The St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy (Downey, CA) varsity football team will host Sonora (CA) in a playoff matchup today at 3 p.m. as part of the 2024 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games, Division 4-A. Both teams are determined to advance in this high-stakes postseason clash.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: California State Football Championship Bowl Games
Who: Sonora vs St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy
When: Today, December 14, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games – Division 4-A
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Sonora vs. St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy
The 2024 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games, Division 4-A, continues today as the St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy (Downey, CA) football team hosts Sonora (CA) at 3 p.m. in a pivotal playoff matchup. Both teams are vying for a spot in the next round, with Sonora entering as a dominant force and SPXSMA looking to overcome their underdog status.
Sonora: A Powerhouse Offense
- Overall Record: 12-2
- League Record: 4-2
- Home Record: 6-0
- Away Record: 3-2
- Neutral Record: 3-0
- Winning Percentage: .857
- League Winning Percentage: .667
- Points For (PF): 605
- Points Against (PA): 251
Sonora has been a standout team this season, boasting a 12-2 record and an undefeated 6-0 performance at home. Their offense has been explosive, averaging 43.2 points per game. They excel in the second and fourth quarters, scoring 13.2 and 13.3 points on average, respectively. Their defense complements their high-scoring offense, limiting opponents to just 251 points over the season.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Q1: 10.4
- Q2: 13.2
- Q3: 7.0
- Q4: 13.3
- Final: 43.2 points per game
Sonora’s ability to finish strong in the fourth quarter has been a key factor in their success, making them a formidable opponent in this playoff clash.
St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy: Underdog Ambitions
- Overall Record: 6-9
- League Record: 1-4
- Home Record: 2-4
- Away Record: 1-5
- Neutral Record: 3-0
- Winning Percentage: .400
- League Winning Percentage: .200
- Points For (PF): 311
- Points Against (PA): 421
SPXSMA has faced a challenging season, with a 6-9 record and only two wins at home. Their offense averages 20.7 points per game, with their highest scoring coming in the first and fourth quarters. However, they have struggled to maintain momentum through the second and third quarters, which has often left them trailing in key matchups.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Q1: 6.7
- Q2: 5.8
- Q3: 2.9
- Q4: 6.9
- Final: 20.7 points per game
Despite their struggles, SPXSMA has shown resilience, especially in neutral site games where they remain undefeated.
Key Matchup Insights
Sonora’s high-powered offense and balanced scoring across all quarters give them a significant edge in this matchup. Their ability to score consistently and dominate in critical moments will test SPXSMA’s defense.
For SPXSMA, the challenge will be to find early offensive rhythm and limit Sonora’s explosive plays. If they can disrupt Sonora’s momentum and capitalize on key opportunities, they may find a path to an upset.
Conclusion
Sonora enters the game as the clear favorite, armed with a dominant record and an offense that has been difficult to stop. However, SPXSMA has the chance to rise to the occasion and deliver a standout performance on their home field. The stakes are high, and this Division 4-A playoff showdown promises to deliver excitement for fans and players alike.
