The Branham (San Jose, CA) varsity football team is set to host Sacred Heart Prep (Atherton, CA) in a highly anticipated home playoff matchup on Friday, November 22 at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 CIF Central Coast Section Football Championships, Division IV, promising an intense showdown between these competitive teams.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Sacred Heart vs Branham
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 CIF Central Coast Section Football Championships (California) – Division IV
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Sacred Heart Prep vs. Branham

The 2024-2025 high school football season has brought varying levels of success for Sacred Heart Prep (Atherton, CA) and Branham (San Jose, CA). Both teams have shown determination and resilience throughout their campaigns, but the differences in performance are clear.

Overall and League Performance

Sacred Heart Prep ended the season with a 5-6 overall record, reflecting a challenging season. Their league performance stood at 1-4, equating to a .200 win percentage, which shows struggles against league opponents. Their home record was 2-3, while they managed a balanced 3-3 away performance. With 196 points for (PF) and 228 points against (PA), Sacred Heart Prep’s defensive gaps and scoring inconsistencies were significant factors in their season outcome. Their CA sectional ranking was 305.

Branham, on the other hand, demonstrated a more successful season with an 8-3 overall record. Their league play was notably strong at 4-2 (.667 win percentage). The team was undefeated in away games (6-0), showing exceptional performance on the road, but had some struggles at home (2-3). Branham’s 427 points for and 275 points against highlight a potent offense coupled with a solid, albeit tested, defense. They held a CA sectional ranking of 332.

Scoring Averages by Quarter

A deeper look into scoring averages provides insight into each team’s game flow:

• Sacred Heart Prep had its strongest performance in the first (5.4) and fourth quarters (5.9), indicating a decent start and a competitive finish. However, their second (2.7) and third (3.8) quarters were weak, contributing to an overall game average of 17.8 points.
• Branham displayed consistent and high-scoring outputs, particularly in the first (10.7) and second quarters (11.7). The team’s scoring tapered in the fourth quarter (3.7), suggesting strong starts but less focus towards the game’s end. Their final game average of 38.8 points underscores a high-powered offense capable of dominating matches early.

As the high school football season progresses, teams across the region showcase their strengths and battle-tested resolve. Sacred Heart Prep (5-6) and Branham High School (8-3) present an intriguing matchup with stark contrasts in playing style and statistical performance. Below, we delve into their key metrics and standout players, comparing their strengths and areas of focus.

Offensive Prowess and Total Yards

Branham High School has proven itself a formidable force on offense, averaging an impressive 481.3 total yards per game. This powerful display comes primarily from their balanced attack, with 185.7 rushing yards and a commanding 295.5 passing yards per game. In contrast, Sacred Heart Prep’s offense has been more modest, amassing 259.5 total yards per game, split between 163.3 rushing yards and 96.2 passing yards. While Sacred Heart Prep leans heavily on their ground game, Branham’s air attack has been a significant factor in their offensive output.

Team Leaders: The Engines of Success

For Sacred Heart Prep, #46 Maxime Morelle leads the charge on the ground with an average of 66.2 rushing yards per game, while #4 Nico Pollioni steers the passing game with 85.9 yards per game. On the receiving end, #5 McKinley Palmer contributes 27.0 yards per game, and #18 Max Courson has shown versatility, tallying 91.8 total yards per game.

Branham boasts standout performances from #7 Michael Murphy, who dominates the ground game with 88.5 rushing yards per game and leads in scoring with 9.1 points per game. Quarterback #16 Jack Lewis fuels their explosive passing game with an impressive 269.5 yards per game, supported by #9 Zayne St. Laurent, who averages 87.1 receiving yards. Lewis’ total yardage of 281.5 per game underscores his pivotal role in Branham’s offensive strategy.

Defensive Dynamics and Tackling Efficiency

Defensively, Branham holds a slight edge with 59.8 tackles per game compared to Sacred Heart Prep’s 55.3. Leading Sacred Heart Prep’s defense, #7 Cole Staley averages 6.3 tackles per game, while #68 Aseli Fangupo provides occasional pressure with 0.3 sacks per game. Branham’s defensive unit, led by #5 Joel Ruiz-Pineda with 7.5 tackles per game and #2 Thomas Nguyen contributing 1.0 sack per game, shows higher consistency in quarterback pressure with a team average of 2.1 sacks per game.

Scoring Comparison

In terms of scoring, Branham’s offensive firepower is evident, averaging 34.4 points per game—nearly double Sacred Heart Prep’s 17.8 points per game. This difference highlights the effectiveness of Branham’s passing game, spearheaded by Jack Lewis, and their ability to convert drives into touchdowns.

Season Records and Context

Sacred Heart Prep enters with a 5-6 overall record and a 1-4 league performance. Their season has showcased moments of resilience, particularly in non-league matchups (3-2) and in playoff scenarios (1-0). Meanwhile, Branham boasts a stronger 8-3 record, including a solid 4-2 league performance and an unbeaten non-league record (3-1). Both teams have managed to secure a playoff victory (1-0), reflecting their capability to compete under pressure.

Conclusion: Keys to Victory

For Sacred Heart Prep to bridge the gap, they will need to lean on their rushing game and tighten defensive efforts to stymie Branham’s prolific passing. Branham, on the other hand, should focus on maintaining their offensive rhythm, leveraging Jack Lewis’ precision, and capitalizing on their scoring opportunities. With both teams demonstrating unique strengths, this matchup promises to be an engaging contest of strategic football and determination.