The Moreau Catholic (Hayward, CA) varsity football team will host St. Bernard’s (Eureka, CA) in a home playoff game today at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 North Coast Section Football Championships, Division 7 tournament, where both teams will battle for a spot in the next round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: St. Bernard’s vs Moreau Catholic
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game preview: St. Bernard’s vs. Moreau Catholic

As the 2024-2025 high school football playoffs heat up, one of the most anticipated matchups in the North Coast Section Football Championships – Division 7 is the showdown between St. Bernard’s from Eureka and Moreau Catholic from Hayward. Both teams finished the regular season with identical 6-4 records, but their paths to the playoffs have been marked by different strengths and challenges.

St. Bernard’s Season Overview

St. Bernard’s enters the postseason as the underdog, holding a .600 overall win percentage but struggling in league play with a 0-3 record. Despite their tough league performance, the team has managed to perform well outside of conference play, finishing 4-2 in away games. Their scoring this season has been a bit unpredictable, averaging 6.1 points in the first and third quarters, followed by a strong finish in the fourth, where they score an average of 8.1 points per game.

• Overall Record: 6-4
• League Record: 0-3
• Home Record: 2-2
• Away Record: 4-2
• Points Scored: 298
• Points Allowed: 206
• Average Points Per Game (Final): 29.8
• Section Ranking: 58th
• Division Ranking: 4th

Although St. Bernard’s has had a mixed season, their ability to perform on the road and finish strong in the fourth quarter makes them a dangerous team, particularly when it comes to playoff football, where anything can happen.

Moreau Catholic Season Overview

Moreau Catholic, on the other hand, has had a more consistent season, finishing with a .600 overall win percentage. The team excelled in league play, posting a 5-1 record and demonstrating their dominance in conference matchups. Their 4-2 home record reflects a strong local presence, while their 2-2 record on the road shows they can compete in tough environments.

Offensively, Moreau Catholic has been a well-balanced team, averaging 9.4 points in the first quarter and 8.5 points in the second quarter, giving them a solid foundation early in games. However, their scoring dips slightly in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter where they average 6.8 points.

• Overall Record: 6-4
• League Record: 5-1
• Home Record: 4-2
• Away Record: 2-2
• Points Scored: 313
• Points Allowed: 262
• Average Points Per Game (Final): 31.3
• Section Ranking: 31st
• Division Ranking: 3rd

With an explosive offense averaging over 31 points per game, Moreau Catholic has the edge in scoring, and their strong league record shows they can rise to the occasion when it counts. Their defense, allowing 262 points, will need to be sharp to slow down St. Bernard’s in what promises to be an exciting playoff game.

Key Matchup: Offense vs. Defense

The primary difference between these two teams lies in their offensive consistency. Moreau Catholic’s ability to put up significant points early, averaging 17.9 points in the first half alone, contrasts with St. Bernard’s unpredictable start. However, St. Bernard’s has been known to finish strong, averaging 8.1 points in the fourth quarter. If they can keep the game close, their late-game push could be a factor.

The defensive battle will also be crucial. Moreau Catholic has been solid overall, though they’ve allowed more points than they would prefer. St. Bernard’s will need to exploit any weaknesses in Moreau’s defense to make a playoff run.

Looking Ahead:

As Moreau Catholic and St. Bernard’s prepare to meet in this pivotal home playoff game, it’s clear that both teams have unique strengths that could propel them forward. St. Bernard’s will rely on their ability to finish strong and perhaps cause an upset in a tightly contested game. Moreau Catholic, with their balanced offense and solid league performance, will look to take control early and put the game away before St. Bernard’s can mount a late rally.

Fans of both teams are in for an exciting matchup tonight at 7 p.m. in Hayward. With so much at stake, it’s sure to be a thrilling contest in the 2024 North Coast Section Football Championships!

As the season progresses, the matchups between teams with similar records often create intense, competitive games. In this article, we’ll dive into the performance of two strong teams—St. Bernard’s and Moreau Catholic—by examining their offensive and defensive statistics, team leaders, and overall records. Both teams have posted identical overall records (6-4), but the way they play and their respective strengths on the field could make the difference in a head-to-head showdown.

Offensive Comparison:

Rushing Yards per Game:

• St. Bernard’s: 118.8 yards
• Moreau Catholic: 150.0 yards

Moreau Catholic leads in rushing yards per game by a comfortable margin of 31.2 yards. With Jayden Bryant as a primary contributor, Moreau Catholic’s ability to control the ground game could be a key advantage, especially in situations where maintaining possession and wearing down the clock is crucial.

Passing Yards per Game:

• St. Bernard’s: 230.4 yards
• Moreau Catholic: 195.4 yards

St. Bernard’s surpasses Moreau Catholic in passing yards, averaging over 230 yards per game. Trenten Hagler is the primary quarterback for St. Bernard’s, and his passing attack is a significant strength for the team. Moreau Catholic, while solid through the air, relies more on its rushing attack, so St. Bernard’s ability to move the ball in the passing game could give them an advantage in high-scoring or come-from-behind situations.

Receiving Yards per Game:

• St. Bernard’s: 231.8 yards
• Moreau Catholic: 194.1 yards

St. Bernard’s also leads in receiving yards per game, reflecting their strong aerial attack. With Michael Manzi as their top target, St. Bernard’s has been able to generate substantial yardage through the air, complementing their solid passing game. Moreau Catholic’s receiving yards trail St. Bernard’s, but with players like Jalen Arnold, they are certainly capable of making big plays when needed.

Total Yards per Game:

• St. Bernard’s: 349.2 yards
• Moreau Catholic: 345.4 yards

St. Bernard’s averages slightly more total yards per game than Moreau Catholic, but the difference is marginal (3.8 yards). This shows that both teams are capable of moving the ball efficiently, with St. Bernard’s leaning more on their passing game and Moreau Catholic on their run game.

Defensive Comparison:

Tackles per Game:

• St. Bernard’s: 52.0 tackles
• Moreau Catholic: 61.9 tackles

Moreau Catholic’s defense has been more active, averaging nearly 10 more tackles per game than St. Bernard’s. With players like Eriq Fields leading the charge, Moreau Catholic’s defense is likely more focused on stopping the run and forcing quick decisions from opposing quarterbacks. This could give them an edge in high-pressure situations where stopping the run game is key.

Sacks per Game:

• St. Bernard’s: 2.1 sacks
• Moreau Catholic: 1.2 sacks

St. Bernard’s has a more effective pass rush, averaging nearly a sack per game more than Moreau Catholic. Jahseree Bailey leads the team in sacks and his ability to disrupt the pocket could be pivotal in slowing down Moreau Catholic’s offense, especially their passing game. Moreau Catholic’s defense, while solid, may need to improve their sack numbers to pressure opposing quarterbacks more effectively.

Scoring Comparison:

Points per Game:

• St. Bernard’s: 29.8 points
• Moreau Catholic: 27.7 points

St. Bernard’s scores more points per game, reflecting their ability to execute both in the passing and running game. They have more balance offensively, which could help them find ways to score consistently throughout the game. Moreau Catholic, though averaging fewer points, has the ability to score in bursts, particularly through their dynamic rushing attack.

Individual Leaders:

St. Bernard’s:

• Luis Malko-Allen leads the team in rushing yards with 38.0 yards per game, providing a solid complement to their passing game.
• Trenten Hagler is the top passer, throwing for 132.0 yards per game and contributing significantly to St. Bernard’s total yardage.
• Michael Manzi is the lead receiver with 85.2 yards per game, making him a primary target for Hagler.
• Ethan Hagler leads the team in tackles with 7.9 tackles per game, while Jahseree Bailey provides defensive pressure with 0.9 sacks per game.

Moreau Catholic:

• Jayden Bryant is the team’s leading rusher, contributing 102.6 yards per game, making him a key factor in Moreau Catholic’s ground game.
• Jeremiah Charles leads the passing attack with 187.0 yards per game, setting the stage for a balanced offensive strategy.
• Jalen Arnold is the top receiver for Moreau Catholic with 110.8 yards per game, contributing significantly to their passing game.
• Eriq Fields leads the defense with 10.0 tackles per game, while Miles Moore adds pressure with 0.6 sacks per game.

Record Breakdown:

• St. Bernard’s Record: 6-4 overall, 0-3 in league play, 6-1 in non-league games.
• Moreau Catholic Record: 6-4 overall, 5-1 in league play, 1-3 in non-league games.

Both teams have identical overall records, but St. Bernard’s has been more successful in non-league games (6-1), while Moreau Catholic has excelled in league play, posting a 5-1 record. St. Bernard’s struggles in league play could be attributed to tougher competition, while Moreau Catholic’s strong league record reflects their consistency in conference matchups.

Home and Away Performance:

• St. Bernard’s: 2-2 at home, 4-2 away
• Moreau Catholic: 4-2 at home, 2-2 away

St. Bernard’s has performed better on the road, while Moreau Catholic has been more consistent at home. This could play a factor in a potential matchup, depending on the location.

Conclusion:

Both St. Bernard’s and Moreau Catholic are well-rounded teams with strengths on both sides of the ball. St. Bernard’s is the more potent offensive unit, with a strong passing game and solid rushing attack, while Moreau Catholic relies on a more balanced offense and a defense that excels in tackling and stopping the run. Moreau Catholic’s greater success in league play could give them confidence, while St. Bernard’s non-league performance suggests they are capable of competing against strong opponents.

This matchup will likely come down to which team can impose its will on both sides of the ball. St. Bernard’s will need to leverage their aerial attack to break through Moreau Catholic’s defense, while Moreau Catholic will look to control the clock with their running game and aggressive defense. Fans can expect an exciting, hard-fought contest between these two evenly matched teams.