The San Diego (CA) varsity football team will host St. Augustine (San Diego, CA) in an exciting home playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF San Diego Section Football Championships (California) – Division III tournament, promising a thrilling contest between local rivals.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: St. Augustine vs San Diego
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 CIF San Diego Section Football Championships (California) – Division III
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: San Diego Outpaces St. Augustine
The comparison of the 2024-25 football season statistics between St. Augustine and San Diego High Schools paints a clear picture of two programs with vastly different trajectories. San Diego has shown dominance both on the scoreboard and in their win-loss record, while St. Augustine has struggled to find footing in a challenging season.
Rankings and Records
In California’s high school football landscape, San Diego is ranked 264th overall and 26th in their division, reflecting a solid standing. St. Augustine, by contrast, is ranked 282nd overall and 27th in their division. While the numerical gap between their rankings may not seem large, their season records tell a different story.
- San Diego High School:
- Overall Record: 8-3
- League Record: 3-1
- Home Record: 4-1
- Away Record: 4-2
- Win Percentage: 72.7%
- League Win Percentage: 75.0%
- Points For (PF): 339
- Points Against (PA): 157
- St. Augustine High School:
- Overall Record: 2-10
- League Record: 0-4
- Home Record: 1-5
- Away Record: 1-5
- Win Percentage: 16.7%
- League Win Percentage: 0.0%
- Points For (PF): 112
- Points Against (PA): 314
San Diego has significantly outscored their opponents, with a positive point differential of +182. Meanwhile, St. Augustine’s -202 differential reflects their defensive and offensive challenges.
Scoring Averages by Quarter
The teams’ scoring averages highlight a stark contrast in offensive efficiency:
- St. Augustine struggles to produce points consistently, averaging only 9.3 points per game. Their highest-scoring quarter is the third, with 3.9 points, while the fourth quarter sees a sharp decline to just 0.9 points.
- San Diego, on the other hand, starts strong, averaging 10 points in the first quarter and peaking in the second with 13 points. They maintain a balanced offensive performance throughout the game, averaging 30.8 points per contest.
Key Takeaways
San Diego’s success can be attributed to their well-rounded performance, particularly their ability to establish early leads and maintain momentum through all four quarters. Their defensive efforts also shine, as they have allowed just 157 points over 11 games.
St. Augustine’s season, while challenging, may offer learning opportunities for the future. Their inability to capitalize in critical moments and their struggles in league play highlight areas for improvement in both offense and defense.
As the season progresses, San Diego looks poised to remain a competitive force, while St. Augustine may need to regroup and strategize for better outcomes in the next season.
As the football season progresses, St. Augustine and San Diego High Schools find themselves at opposite ends of the spectrum. San Diego has enjoyed a successful 8-3 campaign, while St. Augustine has struggled through a challenging 2-10 season. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how these teams compare statistically and what their numbers reveal about their respective performances.
Team Performance Comparison
Offensive Production
San Diego’s offense has been far more productive, averaging 287.4 total yards per game compared to St. Augustine’s 153.6. The bulk of San Diego’s yardage comes from their rushing attack, with 157.9 yards per game, led by Jayden Johnson’s 108.8 rushing yards per game. Meanwhile, St. Augustine relies more heavily on their passing game, though they only manage 66.3 yards per game through the air, with Kekoa Da Luz accounting for most of that production.
Scoring Efficiency
San Diego has a decisive edge in scoring, putting up 25.6 points per game compared to St. Augustine’s 9.3. This significant disparity highlights San Diego’s ability to finish drives and convert yardage into points, a key weakness for St. Augustine.
Defensive Performance
While St. Augustine averages slightly more tackles per game (65.7 to San Diego’s 59.3), San Diego leads in sack production (1.4 per game to 1.2). Defensive leaders like Xavier Wilson, with 12.2 tackles per game for San Diego, have helped solidify their defense, compared to St. Augustine’s top tackler, Pai Polamalu, who averages 9.8 tackles per game.
Team Leaders
Rushing Leaders
- St. Augustine: Caelyb Aguirre leads with 51.0 rushing yards per game, reflecting a modest but consistent contribution.
- San Diego: Jayden Johnson has been dominant, averaging 108.8 yards per game, well above the national average of 20.2.
Passing Leaders
- St. Augustine: Kekoa Da Luz leads the team with 73.5 passing yards per game, struggling to gain significant yardage.
- San Diego: Jayden Harris shines as a dual-threat quarterback, averaging 139.8 passing yards per game and contributing to the team’s overall efficiency.
Receiving Leaders
- St. Augustine: Michael Ruiz leads with just 16.0 receiving yards per game, emphasizing the team’s limited passing production.
- San Diego: Kye Cooper provides a strong receiving presence with 44.3 yards per game, giving Harris a reliable target.
Defensive Leaders
- St. Augustine: Pai Polamalu has been a defensive standout, averaging 9.8 tackles per game.
- San Diego: Xavier Wilson anchors the defense with 12.2 tackles per game, showcasing his ability to make key stops.
Record Comparison
Overall Records
- San Diego: 8-3 overall, including a 3-1 league record and a 4-2 non-league record.
- St. Augustine: A tough 2-10 overall record, with no league wins (0-4) and a 0-6 non-league mark.
Home vs. Away Performance
San Diego has been consistent, going 4-1 at home and 4-2 away. St. Augustine, however, has struggled both at home (1-5) and on the road (1-5).
Playoff Success
San Diego has demonstrated playoff potential with a 1-0 record, while St. Augustine remains winless in postseason competition.
Key Insights
- San Diego’s Balanced Attack
San Diego’s success stems from their balanced offense, led by Jayden Harris’s strong passing game and Jayden Johnson’s dynamic rushing ability. Their ability to score efficiently and consistently has been the cornerstone of their 8-win season. - St. Augustine’s Offensive Struggles
St. Augustine’s limited yardage and low scoring output reflect an offense that struggles to sustain drives and capitalize on opportunities. Their reliance on modest contributions from individual players highlights the need for greater cohesion and production. - Defensive Potential
Both teams have capable defensive leaders in Xavier Wilson and Pai Polamalu, but San Diego’s higher sack rate and ability to hold opponents in check have contributed significantly to their winning record.
Conclusion
This season has been a tale of two very different teams. San Diego has capitalized on a balanced, high-scoring offense and solid defense to establish themselves as a playoff contender. In contrast, St. Augustine has faced significant challenges, with difficulties on both sides of the ball contributing to their tough season.
As these teams move forward, St. Augustine will aim to rebuild and improve on their weaknesses, while San Diego will look to sustain their momentum and continue their winning ways. Whether through strategic adjustments or standout performances, the storylines of these teams provide a fascinating glimpse into the highs and lows of high school football.