The Central Valley (Greeley, NE) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Riverside (Cedar Rapids, NE) today at 10:15 a.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Nebraska High School Football
Who: Riverside vs Central Valley
When: today, November 25, 2024
Time: 10:15 a.m ET
Bracket: 2024 NSAA State Football Championships (Nebraska) – Class D2
Live Stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Riverside vs. Central Valley

This playoff matchup between Riverside (10-2) and Central Valley (11-1) features two high-scoring teams with excellent records and distinct playing styles. Riverside enters with a solid 10-2 record, while Central Valley comes in with just one loss, having gone 5-0 in their district games. Here’s a breakdown of both teams as they face off in the playoffs.

Riverside (24-25) Season Overview

Riverside has had a strong season with a 10-2 record, showcasing an efficient offense that has averaged 52.8 points per game, ranking among the best in the league. Their defense has allowed 300 points, but their offense has more than made up for it with big performances.

Scoring Averages

• Q1: 18.7 points
• Q2: 9.7 points
• Q3: 8.3 points
• Q4: 10.8 points

Riverside comes out strong in the first quarter and tends to maintain its scoring pace throughout the game, especially with consistent points in the second and fourth quarters.

Key Wins

Riverside has had strong victories this season, including a 42-8 win over Twin Loup (9/6/24). Their loss to Archangels Catholic (48-30, 9/20/24) was a tough one, but they have otherwise been dominant in both district and non-district games.

Central Valley (24-25) Season Overview

Central Valley enters this playoff matchup with an impressive 11-1 record, having won 5-0 in district play. They boast an even stronger offense than Riverside, averaging 56.3 points per game and allowing only 195 points all season. Their defense has been solid, and their offense is one of the highest-scoring units.

Scoring Averages

• Q1: 19.3 points
• Q2: 23.5 points
• Q3: 9.1 points
• Q4: 7.1 points

Central Valley starts fast and scores heavily in the first half, particularly in the second quarter, but their offense slows down somewhat in the second half, especially in the fourth quarter.

Key Wins

Central Valley has had dominant victories, including a 58-13 win over Twin Loup (10/4/24) and a 50-8 win over Archangels Catholic (11/15/24). Their sole loss was to Riverside in a 50-42 thriller on 8/30/24, a game where both teams showcased their offensive strength.

Team Stat Comparison

• Scoring: Riverside (52.8 points per game) vs. Central Valley (56.3 points per game)
• Defense: Riverside (300 points allowed) vs. Central Valley (195 points allowed)
• Rushing Yards Per Game: Riverside (6.0 yards) vs. Central Valley (328.6 yards)
• Passing Yards Per Game: Riverside (24.0 yards) vs. Central Valley (123.6 yards)
• Total Yards Per Game: Riverside (452.2 yards) vs. Central Valley (452.2 yards)

Central Valley has a more balanced attack with a potent rushing game, while Riverside is more focused on scoring through the air.

Head-to-Head

The only previous meeting between these two teams this season occurred on 8/30/2024, where Central Valley won 50-42 in a high-scoring affair. Riverside held a strong early lead, but Central Valley outscored them in the second half, with Zaden Wolf playing a crucial role in the victory.

Record Breakdown

• Riverside: 10-2 overall, 4-1 district, 5-0 home, 2-2 away, 3-0 neutral
• Central Valley: 11-1 overall, 5-0 district, 6-1 home, 5-0 away

Both teams have been dominant at home, but Central Valley’s road record and perfect district performance give them a slight edge heading into this matchup.

Key Players to Watch

• Riverside:
  • Drew Carraher: Rushing leader with 43.0 yards per game.
  • Drew Carraher: Passing leader with 264.0 yards per game.
  • Nicholas Berger: Receiving leader with 125.0 yards per game.
• Central Valley:
  • Zaden Wolf: Rushing leader with 118.4 yards per game and passing leader with 122.8 yards per game.
  • Boston Wood: Receiving leader with 37.4 yards per game.
  • Taesian Soto: Tackles leader with 11.6 tackles per game.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced Twin Loup and Archangels Catholic this season:

• Twin Loup:
  • Riverside won 42-8 (9/6/24)
  • Central Valley won 58-13 (10/4/24)
• Archangels Catholic:
  • Riverside lost 48-30 (9/20/24)
  • Central Valley won 50-8 (11/15/24)

Central Valley had stronger results against these teams, particularly with their defense shutting down Archangels Catholic in a dominant 50-8 win.

Conclusion: Who Has the Advantage?

While Riverside has an impressive record and is coming off a solid season, Central Valley’s offensive balance and solid defense make them the slight favorites going into this playoff game. Their ability to control the ball and score effectively in all four quarters gives them a distinct edge over Riverside.