The Serrano varsity football team from Phelan will face St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy from Downey in a neutral-site playoff game tonight at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (Division 8), where both teams aim to advance further in the tournament.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy vs Serrano
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – Division 8
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Serrano vs. St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy
The 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (Division 8) will feature a thrilling neutral-site playoff game tonight between Serrano and St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy. Both teams have had unique seasons, but with the stakes high, this game promises plenty of excitement.
St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy: Looking to Upset
St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy enters the game with a 4-9 overall record and a .308 win percentage. Ranked 225th in California and second in their section, the team has struggled throughout the season, particularly in away games, where they posted a 1-5 record. Despite their overall record, they have shown resilience in neutral-site games, where they remain undefeated at 2-0.
Offensively, St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy has averaged 18.8 points per game this season, with their most productive quarter being the first, where they average 5.9 points. However, their scoring drops significantly in the third and second quarters, averaging just 2.9 and 3.9 points, respectively. To compete with Serrano’s offense, they’ll need to find ways to consistently score throughout the game.
Defensively, St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy has allowed 395 points, a figure they’ll need to improve on to stay in the game against a high-powered team like Serrano.
Serrano: A Strong Contender
Serrano comes into the game with a 9-3 record and a .750 win percentage, ranking 190th in California and first in their section. With a solid 4-1 home record and a 3-2 away record, they’ve proven their ability to perform both at home and on the road. In neutral-site games, they’ve shown a perfect 2-0 record, adding to their confidence heading into this matchup.
Serrano’s offense has been potent, averaging 28.1 points per game and totaling 337 points this season. Their most impressive quarter is the second, where they average 9.1 points, followed closely by their strong third-quarter production of 7.3 points. Serrano has demonstrated the ability to score consistently throughout the game, making them a tough opponent for any defense.
Defensively, Serrano has allowed 246 points this season, and they will aim to tighten up against an offense that has been inconsistent for St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy.
Key Factors to Watch
- Consistency on Offense: Serrano’s ability to score throughout the game, especially in the second and third quarters, will be a key factor. St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy must find ways to match Serrano’s offensive output if they hope to keep the game close.
- St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy’s Defense: With a defense that has given up 395 points, St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy will need to make significant adjustments to limit Serrano’s high-scoring offense.
- Neutral-Site Success: Both teams have been successful in neutral-site games this season, and it will be interesting to see which team can maintain their composure and capitalize on the opportunity.
As the season intensifies, the upcoming game between SPXSMA and Serrano is shaping up to be a fascinating battle. Both teams have had their ups and downs, but their respective styles of play could lead to an exciting clash on the field.
Team Comparison
SPXSMA has struggled offensively this season, averaging just 75.4 total yards per game. They rely heavily on their rushing attack, with Jassi Williams leading the team with 59.5 rushing yards per game. However, their passing game has been much less effective, averaging just 57.1 passing yards per game. The team struggles to score, putting up an average of only 2.3 points per game. On defense, SPXSMA averages 43.6 tackles per game and is able to record 0.8 sacks per game, but they will need to improve significantly if they hope to keep up with the high-powered offenses they’ll face.
Serrano, on the other hand, is much more potent offensively, averaging 285.7 total yards per game. They feature a strong running game, with Trevor McSween leading the charge with 150.2 rushing yards per game. Issiah Romo also provides stability in the passing game, throwing for 91.0 yards per game. On defense, Serrano has been solid, averaging 51.9 tackles per game and 1.8 sacks per game, showing they can get after the quarterback and disrupt plays. Serrano has been much more effective at putting points on the board, averaging 27.3 points per game, and their ability to generate offense will be a major factor in the game.
Key Players to Watch
For SPXSMA, the key players include:
- Jassi Williams (#9), who is the main offensive weapon, leading the team with 59.5 rushing yards per game and 185.5 total yards per game.
- Geremya Hood (#8), who is a standout on defense with 7.5 tackles per game.
- Marcus Ball (#50), contributing defensively with 0.3 sacks per game.
For Serrano, notable players include:
- Trevor McSween (#30), who is the focal point of their offense, contributing 150.2 rushing yards per game.
- Issiah Romo (#9), who has thrown for 91.0 passing yards per game.
- Cade Lafever (#14), who is a key receiving target, contributing 45.5 receiving yards per game.
- Elijah Martinez (#3), a standout on defense with 6.8 tackles per game.
- Davion Macauley (#70), who has 0.4 sacks per game, helping to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Record Breakdown
SPXSMA comes into the game with a 4-9 overall record, including a 1-4 league record. They have struggled in non-league play, posting a 0-5 record. However, they will look to turn things around as they face off against a strong Serrano team. SPXSMA has a 1-4 record at home and a 1-5 record away but will hope to build some momentum heading into the game.
Serrano, by contrast, has had a much stronger season with a 9-3 overall record. Their league record stands at 3-2, and they have performed well in non-league games, with a 3-1 record. Serrano has been impressive at home with a 4-1 record and has shown solid form on the road, with a 3-2 record. The team’s overall success has been built on a strong offense and defense, and they will look to continue their winning ways in this matchup.
What to Expect
The SPXSMA offense has struggled all season, and they will face a tough challenge against a Serrano team that can dominate both on the ground and in the air. For SPXSMA to be competitive, they will need Jassi Williams to have a strong performance on the ground, and they will need to find ways to improve their passing attack. The team’s defense will also need to step up and limit Serrano‘s offensive success.
For Serrano, the focus will be on continuing their offensive dominance. With Trevor McSween leading the way in the rushing game and Issiah Romo providing balance through the air, Serrano will look to control the clock and put up points. Their defense, led by Elijah Martinez and Davion Macauley, will also need to apply pressure on SPXSMA‘s offense to prevent any surprises.
Final Thoughts
Serrano enters this game as the clear favorite, with a potent offense and solid defense. However, SPXSMA has the potential to surprise if they can execute their game plan and limit Serrano‘s offensive output. The team that can control the pace of the game and execute consistently will likely come out on top in this matchup. Fans should expect Serrano to be the team to watch, but SPXSMA will be looking to play spoiler and end their season on a high note.
Prediction
Serrano enters as the heavy favorite with a strong record, balanced offense, and solid defense. However, St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy has shown they can rise to the occasion in neutral-site games. While an upset is always possible, Serrano’s consistency and overall strength should see them advance in this Division 8 playoff clash.
