce Owens has been a key contributor with 1.3 sacks per game.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced some of the same opponents this season, and their records against these teams provide some insight into their relative strengths.

• Chico: Both teams won their matchups against Chico, with Pleasant Valley winning 20-7 and Red Bluff securing a 49-21 victory.
• Foothill: Pleasant Valley defeated Foothill 35-7, while Red Bluff lost a close game 29-26. However, Red Bluff bounced back to beat Foothill 21-10 later in the season.
• Enterprise: Pleasant Valley dominated Enterprise with wins of 38-17 and 47-0, while Red Bluff also won 41-7.
• Shasta: Pleasant Valley cruised past Shasta 38-0, and Red Bluff won a more competitive matchup 26-14.

Record Breakdown

Looking at the overall performance, Red Bluff has had a stronger season in terms of wins:

• Pleasant Valley comes in with an 8-3 record, having won 5-0 in league play and 2-3 in non-league games.
• Red Bluff, on the other hand, has a 10-2 record, boasting an undefeated 5-0 league record and a 5-0 mark in non-league games.

Both teams have performed well at home, with Red Bluff going 5-1 at home and Pleasant Valley also enjoying a strong 5-0 home record. Both teams have excelled in playoff situations, with Red Bluff undefeated at 2-0 in the postseason, while Pleasant Valley has not yet entered the playoff picture.

Conclusion

This matchup between Pleasant Valley and Red Bluff is set to be a thrilling contest, with both teams bringing impressive strengths to the field. While Red Bluff has the edge in rushing, total yards, and overall defensive play, Pleasant Valley can rely on the leadership of Lucas Benson and a well-rounded offense. Fans can expect a high-energy game where each team will look to exploit their strengths to emerge victorious. With both teams showing strong records and exciting talent, this matchup will be one not to miss.