The Patterson (CA) varsity football team will face Sacramento (CA) 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 4 tournament, where both teams will compete for a chance to advance further in the playoffs.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Sacramento vs Patterson
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Football Playoffs – Division 4
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Sacramento vs. Patterson

As the 2024 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Football Playoffs heat up, fans are eagerly anticipating the Division 4 matchup between Sacramento and Patterson. This neutral-site game, set for Friday, November 22 at 7 p.m., promises to be a thrilling contest, as both teams enter with their own strengths and strategies.

Sacramento’s Solid Season

The Sacramento Dragons have enjoyed a strong season, posting a 9-3 overall record. With a .750 win percentage, they’ve demonstrated consistent success, particularly on the road, where they boast a 5-1 record. Despite a 3-3 finish in league play, their overall performance has kept them in the playoff hunt. The Dragons’ offense has scored a total of 399 points while allowing 197, showcasing their ability to put up points while keeping their opponents in check. Their scoring averages reflect a balanced attack, with 5.0 points each in the first and second quarters, followed by a stronger 11.5 points in the third quarter. Their fourth-quarter scoring drops to 5.3, but they maintain an average of 33.3 points per game, making them a formidable team on both sides of the ball.

Patterson’s Resilience

The Patterson Tigers, with a 6-5 overall record, come into the game as a scrappy underdog. With a .545 win percentage, they’ve faced a tough schedule but managed to remain competitive. Their 3-3 league record and balanced home/away split of 3-3 and 2-2, respectively, demonstrate their adaptability. Patterson’s offense has scored 389 points this season but has allowed 348, meaning they’ve been involved in high-scoring games. Their scoring averages are consistent throughout the game: 6.9 points in the first quarter, 12.0 points in the second, and 8.5 points in the third. Their fourth-quarter output stands at 7.7 points, giving them the potential to close out games strong. Averaging 35.4 points per game, Patterson has the ability to put up big numbers, making them a dangerous opponent in the playoffs.

Key Insights for the Game

This game will feature two teams with very different scoring patterns. Sacramento has shown a tendency to shine in the third quarter, scoring an impressive 11.5 points on average, but they’ll need to increase their fourth-quarter production to secure a win. On the other hand, Patterson has been more consistent throughout the game, especially in the second quarter where they score 12.0 points, and their high-scoring offense will keep Sacramento’s defense on its toes.

Both teams have demonstrated the ability to score in bunches, with Patterson’s 35.4 points per game slightly outpacing Sacramento’s 33.3. However, Sacramento’s stronger defense, allowing only 197 points throughout the season, could be a key factor in limiting Patterson’s scoring opportunities.

As the football season continues to heat up, the rivalry between the Sacramento and Patterson teams remains a key focus, with both squads bringing impressive statistics and unique strengths to the field. Let’s break down their performance across several important categories, compare their key players, and examine their season records to understand what to expect when these two teams meet.

Team Stat Comparison

Looking at the overall team statistics, Sacramento and Patterson display distinct strengths. Sacramento is known for its strong rushing game, with an average of 193.3 rushing yards per game, compared to Patterson’s 181.7. This gives Sacramento a slight edge in ground-based offense, though both teams are formidable when it comes to running the ball.

When it comes to passing, Patterson holds a noticeable advantage, averaging 266.8 passing yards per game, significantly higher than Sacramento’s 163.3. This could be a key factor in a potential shootout between the two teams, with Patterson’s aerial attack being a potential game-changer.

In terms of receiving yards, both teams are relatively well-matched, with Sacramento averaging 161.2 receiving yards per game and Patterson slightly ahead at 266.0. Again, Patterson’s passing game makes a big impact on this category.

Sacramento’s total yards per game stands at 356.7, while Patterson leads with 448.5. This reflects Patterson’s offensive diversity, as they excel both on the ground and through the air.

Defensively, both teams are solid, though Sacramento has a slight edge in tackles per game, averaging 64.0 compared to Patterson’s 61.5. However, Patterson’s defense has been more successful at getting to the quarterback, with 2.6 sacks per game compared to Sacramento’s 1.5.

The scoring department is another area where the two teams are relatively close, with Sacramento averaging 31.8 points per game and Patterson at 34.5. Both teams are capable of putting up high scores, making any matchup between them an exciting spectacle.

Team Leaders

Each team has standout players leading their respective units. For Sacramento, Darrius Moore has been a key contributor in the rushing game, with an impressive 103.4 rushing yards per game, while Le’ron James Radcliffe has been a dual-threat, contributing 163.3 passing yards per game.

On the other hand, Patterson’s offense revolves around Max Medina, who has been exceptional in the passing game with 266.1 passing yards per game, and Noah Cozart, who leads the team with 92.9 receiving yards per game. Coby Joseph has also been a reliable rushing option for Patterson, putting up 86.5 rushing yards per game.

Defensively, Sacramento’s Jermiah Richard has been a standout with 10 tackles per game, while Patterson’s Royale Tago is leading with 6.9 tackles per game. In the sack department, Farrell Johnson from Patterson leads the charge with 1.0 sack per game, while Marjon Johnson of Sacramento contributes 0.5 sacks per game.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced off against Vacaville this season, with both teams coming away with losses. Sacramento lost at home on October 19, 2024, by a score of 21-14, while Patterson also lost at home on September 13, 2024, with a final score of 31-14. This shows that both teams have faced similar challenges against a common opponent, though the margin of defeat was slightly smaller for Sacramento.

Record Breakdown

Sacramento holds an overall record of 9-3 this season, with a 3-3 record in league play and 4-0 in non-league games. They are undefeated in playoff games, boasting a 2-0 record in postseason action. Their home record is strong at 3-2, but they perform even better on the road with a 5-1 record.

Patterson, meanwhile, has a slightly lower overall record of 6-5, with a 3-3 league record. They also performed better outside of league play, finishing 3-0 in non-league games. Like Sacramento, Patterson is undefeated in playoff games, with a 1-0 record in postseason play. They have a 3-3 record at home and a 2-2 record on the road.

Conclusion

With both teams showing impressive strengths in different areas, it is clear that Sacramento and Patterson are well-matched adversaries. Sacramento’s running game and defensive stats give them an edge in some areas, while Patterson’s passing attack and offensive firepower make them a dangerous opponent. As the season continues, fans can expect thrilling matchups, with each team bringing its own set of strengths to the table. Whether through Sacramento’s ground game or Patterson’s high-flying offense, this rivalry promises to deliver exciting football in the weeks ahead.