The Yorba Linda varsity football team will host Serra in a home 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 eager to showcase their skills and advance further in the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football
Who: Serra vs Yorba Linda
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: Serra vs. Yorba Linda

As the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships in Division 2 heat up, one of the most anticipated matchups features Serra (Gardena) facing off against Yorba Linda in a highly competitive playoff game. With both teams entering the postseason with strong records and solid performances, this contest promises to be an exciting battle for a chance to advance further in the tournament.

Serra Cavaliers: Consistency and Explosive Offense

Serra (24-25) enters the playoff game with an 8-3 overall record, ranking 15th in California and 12th in their section. The Cavaliers have been consistent all season, with a .727 win percentage and a 4-1 league record. They’ve proven tough both at home (4-2) and on the road (4-1), with a balanced offense and solid defense that has allowed just 185 points on the season.

Serra’s offense has been productive, averaging 30.3 points per game. They have an explosive second quarter, where they average 15.8 points, and they continue to perform well in the fourth quarter with 9.6 points. However, they tend to slow down a bit in the first and third quarters, where they average just 5.6 points. To stay competitive with a high-scoring team like Yorba Linda, Serra will need to maintain offensive consistency throughout the game and make adjustments in the first and third quarters.

Yorba Linda Mustangs: Dominant with a Near-Perfect Record

Yorba Linda (24-25) comes into this matchup with a 10-1 overall record, ranking 22nd in California and 17th in their section. The Mustangs have been dominant this season with a .909 win percentage, a 4-1 record in league play, and a perfect 6-0 record on the road. Their offense has been impressive, scoring an average of 30.9 points per game, while their defense has allowed 233 points throughout the season.

Offensively, Yorba Linda has been most productive in the first and fourth quarters, where they score an average of 9.3 points in each. However, they’ve struggled in the third quarter, averaging only 1.8 points during that period. Their ability to maintain offensive momentum throughout the game, especially in the second half, will be crucial in this playoff contest.

Key Factors for Both Teams

For Serra, the key to success will be to maintain offensive consistency and take advantage of their strong second and fourth quarters. If they can improve their first-half scoring, they’ll have a better chance of staying competitive throughout the game. Their defense will also need to step up and contain the potent Yorba Linda offense.

Yorba Linda will need to focus on sustaining their strong offensive start and finding ways to improve their third-quarter production. Their ability to execute efficiently and stay balanced throughout the game will be essential for securing the win. Defensively, they will need to contain Serra’s explosive plays and force them into mistakes.

Conclusion: A Clash of Strengths

The upcoming CIF Southern Section Division 2 playoff game between Serra and Yorba Linda promises to be an exciting and closely contested battle. Serra’s ability to score in key moments, especially in the second and fourth quarters, will be crucial as they face a strong and well-rounded Yorba Linda team. On the other hand, Yorba Linda will rely on their undefeated road record and high-scoring offense to advance. With both teams having standout qualities, this game is expected to be a thrilling display of football that will leave fans on the edge of their seats.

The upcoming matchup between Serra and Yorba Linda features two highly competitive teams, both with strong offenses and capable defenses. As both teams head into this game with impressive records, fans can expect a thrilling contest between two squads with different offensive approaches but equally potent capabilities.

Offensive Breakdown

Serra has been impressive this season, averaging 387.2 total yards per game, with a well-balanced offense. The Cavaliers have been productive on the ground, averaging 154.7 rushing yards per game, led by standout running back Jimmy Butler, who contributes 34.4 rushing yards per game. On the air, Butler also serves as a dual threat, amassing 231.4 passing yards per game. With CJ McBean as a reliable receiver, who averages 71.6 receiving yards per game, Serra has the ability to strike from multiple angles.

In contrast, Yorba Linda has been more dominant in the rushing game, averaging 213.2 yards per game. Their ground attack is led by Cole Nerio, who rushes for 87.7 yards per game. Quarterback Holden Nagin complements the run game with 139.1 passing yards per game, and Troy Roberts provides a steady target in the receiving game, averaging 69.3 yards per game. Yorba Linda’s offense operates with a clear emphasis on their strong rushing game, while still being able to make plays in the passing game.

Both teams have a high total offensive output, but Serra holds a slight edge in total yards per game (387.2 to 353.1). However, Yorba Linda’s ability to dominate on the ground may prove to be a deciding factor in this matchup, as their rushing game can wear down defenses over time.

Defensive Comparison

Defensively, Serra has been effective, averaging 76.6 tackles per game and 3.0 sacks per game. This aggressive defense is led by Devohn Moutra Jr., who is a key contributor with 7.9 tackles per game. Robert James III provides added pressure, contributing 0.5 sacks per game. Serra’s defense will look to disrupt the opposing offense with its consistent tackling and pass rush.

On the other hand, Yorba Linda has shown solid defensive numbers, averaging 65.5 tackles per game and 1.7 sacks per game. The defense is led by Santiago Salas, who averages 7.4 tackles per game. Jaydon Wittler provides additional pass-rush potential with 1.0 sack per game. While their defense isn’t as aggressive as Serra’s, Yorba Linda’s ability to limit big plays and tackle effectively has been a key part of their success.

Overall, Serra’s defense has been slightly more productive, particularly in terms of sacks, but Yorba Linda’s solid tackling and ability to create turnovers have helped them remain one of the top defensive teams in the region.

Key Players to Watch

For Serra, Jimmy Butler is the player to watch. His ability to both rush and pass effectively gives the Cavaliers a dynamic weapon. Butler’s versatility makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. On defense, Devohn Moutra Jr. will need to continue his strong play in the tackle department, while Robert James III will be key in pressuring the quarterback.

For Yorba Linda, Cole Nerio will be crucial in powering the team’s rushing attack and controlling the game clock. Holden Nagin’s ability to manage the passing game and distribute the ball efficiently will be critical. Defensively, Santiago Salas will be key in containing Butler and limiting big plays, while Jaydon Wittler’s ability to get to the quarterback will be an important factor in keeping pressure on the Serra offense.

Record Breakdown

Serra enters this game with an 8-3 overall record, including a 4-1 mark in league play. Their balanced offense and aggressive defense have helped them secure key victories throughout the season. The Cavaliers have performed well at home, boasting a 4-1 record, but their 4-2 record away from home shows that they are capable of competing in hostile environments.

Yorba Linda, on the other hand, has had an even more dominant season with a 10-1 record. They have been perfect on the road, with a 6-0 mark, and their balanced approach has allowed them to stay undefeated in league play. Yorba Linda’s ability to win both at home and away will give them confidence heading into this matchup.

Conclusion

This game promises to be an exciting and closely contested affair, with both Serra and Yorba Linda bringing strong offensive and defensive units to the table. Serra’s dynamic attack, led by Jimmy Butler, will need to counter Yorba Linda’s powerful rushing offense, spearheaded by Cole Nerio. On defense, Serra’s ability to generate pressure and limit big plays will be key to containing the high-scoring offense of Yorba Linda.

Yorba Linda’s strong rushing game and solid defense have carried them to an impressive 10-1 record, but Serra’s balanced offensive approach and aggressive defense make them a formidable opponent. While both teams have shown the ability to perform under pressure, Yorba Linda’s dominance on the ground and overall record give them a slight edge heading into the game.

This is a must-watch matchup between two teams with different styles but a shared goal: to advance in the playoffs and make a run at the championship.