The Sonora (CA) varsity football team is set to face Bradshaw Christian (Sacramento, CA) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 11:00 AM. This game is part of the 2024 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Football Playoffs – Division 6 tournament, with both teams aiming for a chance to advance in the postseason.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Sonora (CA) vs Bradshaw Christian (CA)
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Football Playoffs – Division 6
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Sonora vs. Bradshaw Christian

As the season enters its final stretch, the undefeated Bradshaw Christian Pride and the 10-2 Sonora Wildcats are set to face off in what promises to be a thrilling game. With both teams boasting explosive offenses and solid defenses, this matchup is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated of the season. Let’s break down how these two teams compare in key areas of performance.

Team Statistics Comparison

Both Bradshaw Christian and Sonora have shown impressive offensive and defensive statistics this season. Here’s how they stack up:

• Offense:
  Bradshaw Christian leads in total offense with 465.7 yards per game, while Sonora averages 399.7 yards per game. Both teams excel in the rushing game, with Bradshaw Christian posting 333.9 rushing yards per game and Sonora right behind with 330.7.
  In the air, Bradshaw Christian has the advantage, averaging 131.8 passing yards per game compared to Sonora’s 69.0.
  • Scoring: Bradshaw Christian has been slightly more prolific in scoring, putting up 45.8 points per game, while Sonora averages 42.3 points.
• Defense:
  Bradshaw Christian also leads in tackles per game, averaging 67.4 compared to Sonora’s 49.8. The Pride’s defense is more disruptive, registering 2.5 sacks per game versus Sonora’s 1.5.

Team Leaders

The individual performances of both teams’ stars have been a key factor in their success this season.

• Rushing:
  Bradshaw Christian’s Mateo Mojica leads the ground game with 107.6 rushing yards per game, while Sonora’s Tommy Sutton is slightly behind with 105.1 yards per game.
• Passing:
  Ethan Rickert of Bradshaw Christian leads in passing yards with 131.8 per game, while Sonora’s Eli Ingalls throws for just 69.0 yards per game.
• Receiving:
  Bradshaw Christian’s Devyn McDonald II leads in receiving with 48.2 yards per game, while Sonora’s Wyatt Holt has 20.6 yards per game.
• Total Yards:
  Bradshaw Christian’s Rickert also leads in total yards, with 152.1 yards per game, while Sonora’s Sutton posts 107.0 yards per game.
• Defense:
  On defense, Bradshaw Christian’s Samuel Danilyuk is the leading tackler with 10.8 tackles per game, while Sonora’s Brody Speer registers 5.4 tackles per game. The Pride’s Devyn McDonald II has been effective in disrupting opposing offenses, recording 1.2 sacks per game, while Sonora’s Brody Speer has 0.3 sacks per game.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced some common opponents this season, and both have come out victorious:

• Woodland Christian:
  Bradshaw Christian won 27-6, while Sonora triumphed 28-0.
• Ripon Christian:
  Bradshaw Christian won 55-7, while Sonora won 42-21.

Both teams have proven their dominance over these opponents, but Bradshaw Christian’s victories have been by larger margins, showcasing their high-powered offense.

Record Breakdown

The teams have impressive records, with both squads entering the game with strong playoff résumés:

• Overall Record:
  Bradshaw Christian stands at a perfect 12-0, while Sonora has a solid 10-2 record.
• League Play:
  Bradshaw Christian has been dominant in league play, going 7-0, while Sonora finished 4-2 in league.
• Non-League:
  Sonora excelled in non-league games, finishing 4-0, while Bradshaw Christian went 3-0.
• Playoffs:
  Both teams have been perfect in the postseason, each going 2-0.
• Home/Away:
  Bradshaw Christian has been dominant at home with a 6-0 record, while Sonora also boasts an undefeated 5-0 record at home.
  On the road, Bradshaw Christian has a 4-0 record, and Sonora stands at 3-2.

Key Matchup Considerations

• Bradshaw Christian:
  The Pride’s high-scoring offense, led by Mateo Mojica and Ethan Rickert, will look to overpower Sonora’s defense. Bradshaw Christian’s solid defense and ability to force sacks could disrupt Sonora’s offensive rhythm.
• Sonora:
  Sonora will need a strong performance from Tommy Sutton in the rushing game and rely on the defense, especially Brody Speer and Marco Jones, to slow down Bradshaw Christian’s potent offense. The Wildcats will also need to improve their passing game if they want to keep pace with Bradshaw Christian’s scoring.

Prediction

While Sonora has been a strong team this season, Bradshaw Christian’s undefeated record, balanced offensive attack, and stifling defense make them the favorite going into this matchup. If Sonora can execute a game plan that limits the big plays from Bradshaw Christian’s offense and capitalize on turnovers, they might stand a chance at pulling off an upset. However, Bradshaw Christian’s combination of rushing and passing ability, along with their superior defense, positions them as the team to beat. Expect a close but ultimately high-scoring game, with Bradshaw Christian likely coming out on top due to their overall depth and explosive playmakers.