The Serrano varsity football team from Phelan will face St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy from Downey in a neutral-site playoff game tonight at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (Division 8), where both teams aim to advance further in the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Serrano (CA) vs St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy (CA)
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – Division 8
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Serrano vs. St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy

As SPXSMA prepares to take on Serrano, the matchup highlights two teams with vastly different seasons and playing styles. Serrano comes in as a strong contender with a balanced approach, while SPXSMA looks to overcome its offensive struggles. Here’s a breakdown of the key stats and players heading into this game.

Team Comparison

Offensively, Serrano has been the more dominant team, averaging 285.7 total yards per game, with 201.5 rushing yards per game being their strongest suit. Their passing game, led by Issiah Romo, adds 84.2 yards per game, complemented by a solid average of 27.3 points per game.

SPXSMA, on the other hand, has struggled on offense, averaging just 75.4 total yards per game. Their rushing attack has managed 18.3 yards per game, and their passing game contributes 57.1 yards per game. Scoring has been a challenge, with SPXSMA averaging only 2.3 points per game, a stark contrast to Serrano’s offensive output.

Defensively, Serrano holds an edge as well, with 51.9 tackles per game and 1.8 sacks per game, compared to SPXSMA’s 43.6 tackles and 0.8 sacks per game. Serrano’s ability to pressure opponents and control the game defensively could be key.

Key Players

For SPXSMA, the offense runs through Jassi Williams (#9), who averages 59.5 rushing yards and 185.5 passing yards per game, accounting for 245 total yards per game. He also leads the team in scoring with 6.0 points per game. Defensively, Geremya Hood (#8) stands out with 7.5 tackles per game, while Marcus Ball (#50) contributes 0.3 sacks per game.

Serrano relies heavily on Trevor McSween (#30), a powerhouse on the ground, averaging 150.2 rushing yards per game and 10.7 points per game. Issiah Romo (#9) adds consistency in the passing game with 91.0 yards per game, while Cade Lafever (#14) leads in receiving with 45.5 yards per game. Defensively, Elijah Martinez (#3) leads with 6.8 tackles per game, and Davion Macauley (#70) contributes 0.4 sacks per game.

Record Breakdown

SPXSMA has endured a tough season, posting a 4-9 overall record and struggling in both league (1-4) and non-league (0-5) play. Their home record stands at 1-4, with a 1-5 record on the road, though they’ve found some success in neutral-site games (2-0).

Serrano boasts a 9-3 overall record and has excelled in both league (3-2) and non-league (3-1) matchups. They have been strong at home (4-1) and steady on the road (3-2). Serrano also remains undefeated in neutral-site games (2-0) and playoffs (3-0), demonstrating their ability to perform in high-pressure situations.

What to Watch For

SPXSMA must find a way to ignite their offense and lean on the playmaking abilities of Jassi Williams. Their defense will need to contain Trevor McSween and limit Serrano’s ground game to stay competitive.

For Serrano, maintaining their balanced attack will be key. With McSween leading the rushing game and Romo providing steady passing, Serrano has the tools to control the pace. Their defense, led by Elijah Martinez and Davion Macauley, should aim to shut down SPXSMA’s limited offensive threats.

Prediction

Serrano enters this matchup as the heavy favorite. Their well-rounded offense and solid defense make them a tough opponent for SPXSMA, whose struggles on both sides of the ball have been evident throughout the season. Expect Serrano to dominate the ground game and capitalize on SPXSMA’s offensive inefficiencies to secure another win.