The Simi Valley varsity football team faces Edison from Huntington Beach in a high-stakes neutral-site playoff game tonight at 7 p.m. This matchup, part of the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (Division 3), promises an intense battle as both teams compete for a coveted spot in the next round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Edison vs Simi Valley
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – Division 3
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Edison vs. Simi Valley

Edison and Simi Valley are set to face off in what promises to be a compelling matchup, showcasing contrasting strengths and a battle of top-tier talent. Here’s an in-depth look at how these two teams stack up.

Team Comparison

Simi Valley enters the game with a high-powered offense, averaging 419.2 total yards per game compared to Edison’s 331.6. Their dominance is particularly evident in the air, where they average 213.8 passing yards and 213.4 receiving yards per game—well above Edison’s 135.0 and 135.5, respectively.

The rushing game, however, is nearly evenly matched. Edison’s 196.6 rushing yards per game are just behind Simi Valley’s 205.3, setting the stage for an intense ground battle.

Defensively, Simi Valley again holds an edge with 87.2 tackles per game compared to Edison’s 77.5. Simi Valley also leads in sacks per game, averaging 2.4 to Edison’s 1.5. Scoring-wise, Simi Valley’s explosive offense produces 39.6 points per game, significantly outpacing Edison’s 26.8.

Key Players

Both teams are led by standout athletes who are critical to their success:

• Edison:
  • Rushing Leader: #9 Julius Gillick is a workhorse, averaging an impressive 155.2 rushing yards per game.
  • Passing Leader: #11 Savelio Niumata contributes 115.9 passing yards per game.
  • Receiving Leader: #6 Ayden Degiacomo leads the receiving corps with 53.2 yards per game.
  • Defensive Leader: #31 Matt Lopez anchors the defense with 10.2 tackles per game, while #22 Jeremiah Ross adds 0.5 sacks per game.
  • Scoring Leader: Julius Gillick also leads the team in scoring with 13.5 points per game.
• Simi Valley:
  • Rushing Leader: #15 Brice Hawkins powers the ground game with 125.6 rushing yards per game.
  • Passing Leader: #1 Tagg Harrison is a standout quarterback, averaging 198.5 passing yards per game.
  • Receiving Leader: #17 Quentin McGahan leads with 63.4 receiving yards per game.
  • Defensive Leader: #9 Jayden Graham is a tackling machine with 11.5 tackles per game, while #33 Izak Simpson tallies 1.2 sacks per game.
  • Scoring Leader: Brice Hawkins shines with 17.1 points per game.

Season Records

Simi Valley’s 12-1 record highlights their dominance this season, especially in league play (4-1) and at home, where they remain undefeated (6-0). Edison, at 9-4, has also had a solid season, with a perfect 5-0 non-league record and a 3-0 playoff run, matching Simi Valley’s playoff success.

The key difference lies in away performance: Edison has struggled with a 1-4 road record, while Simi Valley has been consistent across all venues.

What to Watch For

Simi Valley’s balanced offense, led by quarterback Tagg Harrison and running back Brice Hawkins, poses a significant challenge for Edison’s defense. If Edison can limit Simi Valley’s aerial attack, they may be able to stay competitive by leaning on Julius Gillick’s dominant rushing game to control the clock.

Defensively, Edison will rely on Matt Lopez and Jeremiah Ross to disrupt Simi Valley’s rhythm. Meanwhile, Simi Valley’s Jayden Graham and Izak Simpson will aim to shut down Edison’s ground game and pressure Savelio Niumata in passing situations.

Final Thoughts

This matchup is a test of styles—Edison’s rushing attack versus Simi Valley’s aerial dominance. Simi Valley enters as the favorite with their high-scoring offense and strong defensive play, but Edison’s resilience and star power could make this a closer game than expected.

The stage is set for an exciting contest. Will Simi Valley continue their dominant season, or can Edison pull off the upset? Stay tuned for all the action!