The Rio Hondo Prep varsity football team will face Warren from Downey in a neutral-site playoff game tonight at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (Division 7), where both teams will battle for a chance to advance in the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Rio Hondo Prep (CA) vs Warren (CA)
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – Division 7
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Rio Hondo Prep vs. Warren

As the season heats up, the matchup between Warren and Rio Hondo Prep stands out, featuring two teams with contrasting strengths. Warren has struggled with consistency in offense, while Rio Hondo Prep has dominated with a powerful rushing attack and solid defense. Both teams will look to leverage their unique strengths as they square off in what promises to be an exciting contest.

Team Comparison

Warren enters the game averaging 210.5 total yards per game. Their offense is anchored by a strong running game that produces 121.6 rushing yards per game, but their passing attack lags behind, with just 88.9 passing yards per game. With 17.1 points per game, Warren has faced challenges in producing consistent scoring. However, their defense, led by 46.2 tackles per game, has kept them competitive in tough matchups.

On the other hand, Rio Hondo Prep boasts an impressive offensive output, averaging 405.5 total yards per game. They excel in the ground game, with an outstanding 335.7 rushing yards per game, and although their passing game averages only 69.8 yards per game, their focus on running the football has been highly effective. Scoring 43.1 points per game, Rio Hondo Prep has been a high-powered team all season. Defensively, they average 47.3 tackles per game, showing a well-rounded effort on both sides of the ball.

Key Players

Warren’s key players are:

• Skylar Lendsey (#0), who leads the team with 82.1 rushing yards per game.
• Jamar Malone II (#16), with 127.8 passing yards per game.
• Jalen Ross (#4), who has 72.4 receiving yards per game.
• Maurice Stepter (#8), who leads the team with 5.7 tackles per game.
• Skylar Lendsey also leads the team with 6.6 points per game.

Rio Hondo Prep’s standout players include:

• Noah Penunuri (#31), who leads the team with 113.4 rushing yards per game.
• Yanick Diaz (#4), who adds 58.1 passing yards per game.
• Nathaniel Curtis (#3), who has 18.7 receiving yards per game.
• Caeden Holcomb (#42), who contributes 5.6 tackles per game.
• Noah Penunuri also leads with 11.8 points per game.

Record Breakdown

Warren comes into the game with a 6-7 overall record, including a 3-2 record in league play. While their league performance has been respectable, they’ve struggled in non-league play, posting a 0-5 record. Warren has been better on the road with a 3-1 record, but they’ve been less successful at home, where they are 2-6.

Rio Hondo Prep, on the other hand, enters the game with a commanding 11-1 overall record. They have been nearly perfect in league play with a 2-0 record, and their non-league performance has been outstanding, posting a 6-1 record. At home, Rio Hondo Prep is perfect, going 5-0, and they’ve also performed well on the road, with a 4-1 record.

Both teams share one common opponent this season, Bellflower. Warren defeated Bellflower 52-0 on October 18, 2024, while Rio Hondo Prep won 44-6 on September 20, 2024, showing that both teams have handled common competition decisively.

What to Expect

The main story of this matchup will be Warren’s ability to slow down Rio Hondo Prep’s explosive running game. With 335.7 rushing yards per game, Rio Hondo Prep relies heavily on their ground attack, led by Noah Penunuri. Warren will need to step up defensively, with Maurice Stepter and the defensive line tasked with stopping the run and forcing Rio Hondo Prep into uncomfortable passing situations.

Offensively, Warren will need to improve their passing game to keep up with the high-scoring Rio Hondo Prep offense. Warren’s passing game averages just 88.9 yards per game, which may not be enough against a team that scores over 43 points per game. If Jamar Malone II can connect with Jalen Ross and open up the passing attack, it will give Warren a better chance of staying competitive.

Rio Hondo Prep’s strategy will be to dominate the clock with their rushing attack, utilizing Noah Penunuri and their other running backs. While their passing game is not a major part of their offense, Yanick Diaz will be available to make the occasional throw to keep the defense honest. Defensively, they will look to shut down Warren’s offense, particularly by limiting Skylar Lendsey and preventing big plays.

Final Thoughts

Rio Hondo Prep comes into this game as the clear favorite, thanks to their impressive offensive firepower and strong defensive play. Their ability to control the ball with their running game and stifle opposing offenses has been key to their success. However, Warren has shown flashes of potential and will be motivated to disrupt Rio Hondo Prep’s momentum. The key to the game will be whether Warren can slow down Rio Hondo Prep’s rushing attack while finding ways to generate more offense themselves.

If Warren can improve their passing game and get some stops defensively, they could make this a competitive game. However, Rio Hondo Prep’s dominant running game and overall balance should give them the upper hand in this matchup. Fans can expect a fast-paced, physical game where the team that controls the line of scrimmage will likely come out on top.