The Branson (Ross, CA) varsity football team will host Roseland University Prep (Santa Rosa, CA) in a home playoff game today at 1 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 North Coast Section Football Championships, 8-Person Division 1 tournament, where both teams will battle for a chance to advance further in the postseason.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football
Who: Roseland University Prep vs Branson
When: Today, November 16, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 North Coast Section Football Championships – 8-Person Division 1
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Branson vs. Roseland University Prep

Today at 1 p.m., Branson (Ross, CA) will host Roseland University Prep (Santa Rosa, CA) in a high-stakes playoff game in the 2024 North Coast Section Football Championships, 8-Person Division 1 tournament. Both teams are entering this matchup with impressive records and strong scoring averages, making it a highly anticipated contest.

Team Records and Performance

Branson boasts a solid 6-2 overall record, with a 4-1 league performance. The team has been dominant at home, securing an undefeated 4-0 record. Their offensive attack has been efficient, scoring 384 points while allowing just 177. Branson’s ability to control the game at home will be a significant factor in this playoff clash.

Roseland University Prep, with a 7-3 overall record, has also been strong in their own right. They finished 2-3 in league play but were 4-2 in away games. Their offense has been potent, scoring 450 points this season, although they have allowed 306 points, indicating some vulnerability on defense.

Scoring Averages and Key Stats

Branson has been a consistently strong offensive team, averaging 48 points per game. They’ve shown balanced scoring throughout the game, with an average of 12.0 points in the first quarter and 6.3 in the fourth quarter. Their ability to maintain offensive pressure, particularly early in games, will be crucial in this playoff encounter.

Roseland University Prep has also put up impressive numbers, averaging 45 points per game. Their scoring has been most potent in the third and fourth quarters, where they score 15 points each. This late-game scoring could be a game-changer if the match is close in the final moments.

Key Factors to Watch

• Branson’s Strong Home Advantage: With a perfect 4-0 record at home, Branson will rely on their home-field advantage and the support of their fans to push them through this playoff battle.
• Roseland’s Late-Game Surge: Roseland has proven they can score effectively in the later stages of games. If they can stay competitive through the first half, they might have a chance to pull ahead in the final quarters.

This matchup promises to be an exciting and closely contested battle. Both teams have dynamic offenses and are well-prepared for the challenges of the postseason. Branson’s strong home performance and ability to score consistently could give them the edge, but Roseland’s explosive offense and late-game resilience could prove to be a deciding factor.

As the season enters its final stages, Roseland University Prep (7-3) and Branson (6-2) are set to face off in a highly anticipated matchup. With both teams bringing solid records to the table, this game will play a significant role in determining their playoff positioning and momentum as the season winds down.

Team Stat Comparison

Offensive Breakdown

• Rushing Game: While Roseland University Prep doesn’t have standout rushing statistics, Branson has found success with a steady running game, averaging 116.6 rushing yards per game. Branson’s key running back, Colby Buxton, leads the team with 82.1 rushing yards per game and 11.4 points per game, making him a focal point for the team.
• Passing Attack: Branson has found success through the air, with Tom Lardner at the helm, throwing for 208.3 yards per game. Lardner is also the team leader in total yards, with 247.3 yards per game, showcasing his versatility as a playmaker. In comparison, Roseland University Prep has not had a standout in passing yards, but Branson’s passing efficiency has given them a significant edge in total offensive production.
• Receiving Game: Chase Hoeveler leads Roseland University Prep in receiving yards, with 78.2 per game. Branson’s passing attack is balanced, with a strong receiving corps to complement their quarterback. The combination of Lardner‘s passing and Hoeveler’s receiving could make for an interesting battle in the air.

Defensive Performance

• Tackles: On the defensive side of the ball, Roseland University Prep averages 45.4 tackles per game, while Branson has been a little more effective in getting after the ball, averaging 59.5 tackles per game. Mo Jacoby is a standout for Roseland University Prep, leading the team with 6.7 tackles per game, and Griffin Harris has been solid on defense with 1.0 sacks per game. For Branson, defensive standouts like Harris (who leads in sacks) and a solid group of tacklers will be key to keeping Roseland’s offense at bay.
• Sacks: Branson leads in this department with 2.0 sacks per game, indicating a more aggressive defensive line that puts pressure on the opposing quarterback. Roseland University Prep will need to adapt and find ways to neutralize this defensive threat in order to have success on offense.

Scoring

Both teams have been able to put up impressive point totals, with Roseland University Prep averaging 38.5 points per game, and Branson scoring an average of 34.8 points per game. Branson has shown its ability to score quickly, especially in non-league matchups, where they’ve won decisively. Roseland University Prep will need to keep pace and take advantage of any opportunities on the offensive side of the ball.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced a few common opponents this season, with varying results:

• South Fork: Roseland University Prep won 44-42, while Branson dominated in their matchup, winning 58-0.
• Stuart Hall: Roseland University Prep struggled with a 68-20 loss, while Branson lost a close one 40-34.
• Calistoga: Roseland University Prep defeated Calistoga 52-12, while Branson triumphed 60-8.
• Swett: Roseland University Prep lost 42-24, while Branson secured a dominant 60-6 victory.

Record Breakdown

• Roseland University Prep enters this matchup with a solid 7-3 record. With a strong 4-1 record at home, they will look to defend their home turf. The team has faced some tough competition but has remained competitive throughout the season, with standout performances in non-league play.
• Branson has a strong 6-2 overall record, including an undefeated 4-0 mark at home. With a perfect 5-0 record in non-league play, Branson has shown their potential against a variety of teams and will look to continue that momentum on the road.

Key Players to Watch

• Roseland University Prep: Keep an eye on Tom Lardner, who leads the team in passing and total yards. Chase Hoeveler will be essential in the receiving game, and Mo Jacoby will need to continue his strong performance on defense.
• Branson: Colby Buxton will be a key player in the rushing attack, while Tom Lardner will be a force in both the air and on the ground. Griffin Harris will be crucial in disrupting Roseland’s offensive flow and securing pressure on the quarterback.

Conclusion: A Battle of Strengths

This matchup between Roseland University Prep and Branson is shaping up to be a thrilling contest, with Branson’s solid offensive attack and aggressive defense against Roseland University Prep’s balanced offensive approach. Both teams have had their share of high-scoring games and come into this contest with a strong sense of momentum.

While Branson holds a slight edge in most key categories, Roseland University Prep has proven itself resilient and capable of putting up big numbers. This game could very well come down to who can establish control early, with Branson’s offense and defensive line putting the pressure on Roseland University Prep. Expect a tightly contested match as both teams battle for supremacy.