The Los Gatos (CA) varsity football team is set to face Saint Francis (Mountain View, CA) in a highly anticipated neutral playoff game on Friday, November 29, at 7 p.m. Both teams will bring their best as they compete for advancement, making this an exciting showdown in the postseason tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Saint Francis vs Los Gatos
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Saint Francis vs. Los Gatos

The stage is set for an epic playoff matchup as Saint Francis (Mountain View, CA) takes on Los Gatos (CA) in a neutral-site game on Friday, November 29, at 7 p.m. With both teams among the top contenders in their section, this game promises high stakes and intense competition.

Los Gatos: A Well-Balanced Powerhouse

Los Gatos enters the playoff game with a strong 10-2 record, ranking 2nd in their section and showcasing impressive performances both at home and on the road. With an overall scoring average of 31.4 points per game, the Wildcats’ offense is a force to be reckoned with. They excel in the first half, particularly in the second quarter, where they average 13.7 points.

Defensively, Los Gatos has been exceptional, allowing just 161 points all season, less than half of their offensive output. Their ability to dominate both sides of the ball has been key to their success, making them a formidable opponent in this playoff clash.

Saint Francis: A Strong Contender with Momentum

Saint Francis brings a solid 9-3 record into the matchup, ranking 3rd in their section. With a near-perfect 6-1 league record and an unblemished 5-0 home record, the Lancers have proven their resilience and consistency throughout the season. Averaging 28.9 points per game, Saint Francis has shown balanced scoring across all four quarters, with their highest average in the second quarter (10.3 points).

Defensively, the Lancers have allowed 237 points this season, showing some vulnerabilities but also resilience in key games. Their balanced scoring and league dominance make them a formidable opponent for Los Gatos.

Key Matchup: Los Gatos’ Defense vs. Saint Francis’ Balanced Offense

The game may come down to whether Los Gatos’ stout defense, which has allowed an average of just 13.4 points per game, can stifle the balanced attack of Saint Francis. Conversely, Saint Francis must find a way to slow down Los Gatos’ high-powered offense, particularly in the first half, where the Wildcats have been most effective.

What’s at Stake

As both teams aim for advancement in the playoffs, this game represents a pivotal moment in their seasons. Los Gatos’ well-rounded dominance and defensive strength will be tested against Saint Francis’ consistency and offensive balance. Fans can expect a thrilling contest as these two elite teams clash under the Friday night lights.

The Saint Francis and Los Gatos high school football teams are preparing for an anticipated clash, with each squad boasting unique strengths and standout players. Let’s dive into the numbers to break down how these teams compare.

Offensive Comparison

When it comes to offensive production, both teams have their specialties:

• Rushing:
  Saint Francis leads the ground game with 185.1 rushing yards per game, thanks to their dynamic leader, Kingston Keanaaina, who averages an incredible 177.0 yards per game. Los Gatos, while behind with 149.5 rushing yards per game, relies on a more balanced approach led by Grayson Doslak’s 77.7 yards per game.
• Passing and Receiving:
  Los Gatos dominates the air attack, averaging 181.0 passing yards per game compared to Saint Francis’ 111.6 yards per game. Quarterback Scotty Brennan is a key contributor with 130.8 passing yards per game, frequently targeting Max Thomas, who racks up 62.5 receiving yards per game. Saint Francis counters with Aaron Knapp’s 109.7 passing yards per game, supported by Perrion Williams’ 52.9 receiving yards per game.
• Total Yardage and Scoring:
  Los Gatos edges out Saint Francis in total yardage, averaging 330.5 yards per game compared to 296.7 yards per game. In scoring, Los Gatos also holds a slight advantage, with 30.6 points per game versus Saint Francis’ 28.3 points per game.

Defensive Comparison

Defensively, Saint Francis shows a more formidable presence:

• Tackles and Sacks:
  Saint Francis averages 69.9 tackles per game, led by Jackson Cahoon’s 8.9 tackles per game, compared to Los Gatos’ 63.5 tackles per game, anchored by Austin Krug’s 7.2 tackles per game.
  In pass rush, Saint Francis doubles Los Gatos’ sack rate, averaging 1.6 sacks per game against Los Gatos’ 0.8 sacks per game.

Team Leaders

• Saint Francis:
  Kingston Keanaaina is the team’s heartbeat, leading in rushing yards (177.0/game), total yards (194.3/game), and points scored (12.7/game).
  Jayden Lewis and Jackson Cahoon anchor the defense, excelling in sacks and tackles, respectively.
• Los Gatos:
  Scotty Brennan fuels the passing attack, with Max Thomas leading as his primary receiving target. Grayson Doslak contributes significantly on the ground and in scoring. Leonardo Cocchiglia’s 9 pancake blocks highlight Los Gatos’ offensive line strength.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced Junipero Serra and Archbishop Riordan, with contrasting results:

• Saint Francis went 1-1, defeating Junipero Serra (27-21) but falling to Archbishop Riordan (34-24).
• Los Gatos triumphed in both matchups, winning against Junipero Serra (14-7) and Archbishop Riordan (35-28).

Record Breakdown

Los Gatos holds a slight edge with a 10-2 overall record compared to Saint Francis’ 9-3. The Wildcats are undefeated in playoffs (2-0) and perform consistently both at home and away. Saint Francis, while strong at home (5-0), struggled more in neutral and playoff settings.

Key Takeaways

This matchup pits Saint Francis’ ground-and-pound strategy against Los Gatos’ aerial dominance. While Saint Francis boasts defensive prowess and star power in Kingston Keanaaina, Los Gatos’ balanced offense and playoff momentum could prove decisive. Fans can expect an exciting battle between these evenly matched squads.

Who will prevail? It’s anyone’s game, but the stats suggest a thrilling showdown.