The Newbury Park varsity football team will face San Clemente in a neutral-site playoff game today at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) in Division 2. Both teams are looking to advance with a strong performance in this crucial tournament game.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football
Who: San Clemente vs Newbury Park
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – Division 2
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: San Clemente vs. Newbury Park

As the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships in Division 2 continue, one of the most intriguing matchups is between San Clemente and Newbury Park. This game promises to showcase two teams with contrasting records and styles of play, as both look to advance in the tournament.

San Clemente Tritons: A Balanced Team With Room to Improve

San Clemente (24-25) enters the playoffs with a 6-5 overall record and a .545 win percentage. Ranked 21st in California and 16th in their section, the Tritons have been competitive throughout the season but have faced some inconsistency, particularly on the road with a 2-4 record. In league play, they finished 1-2, which left them with room to grow and improve.

Offensively, San Clemente has averaged 27.2 points per game. Their scoring tends to fluctuate throughout the game, with 9.7 points in the first quarter, 2.2 in the second, 2.8 in the third, and a much stronger 11.0 points in the fourth. If they want to keep pace with a high-scoring team like Newbury Park, San Clemente will need to find more consistency, especially earlier in the game. The Tritons also have an additional challenge in their defense, having allowed 205 points on the season.

Newbury Park Panthers: Undefeated and Dominant

Newbury Park (24-25) comes into this playoff game with an undefeated 11-0 record, ranking 99th nationally, 10th in California, and 1st in their section and division. The Panthers have been nothing short of dominant this season, posting a perfect record with a 5-0 league mark and a flawless 6-0 record at home and 5-0 on the road. With a .1000 win percentage and a balanced offense and defense, they are one of the top teams in the state.

Newbury Park’s offense has been explosive, averaging 40.4 points per game. Their scoring is most efficient in the first half, with 13.3 points in the first quarter and 13.5 in the second, while they average 11.1 points in the third quarter. Their offense, however, tends to slow in the fourth quarter, where they average just 2.7 points. This will be a key area to address against a team like San Clemente, which has shown the ability to capitalize on late-game opportunities.

Key Factors for Both Teams

San Clemente will need to improve their consistency throughout the game, particularly in the first half, where they have struggled to put points on the board. Their ability to close out games will be critical, as they will be facing a team that has been strong offensively throughout the season.

For Newbury Park, the key to success will be maintaining their high scoring, particularly in the second half, and ensuring their defense holds up against the Tritons’ late-game surge. While they’ve been dominant on offense, they will need to stay sharp and focused throughout the entire game to continue their undefeated streak.

Conclusion: A Clash of Styles

The CIF Southern Section Division 2 playoff game between San Clemente and Newbury Park offers a fascinating contrast. San Clemente has been inconsistent but shows potential, especially in the fourth quarter, while Newbury Park has been a juggernaut all season, proving to be dominant on both sides of the ball. For San Clemente to have a chance, they’ll need to capitalize early and build momentum, while Newbury Park will aim to continue their undefeated march to a championship. This game promises to be an exciting battle of determination versus dominance.

As the high school football season intensifies, the upcoming matchup between San Clemente and Newbury Park stands out as a pivotal contest with significant playoff implications. With both teams showcasing impressive individual performances and solid team statistics, fans can expect an exciting clash of styles when these two powerhouse programs meet.

Offensive Breakdown

San Clemente has been solid on offense this season, averaging 307.2 total yards per game. Their offensive strength lies in the passing game, where quarterback Dawson Martinez has thrown for an impressive 201.2 passing yards per game. Martinez’s efficiency has been key in leading the Tritons’ offense, connecting with standout receiver Cole Herlean, who averages 70.3 receiving yards per game. The Tritons also have a strong rushing attack, with Colin Kohl leading the way on the ground, averaging 50.6 rushing yards per game.

Newbury Park’s offense, however, has been more explosive, averaging 363.0 total yards per game. Their passing game is particularly potent, with quarterback Brady Smigiel throwing for 236.7 passing yards per game, while also contributing to the team’s 238.7 receiving yards per game. Receiver Shane Rosenthal has been a major target, hauling in 104.8 receiving yards per game. The Panthers also have a solid rushing attack, led by Tyler Stromsoe, who averages 62.0 rushing yards per game.

In terms of total offense, Newbury Park holds a distinct advantage, with nearly 56 more total yards per game compared to San Clemente. Their more dynamic and high-scoring offense, averaging 40.4 points per game, could be a deciding factor in this matchup.

Defensive Comparison

On the defensive side of the ball, San Clemente and Newbury Park show similar numbers, with both teams averaging over 50 tackles per game. San Clemente averages 58.7 tackles per game, while Newbury Park’s defense has been slightly more aggressive, averaging 70.9 tackles per game. The Tritons have been effective at limiting big plays, while the Panthers have excelled at creating disruptions and forcing turnovers.

Individually, San Clemente’s Lee Puka Fuimaono leads the team with 7.9 tackles per game, while Michael Collier contributes 1.0 sack per game. For Newbury Park, Carter Taylor has been a standout, with 10.5 tackles per game, and Landon Stuart contributes 1.0 sack per game, helping the Panthers apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

In terms of sacks, Newbury Park holds the edge with 3.0 sacks per game, compared to San Clemente’s 1.5 sacks per game. The Panthers’ ability to generate pressure and disrupt the opposing offense could be a significant factor in this game.

Key Players to Watch

For San Clemente, quarterback Dawson Martinez will be the key to their success. His ability to manage the game and connect with his receiving corps, especially Cole Herlean, will be crucial. On the ground, Colin Kohl’s rushing performance will need to be efficient to keep Newbury Park’s defense on its heels.

For Newbury Park, the dynamic duo of Brady Smigiel and Shane Rosenthal will be the focus of the offense. Smigiel’s ability to throw the ball efficiently and connect with Rosenthal downfield will be a critical component of their high-scoring attack. Additionally, running back Tyler Stromsoe’s ability to sustain drives and pick up key yards will be important in balancing the offense.

Record Breakdown

San Clemente enters this matchup with a 6-5 overall record, including a 1-2 mark in league play. Despite their solid non-league record of 4-3, the Tritons will need to overcome a tough Newbury Park squad to improve their playoff positioning. On the other hand, Newbury Park has been flawless this season, entering the game with an undefeated 11-0 record. They’ve been dominant both at home and on the road, with a perfect 6-0 away record.

While San Clemente has shown resilience in close games, Newbury Park’s perfect record and dominant performances—especially in league play—give them a clear edge heading into this contest. The Panthers’ offense, averaging 40.4 points per game, has proven to be difficult to stop, and their defensive playmaking could be the difference-maker in the game.

Head-to-Head Against Common Opponents

There are no common opponents listed for San Clemente and Newbury Park, but given Newbury Park’s undefeated record and the Tritons’ mixed results in non-league games, it’s clear that the Panthers have been the more consistent team this season. This could bode well for Newbury Park as they look to continue their unbeaten run.

Key Takeaways

San Clemente will need to execute on offense and capitalize on Newbury Park’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in the secondary, in order to keep up with the Panthers’ explosive offense. With the Tritons’ balanced offensive attack, led by Dawson Martinez and Colin Kohl, they have the potential to make this a competitive game.

However, Newbury Park’s potent passing game, led by Brady Smigiel and Shane Rosenthal, combined with a strong rushing attack from Tyler Stromsoe, makes them the favorite. Their defense, which generates pressure and tackles efficiently, could be the key to limiting San Clemente’s offensive production.

With Newbury Park’s high-scoring offense and perfect record, they will look to continue their dominant season, but San Clemente will be looking to spoil the Panthers’ perfect run and prove they belong among the elite teams in the state.

Fans can expect an exciting and hard-fought contest as both teams battle for crucial playoff positioning.