The Manteca High varsity football team will face Rocklin in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Football Playoffs, Division 2 tournament. Both teams are looking to secure a victory and advance further in the competition.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Rocklin vs Manteca
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Football Playoffs – Division 2
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Rocklin vs. Manteca

As the high school football season reaches its peak, the match-up between Rocklin and Manteca stands out as a thrilling clash of talented teams. Both programs have had stellar seasons, each earning impressive records in their respective sections and divisions. Let’s break down their achievements and the key statistics that set them apart.

Rocklin Thunder: Consistency and Power

Rocklin’s football team has demonstrated a solid performance this season, boasting a 9-2 overall record and a respectable 5-2 league record. They have proven themselves to be formidable at home (4-1) and on the road (4-1), maintaining a perfect 1-0 record in neutral-site games. With an overall winning percentage of .818 and a league win percentage of .714, the Thunder have earned their place as a top contender in their section.

Offensively, Rocklin averages 37.5 points per game, with their scoring spread out across each quarter: 10.0 in the first, 15.4 in the second, 15.0 in the third, and 3.9 in the fourth. This balanced offensive attack is a testament to their ability to control the tempo of the game, particularly in the middle quarters. With 413 points scored against 186 allowed, Rocklin’s defense has been effective in limiting opponents, but their offense is undoubtedly the key to their success.

Manteca Buffaloes: Dominant and Unstoppable

Manteca’s season has been nothing short of outstanding, with a 10-1 overall record and an undefeated 6-0 mark in league play. The Buffaloes have displayed an almost unbeatable form, dominating both at home (3-1) and away (6-0), with one neutral-site win. Their impressive .909 overall winning percentage and flawless 1.000 league win percentage demonstrate their superiority in the competitive landscape of their section.

Manteca’s offensive attack is potent, averaging a staggering 47.0 points per game. Their scoring consistency is clear, with 16.9 points in the first quarter, 15.8 in the second, 7.9 in the third, and 6.7 in the fourth. Despite a slight dip in scoring during the second half of games, their ability to score early and maintain a strong lead is what sets them apart. The Buffaloes have scored 517 points while allowing only 155, showcasing both offensive firepower and defensive discipline.

Key Differences in Scoring Trends

One of the most noticeable differences between the two teams is their scoring dynamics. Manteca’s offense has been exceptionally explosive, particularly in the first half, where they average nearly 33 points between the first and second quarters alone. This fast start puts them in a commanding position, often allowing them to control the pace of the game. In contrast, Rocklin’s offense is more methodical, with a strong second quarter, but they struggle to maintain that pace in the final period, averaging only 3.9 points in the fourth quarter.

Both teams have proven themselves to be dominant, but Manteca’s ability to generate early leads and maintain them through the second half could give them the upper hand in any head-to-head match-up. Rocklin, however, has the potential to keep games close and capitalize on late-game adjustments.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, both Rocklin and Manteca are positioned as key players in their respective sections, each with the talent and momentum to make deep playoff runs. Manteca’s undefeated league record and high-scoring offense make them a formidable force, while Rocklin’s well-rounded approach and stout defense are not to be overlooked. The upcoming clash between these two teams promises to be a thrilling contest of strategy, execution, and determination. Fans can expect fireworks as these two powerhouses battle it out for supremacy.

As the season intensifies, the Rocklin and Manteca football teams have both established themselves as serious contenders, each boasting impressive records and explosive offenses. With both teams excelling in different aspects of the game, the matchup between them promises to be a thrilling showdown. Let’s dive into a detailed analysis of their team statistics, key players, and head-to-head records to see how these two powerhouses compare.

Team Stat Comparison

Both Rocklin and Manteca are offensive juggernauts, with strong performances in several key areas. Manteca leads the way in rushing, averaging a remarkable 280.6 rushing yards per game, compared to Rocklin’s 216.6. This gives Manteca a substantial advantage on the ground, where their run-heavy offense wears down opposing defenses.

In the passing game, Rocklin has the upper hand, with 149.3 passing yards per game, significantly outpacing Manteca, which averages just 92.5. This reflects Rocklin’s ability to move the ball through the air, even though they are more balanced compared to Manteca’s rushing-dominant approach.

Both teams are fairly similar in receiving yards, with Rocklin averaging 149.3 receiving yards per game, and Manteca slightly behind at 88.9. This highlights Rocklin’s more diverse offensive attack, relying not only on the run but also on effective passing and receiving.

When it comes to total yardage, both teams are close, with Rocklin averaging 365.9 total yards per game, while Manteca is slightly ahead at 373.1. This suggests that while Manteca’s offense is primarily focused on the run, Rocklin’s balance between rushing and passing has allowed them to generate slightly fewer total yards overall.

Defensively, the teams are evenly matched in terms of tackles per game, with Rocklin averaging 46.5 tackles per game and Manteca a bit ahead at 47.1. In the sack department, Rocklin also has a slight advantage, with 1.9 sacks per game, compared to Manteca’s 1.7.

Both teams are highly efficient at scoring, with Manteca averaging 47.0 points per game, slightly ahead of Rocklin, which averages 36.4 points per game. This reflects Manteca’s ability to put up big numbers, thanks in part to their dominant running game.

Team Leaders

Each team boasts standout players who have been critical to their success this season.

For Rocklin, Derek Keeley leads the rushing attack with 86.2 rushing yards per game, while Reeve Slone has been a dual-threat, contributing 160.2 passing yards per game. Mikey Cunningham is a key target in the receiving game, with 60.7 receiving yards per game, and Alex Durham is the leader on defense with 8.6 tackles per game. Travis Ledbetter adds a disruptive presence with 0.5 sacks per game.

For Manteca, Nikko Juarez has been outstanding in the rushing game, averaging 150.8 rushing yards per game, while Owen Gully leads the passing attack with 75.5 passing yards per game. In the receiving department, Quinn Martinez leads with 38.6 receiving yards per game. Defensively, Isiah White has been a standout with 11.1 tackles per game, and Oswaldo Suarez contributes 0.5 sacks per game.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced off against Lincoln and Elk Grove this season.

• Against Lincoln, Rocklin won 43-3 on September 6, 2024, while Manteca also came out on top, winning 65-6 on September 20, 2024. Both teams dominated this matchup, but Manteca’s win was even more decisive.
• When it came to Elk Grove, Rocklin triumphed 49-14 on November 15, 2024, while Manteca beat Elk Grove 49-9 on August 23, 2024. Again, both teams showcased their offensive firepower, though Rocklin’s victory was slightly more competitive.

Record Breakdown

Rocklin has an overall record of 9-2, with a 5-2 league record and 3-0 in non-league games. They have been strong at home with a 4-1 record, while their away record is also solid at 4-1. Rocklin is 1-0 in playoff games and has a strong 8-2 in-state record.

Manteca, on the other hand, has an even more impressive 10-1 overall record, with a perfect 6-0 league record. Their non-league record stands at 3-1, and they have been dominant on the road, posting a 6-0 record. Manteca is also 1-0 in playoff games and boasts a stellar 10-1 in-state record.

Conclusion

Both Rocklin and Manteca are excellent teams with their own strengths. Rocklin excels in a balanced offensive attack, combining a solid passing game with a powerful rushing attack, while Manteca has been dominant on the ground, relying heavily on their exceptional rushing game to power their offense.

Defensively, both teams are solid, but Manteca has slightly more success in tackles and tackles for loss, while Rocklin has proven to be more disruptive with sacks. However, Manteca’s ability to score at a high rate and their dominance in the running game give them an edge heading into any matchup.

With both teams having impressive records and explosive offensive units, their meeting this season will undoubtedly be a clash of titans. Fans can expect a high-energy game filled with big plays, powerful rushing attacks, and defensive standouts. Whether it’s Rocklin’s balanced offense or Manteca’s ground game, this will be a thrilling contest worth watching.