The Rio Hondo Prep varsity football team will host Vanden in a home playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games, Division 3-A tournament. Both teams are vying for a chance to advance in this prestigious state competition.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: California State Football Championship Bowl Games
Who: Rio Hondo Prep (CA) vs Vanden (CA)
When: Today, December 14, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games – Division 3-A
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Vanden vs. Rio Hondo Prep
The football matchup between Vanden and Rio Hondo Prep is set to showcase two teams with impressive records and potent offenses. Both teams boast strong seasons, with Vanden entering the contest at 12-2 and Rio Hondo Prep at 13-1. Here’s an in-depth look at how these two teams stack up statistically across key categories.
Offensive Comparison
- Rushing Yards Per Game
Rio Hondo Prep is a powerhouse on the ground, averaging 327.9 rushing yards per game, led by Noah Penunuri, who racks up 123.8 rushing yards per game. Vanden, on the other hand, averages 93.3 rushing yards per game, with Zack Tayeh leading the charge at 54.7 yards per game. Rio Hondo Prep’s ability to dominate in the run game is one of their key strengths. - Passing Yards Per Game
In contrast to their strength on the ground, Vanden excels in the passing game, averaging 294.6 passing yards per game. Kalani Mcleod is the driving force behind their aerial attack, with an impressive 292.1 passing yards per game. Rio Hondo Prep, however, only averages 65.1 passing yards per game, relying much more heavily on their run game. - Receiving Yards Per Game
Vanden’s receiving corps is also highly productive, averaging 292.4 receiving yards per game, led by Logan Bailey, who accounts for 97.5 yards per game. In comparison, Rio Hondo Prep’s receiving yards are minimal, averaging 65.1 yards per game, with Nathaniel Curtis contributing just 17.2 yards per game. Vanden’s ability to gain yards both on the ground and through the air gives them a versatile offensive attack. - Total Yards Per Game
Vanden averages 387.9 total yards per game, which reflects their balanced offensive approach, excelling in both rushing and passing. Rio Hondo Prep, though more focused on rushing, averages 393.1 total yards per game, showcasing their efficiency on the ground and modest passing game.
Defensive Comparison
- Tackles Per Game
Rio Hondo Prep averages 46.0 tackles per game, a solid number that reflects their active defense. However, Vanden’s defensive statistics are not available, making it difficult to directly compare the teams’ defensive engagement. Regardless, Rio Hondo Prep’s defense appears more involved in making tackles throughout games. - Sacks Per Game
Both teams appear to have limited pass-rush capability. Rio Hondo Prep averages 0.8 sacks per game, with Nathaniel Shine contributing 0.2 sacks per game. Vanden does not list a specific sack leader, but the overall sack production is relatively low for both teams.
Scoring Comparison
- Points Per Game
Both teams are high-scoring, with Vanden averaging 31.5 points per game and Rio Hondo Prep averaging 42.0 points per game. Rio Hondo Prep’s ability to score at a higher rate is mainly attributed to their dominant rushing attack, which allows them to control the game clock and convert on the ground.
Team Leaders
For Vanden, Kalani Mcleod is the focal point of their offense, leading the team in passing and total yards. Zack Tayeh contributes solidly in the running game, while Logan Bailey is the top receiver. On defense, Jai’den Johnson is the standout player, contributing 6.0 points per game.
For Rio Hondo Prep, Noah Penunuri leads both the rushing game and scoring, with 133.5 total yards per game and 12.4 points per game. Yanick Diaz is another key player contributing in both rushing and scoring. Caeden Holcomb leads the team in tackles with 5.4 per game, anchoring their defense.
Record Breakdown
Both teams have had successful seasons, with Vanden posting a 12-2 overall record and Rio Hondo Prep going 13-1. Here’s a closer look at their records:
- Vanden:
- 4-2 in league play
- 4-0 in non-league games
- 4-1 at home
- 5-1 away
- 4-0 in playoff games
- Rio Hondo Prep:
- 2-0 in league play
- 6-1 in non-league games
- 5-0 at home
- 5-1 away
- 3-0 in playoff games
Both teams have been dominant in their respective states, with Rio Hondo Prep performing particularly well on the road.
Conclusion
The matchup between Vanden and Rio Hondo Prep promises to be an exciting clash of contrasting styles. Vanden’s potent passing attack and balanced offensive game give them an edge in terms of versatility, while Rio Hondo Prep’s dominant rushing game and higher-scoring offense make them a formidable opponent. With both teams boasting impressive records, this contest will surely be a thrilling display of offensive power and defensive resilience.