The Arleta (CA) varsity football team will face South Gate (CA) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 CIF LA City Section Football Championships – Division II tournament, with both teams competing for a spot in the next round.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: South Gate vs Arleta
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 CIF LA City Section Football Championships – Division II
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: South Gate vs. Arleta
The 2024 CIF LA City Section Football Championships – Division II tournament is heating up, and one of the most thrilling matchups is set between South Gate (CA) and Arleta (CA) on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. Both teams have had varied seasons, but they now face off in a crucial playoff contest that could propel one of them into the next round.
South Gate’s Roller Coaster Season
South Gate enters this game with a .500 record, going 6-6 overall. They struggled in league play, finishing 1-5, but their overall performance has shown flashes of potential. The team has been fairly balanced at home (3-4) and on the road (2-1), with a neutral site record of 1-1. South Gate has put up 376 points this season, averaging 31.3 points per game, but their defense has allowed 383 points, which has been a significant factor in their struggles. Offensively, they have been most productive in the second quarter (9.7 points) and the fourth quarter (9.5 points), indicating they are capable of producing when it counts. However, South Gate will need to tighten up their defense to compete with Arleta’s high-powered offense.
Arleta’s Strong Campaign
Arleta has had a strong and consistent season, posting a 9-3 record and finishing with a .750 win percentage. Their league performance was solid as well, finishing 5-2, and they have been dominant on the road, boasting a 4-0 record away from home. Arleta’s offense has been potent, scoring 384 points and averaging 32.0 points per game. Their offensive attack has been balanced throughout the game, averaging 6.2 points in the first quarter, 9.5 in the second, 8.5 in the third, and 6.9 in the fourth. Arleta’s ability to score in every quarter, combined with their solid defense, has made them a formidable team throughout the season. Their defense has allowed just 260 points, showing they can control the tempo of games and limit opposing offenses.
Key Factors in the Matchup
In this playoff game, South Gate will need to find a way to improve their defensive play, especially after allowing more points than they’ve scored this season. While they are capable of scoring, they will have a tough task slowing down Arleta’s potent offense. Arleta, on the other hand, will look to capitalize on their balanced scoring and strong defense to control the game from start to finish.
Both teams have shown that they are capable of putting up points, but Arleta’s more consistent offensive production and strong defense give them the edge heading into this matchup. South Gate will need to be at their best, particularly in terms of defensive strategy, to keep up with Arleta’s high-powered attack.
As South Gate and Arleta gear up for a crucial matchup, analyzing their stats and team performance sheds light on the strengths and areas of focus for both sides. With both teams posting identical all-time records of 24-25, this encounter promises to be a battle of grit and strategy.
Team Stats Overview
Arleta boasts an edge in rushing, total yardage, and scoring, while South Gate excels in passing and receiving.
| Category | South Gate | Arleta |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 130.2 | 182.3 |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 190.2 | 150.8 |
| Receiving Yards Per Game | 195.8 | 149.5 |
| Total Yards Per Game | 320.3 | 333.2 |
| Tackles Per Game | 60.2 | 56.4 |
| Sacks Per Game | 0.8 | 1.1 |
| Points Per Game | 27.7 | 31.3 |
Arleta’s offensive line, with 39 pancake blocks led by #70 Fabian Contreras (16 pancake blocks), creates opportunities for their rushing game, helping them achieve 182.3 rushing yards per game. Meanwhile, South Gate leans on their passing attack, led by #6 Michael Gonzalez, who averages 161.0 passing yards per game.
Team Leaders
Key players for both sides highlight their contrasting styles of play.
| Category | South Gate | Arleta | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rushing | #4 Eric Myers (91.5 YPG) | #10 Jose Rosas (83.7 YPG) | 20.2 YPG |
| Passing | #6 Michael Gonzalez (161.0 YPG) | #4 Austin Ramos (143.3 YPG) | 51.2 YPG |
| Receiving | #1 Francisco Meza (111.4 YPG) | #10 Jose Rosas (51.3 YPG) | 17.3 YPG |
| Total Yards | #2 Nicholas Fonseca (189.0 YPG) | #4 Austin Ramos (170.5 YPG) | 36.5 YPG |
| Tackles | #18 Alexander Gallegos (9.0 TPG) | #1 Erik Favela (6.6 TPG) | 2.7 TPG |
| Sacks | #18 Alexander Gallegos (0.5 SPG) | #21 Richard Pitts (0.4 SPG) | 0.2 SPG |
| Points | #2 Nicholas Fonseca (9.0 PPG) | #10 Jose Rosas (11.0 PPG) | 2.6 PPG |
Record Breakdown
Arleta’s superior 9-3 record, including a strong 5-2 showing in league play, indicates their consistency throughout the season. South Gate’s 6-6 record reveals a more inconsistent path, with struggles in league play (1-5).
| Category | South Gate | Arleta |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 6-6 | 9-3 |
| League Record | 1-5 | 5-2 |
| Non-League Record | 3-1 | 2-1 |
| Home Record | 3-4 | 5-3 |
| Away Record | 2-1 | 4-0 |
| Playoff Record | 2-0 | 2-0 |
Matchup Highlights
- South Gate’s Strategy: Leveraging their aerial attack, South Gate will rely on Michael Gonzalez and Francisco Meza to exploit Arleta’s secondary.
- Arleta’s Strategy: A run-heavy approach behind Jose Rosas and Fabian Contreras’s blocking could control the clock and wear down South Gate’s defense.
- Defensive Factors: South Gate’s tackling ability, led by Alexander Gallegos, must neutralize Arleta’s rushing offense. Conversely, Arleta’s pass rush will aim to disrupt Gonzalez’s rhythm.
Conclusion
This matchup pits South Gate’s passing prowess against Arleta’s ground game. While Arleta enters as the slight favorite based on their consistent record and dominant rushing attack, South Gate’s ability to strike quickly through the air could make for a thrilling contest. Whichever team imposes its style of play will likely secure victory.
