The Salesian varsity football team will face St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – Division 8 tournament, where Salesian aims to continue its strong season and advance further in the competition.

Team Records and Rankings

Salesian enters this playoff game with an impressive 9-3 record, including a perfect 5-0 mark in league play. Their overall success has been built on a balanced offense, averaging 27.6 points per game and a solid defense that has allowed only 151 points. The team has been effective at both home (5-1) and away (3-2), with one neutral-site victory.

On the other hand, St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy has struggled this season, posting a 3-9 record. Their league performance was equally tough, with a 1-4 record. However, they have shown resilience, especially in neutral-site games, where they remain undefeated with a 1-0 record. St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy’s offense has averaged just 18.7 points per game, while their defense has given up 381 points over the course of the season.

Scoring Averages

Salesian’s offense has been consistent throughout the season, averaging 27.6 points per game. They have been particularly strong in the first half, with 8.4 points in the first quarter and 9.4 in the second. While their scoring slows down in the second half (8.0 points in the third and 6.9 in the fourth), they have been able to maintain a comfortable lead in most games.

In comparison, St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy has faced challenges in generating consistent offense. They average 5.9 points in the first quarter, 3.9 in the second, and 2.9 in the third, with a slight improvement to 5.3 points in the fourth quarter. Their scoring struggles have been a key factor in their overall record this season.

What’s at Stake?

This game is crucial for both teams as they seek to advance in the CIF Southern Section Football Championships. Salesian will look to continue its dominant season and utilize its offensive firepower to overpower St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy. Meanwhile, the underdogs will aim to defy expectations and upset Salesian by finding a way to break through their defense and execute a more efficient offensive game plan.

With Salesian’s strong season and St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy’s challenges, this game sets the stage for an exciting playoff clash. Fans can expect a high-energy match, with Salesian looking to prove they are a true contender for the Division 8 championship.

As the season progresses toward the postseason, the teams of SPXSMA and Salesian have had different journeys to get to this point. While Salesian boasts an impressive 9-3 record, SPXSMA has struggled with a 3-9 record overall. However, the two teams share some interesting statistics that will influence how they fare in their upcoming matchups. Here’s a breakdown of their performances, strengths, and key players as they prepare to face off.

Offensive Comparison

• Rushing Yards: Salesian has a commanding lead in the rushing game, averaging 221.5 rushing yards per game, compared to SPXSMA’s 19.8. J’ Anthony Cobb has been the key contributor for Salesian, rushing for 85.7 yards per game. SPXSMA’s rushing attack has been less potent, with Jassi Williams leading the team with just 59.5 rushing yards per game. Salesian’s ability to dominate on the ground will likely give them control of the tempo and a strong advantage.
• Passing Yards: SPXSMA leads in passing yards with 61.8 yards per game, but Salesian is far more effective in the air, averaging 153.9 passing yards per game. Cameron Crutcher has been Salesian’s main passer, throwing for 138.3 yards per game. While SPXSMA has relied more on their passing game, their overall yardage is significantly lower, meaning that Salesian has a more balanced and explosive offensive attack.
• Receiving Yards: Salesian also leads in receiving yards, with 152.5 receiving yards per game. Ayden Ramirez is their top target, averaging 40.6 receiving yards per game. SPXSMA, on the other hand, does not have a standout receiving game and has struggled to produce through the air. This disparity in passing and receiving will likely play a major role in the teams’ offensive success.
• Total Yards: Salesian dominates in total yards, averaging 375.4 yards per game compared to SPXSMA’s 81.7. This stark contrast in offensive production highlights Salesian’s ability to move the ball efficiently, whether through the air or on the ground. SPXSMA will need to find a way to increase their offensive output and keep up with Salesian’s high-scoring offense.

Defensive Comparison

• Tackles Per Game: Both teams have similar defensive performances in terms of tackles, with Salesian averaging 43.6 tackles per game and SPXSMA averaging 43.4 tackles per game. The defense on both sides has been engaged, but neither team has particularly stood out in this category. However, Salesian’s overall more talented roster might give them an edge in winning key defensive battles.
• Sacks Per Game: Salesian also has a clear advantage in sacks, with 2.1 sacks per game compared to SPXSMA’s 0.9. Salesian’s ability to generate pressure on the quarterback is an important factor, as it can disrupt offensive rhythm and lead to turnovers. Marcus Ball has been SPXSMA’s primary pass rusher with 0.4 sacks per game, but Salesian’s defense, led by Alex Vasquez with 1.0 sacks per game, will likely have more success in pressuring the quarterback.

Scoring Comparison

• Points Per Game: Salesian has been much more successful in terms of scoring, averaging 26.9 points per game. In contrast, SPXSMA has only managed to score an average of 2.5 points per game. J’ Anthony Cobb has been Salesian’s primary scorer with 8.2 points per game, while Jassi Williams leads SPXSMA with 6.0 points per game. The ability of Salesian to consistently put points on the board is one of the key reasons for their strong record.

Record Breakdown

• Overall Record: Salesian enters this matchup with a solid 9-3 record, while SPXSMA has struggled, sitting at 3-9 overall. Salesian’s 9-3 record reflects their dominance and strong performances throughout the season. In contrast, SPXSMA will need to overcome their struggles and find a way to compete with a much stronger team.
• League Record: Salesian is undefeated in league play with a 5-0 record, while SPXSMA has struggled with a 1-4 league record. Salesian’s perfect league record shows their ability to dominate within their conference, while SPXSMA has had difficulties in league matchups.
• Non-League Record: SPXSMA has a 0-5 record in non-league play, while Salesian has a 2-3 non-league record. While Salesian has had its share of challenges in non-league games, their overall record still stands at an impressive 9-3, showing their ability to bounce back in important games.
• Home/Away Record: Salesian has been strong at home, with a 5-1 home record, while SPXSMA has struggled at home with a 1-4 record. Both teams have similar away records, with Salesian sitting at 3-2 and SPXSMA at 1-5. The ability to perform at home and away will be crucial as both teams enter the playoffs.
• Playoff Record: Salesian has been solid in playoff games, posting a 2-0 record, while SPXSMA has not made an impact in the postseason with a 0-0 record. Salesian’s playoff experience could prove invaluable as they look to make a deep run in the postseason.

Conclusion

Salesian comes into this matchup as the clear favorite, with a far superior record and more balanced offensive and defensive performances. Their ability to rush the ball, pass effectively, and score points makes them a dangerous team in the postseason. SPXSMA, on the other hand, has struggled offensively and will need to find ways to compete with Salesian’s potent attack.

While SPXSMA has some talented players, including Jassi Williams, they have not been able to generate consistent offensive production. Salesian’s strong rushing game, effective passing attack, and solid defense will likely prove too much for SPXSMA to overcome. If SPXSMA is to have any chance, they will need to dramatically improve their offensive output and find ways to limit Salesian’s scoring.