The South Gate varsity football team faces off against Chatsworth today at 2:30 p.m. in a neutral playoff game. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF LA City Section Football Championships – Division II tournament, where both teams will compete for a chance to advance in the postseason.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California State Football Championship
Who: South Gate (CA) vs Chatsworth (CA)
When: Today, November 30, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF LA City Section Football Championships – Division II
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Chatsworth vs. South Gate

The 2024-2025 high school sports season has seen both Chatsworth and South Gate make their mark with varying results. Both teams have demonstrated their strengths and faced challenges, and their performances thus far provide an interesting contrast in styles and outcomes. Let’s take a closer look at each team’s season so far, focusing on their scoring trends, defensive performances, and overall rankings.

Chatsworth (8-5 Overall, 2-3 League Record)

Chatsworth has put together an 8-5 overall record, showing a solid level of performance but facing difficulties in league play with a 2-3 mark. The team has been more successful at home, with a 4-1 record, but has struggled on the road (2-4) and in neutral-site games (2-0), reflecting some inconsistency away from home.

Scoring Performance: Chatsworth has averaged 21.8 points per game across the season. Their offensive output tends to vary throughout the game. They start slow in the first quarter with just 4.2 points, but pick up momentum in the second quarter, scoring 6.0 points. However, their offense significantly dips in the second half, especially in the fourth quarter where they average only 2.0 points. This second-half struggle has likely contributed to some of their league losses, as they have not been able to finish games as strong as they begin them.

Defensive Overview: On the defensive side, Chatsworth has allowed 326 points, averaging 24.9 points per game allowed. This indicates that while their offense has been somewhat limited, their defense has struggled to contain opposing teams. If they want to improve their record in league play, tightening up their defense and finding more offensive production in the latter stages of games will be crucial.

South Gate (7-6 Overall, 1-5 League Record)

South Gate, with a slightly lower overall record of 7-6, has faced more difficulty in league play, posting a 1-5 record. Their mixed results on the road (2-1) and at home (3-4) suggest they have had some inconsistency in their matchups, although their neutral site performance (2-1) shows promise when playing away from home.

Scoring Performance: South Gate has averaged a high 33.6 points per game, showcasing a potent offense. Their offensive strength is most notable in the second half, where they average 6.2 points in the third quarter and 10.2 points in the fourth quarter. This late-game scoring surge suggests that South Gate has the ability to close out games effectively, as evidenced by their fourth-quarter output. However, they tend to start strong, scoring 7.2 points in the first quarter and 10.0 points in the second quarter, setting them up for competitive games.

Defensive Overview: South Gate has allowed 426 points this season, averaging 32.7 points per game allowed. Their defense has been leaky at times, allowing almost as many points as they score. This indicates that while they can score in bunches, their vulnerability on defense has contributed to some of their losses, particularly in their league play where they have struggled to contain high-scoring opponents.

Head-to-Head: Chatsworth vs. South Gate

While both teams have posted similar overall records, the contrast in their scoring patterns and defensive performances is stark.

• Offensive Strength: South Gate has the edge in scoring, with a higher average of 33.6 points per game compared to Chatsworth’s 21.8 points. South Gate’s ability to score consistently throughout the game, especially in the second half, has been a key factor in their performances, despite their defensive struggles.
• Defensive Weakness: Both teams have allowed a significant number of points, with Chatsworth conceding 326 points (24.9 per game) and South Gate allowing 426 points (32.7 per game). However, South Gate’s defense has been more porous, which has likely contributed to their difficult league record.
• Quarterly Scoring Trends: Chatsworth’s scoring averages show that they start games slowly, but South Gate, on the other hand, tends to build a strong foundation early in the game and holds their ground in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter. South Gate’s late-game offensive strength is a clear difference from Chatsworth’s inability to finish strong.

Key Areas for Improvement

• Chatsworth: To remain competitive and improve their standing, Chatsworth needs to find ways to score more consistently, particularly in the second half of games. A stronger finish and a more effective defense will be key for them to improve their league performance and continue to build on their home-game success.
• South Gate: While their offense is impressive, South Gate’s defensive lapses need to be addressed if they are to compete at a higher level, especially in their league. Limiting opponents’ scoring, particularly late in games, will be critical to their success moving forward.

Conclusion

Chatsworth and South Gate both have their strengths and weaknesses, and while South Gate has been more effective offensively, their defense has often been their downfall. Chatsworth, with a more balanced scoring effort, will need to shore up their defense and improve their performance in the second half to make a stronger push in league play. As both teams continue through the season, their ability to adjust and capitalize on these areas of improvement will determine their success in upcoming games.