The Highland varsity football team from Palmdale, CA, will host St. Vincent de Paul from Petaluma, CA, in a thrilling playoff game today at 4 PM. This matchup, part of the 2024 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games, Division 4-AA, promises an intense battle as both teams vie for advancement.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California State Football Championship Bowl Games
Who: St. Vincent de Paul vs Highland
When: Today, December 13, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games – Division 4-AA
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: St. Vincent de Paul vs. Highland

The 2024 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games in Division 4-AA bring us a high-stakes clash between two powerhouse teams: St. Vincent de Paul and Highland. With impressive records and standout performances this season, both teams are primed for an unforgettable matchup.

Rankings and Records

St. Vincent de Paul boasts a stellar season, ranked 92nd in California and 8th in their section’s Division 1 standings. With a nearly perfect 13-1 record and a remarkable .929 win percentage, the Mustangs have been dominant. Undefeated in league play (5-0) and at home (6-0), they have consistently outscored opponents, racking up 668 points while allowing only 203. Their strong offensive and defensive stats reflect a well-rounded and disciplined team.

Highland, ranked 140th in California and 74th in their section’s Division 1 standings, has also enjoyed a successful season. With an 11-4 overall record and a .733 win percentage, the Bulldogs have shown resilience and skill, particularly in league games where they posted a 6-1 record. They’ve scored 510 points this season and allowed 301, showcasing a solid balance between offensive efficiency and defensive toughness.

Team Scoring Averages

The scoring averages further highlight the contrast in play styles between the two teams. St. Vincent de Paul’s explosive offense averages an impressive 47.7 points per game, dominating early with 14.8 points in the first quarter and peaking at 15.5 in the second. Their ability to secure early leads often puts opponents on the back foot.

Highland averages 34.0 points per game, with a more gradual scoring trend. The Bulldogs’ highest scoring quarter is the fourth, where they average 8.0 points, reflecting their knack for late-game surges. However, their slow starts, with only 1.8 points on average in the first quarter, could be a challenge against St. Vincent de Paul’s fast-paced attack.

Key Matchup Factors

St. Vincent de Paul’s early scoring dominance and airtight defense will likely be pivotal in this game. Their ability to control the game from the outset could put Highland in a tough position. However, Highland’s late-game resilience and proven ability to close strong will test the Mustangs’ endurance and adaptability.

With both teams bringing unique strengths to the table, this Division 4-AA showdown promises to be a thrilling contest. Fans can expect a mix of strategic plays, high energy, and intense competition as these two teams battle for a coveted spot in the championship.

The highly anticipated matchup between St. Vincent de Paul and Highland brings together two talented teams with strong records and unique strengths. Here’s a detailed analysis of their performance and key players this season:

Statistical Performance

Offensive Dominance

St. Vincent de Paul boasts an explosive offense, averaging 416.0 total yards per game, significantly outpacing Highland’s 321.5 total yards per game. Their balanced attack includes 215.9 rushing yards per game and 200.1 passing yards per game, giving them an edge in versatility.

Highland, while trailing in total yardage, shows a strong offensive mix with 166.7 rushing yards per game and 154.8 passing yards per game, showcasing their ability to compete in both phases of the game.

Defensive Strength

Defensively, Highland holds a notable advantage in tackles, averaging 76.7 tackles per game, compared to St. Vincent de Paul’s 62.1 tackles per game. Highland also leads in sacks, with 2.9 per game compared to St. Vincent’s 1.9 per game.

Scoring Efficiency

St. Vincent de Paul is far ahead in scoring, averaging an impressive 47.6 points per game, nearly doubling Highland’s 28.4 points per game. This reflects their ability to capitalize on offensive opportunities effectively.

Team Leaders

St. Vincent de Paul’s Key Players

• Mason Caturegli (#10) leads the rushing attack with 104.5 rushing yards per game and contributes significantly to scoring with 17.2 points per game.
• Gabe Casanovas (#5) excels as a quarterback, averaging 191.0 passing yards per game and 249.3 total yards per game, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities.
• Tye Nickens (#2) leads the receiving corps with 48.6 receiving yards per game.
• On defense, Hudson Kensic (#44) anchors the team with 6.4 tackles per game, while Cj Perez (#54) contributes with 0.7 sacks per game.

Highland’s Key Contributors

• Roderick Erwin (#21) leads Highland’s ground game, averaging 52.7 rushing yards per game.
• Justin Wyatt Jr. (#3) is the star quarterback, putting up 149.4 passing yards per game and 192.3 total yards per game.
• Andrew Garner (#6) leads in receiving with 51.7 yards per game and contributes 5.2 points per game.
• Defensively, Jayden Carrillo (#11) is a standout, averaging an impressive 12.9 tackles per game, and Jamarieh Hector (#7) leads in sacks with 1.0 per game.

Record Breakdown

Overall and League Performance

St. Vincent de Paul enters the matchup with an outstanding 13-1 overall record and a perfect 5-0 league record. Highland follows closely with a strong 11-4 overall record and a solid 6-1 league record.

Home and Away Success

• St. Vincent de Paul is unbeaten at home (6-0) and has performed well on neutral fields (3-0).
• Highland matches their home dominance with a 5-2 record and has a notable road performance at 6-1.

Playoff Momentum

Both teams come into the game riding playoff success. St. Vincent de Paul is undefeated in the postseason (4-0), while Highland has been equally dominant with a 5-0 playoff record.

Conclusion

This matchup promises to be an exciting battle of strengths. St. Vincent de Paul’s high-powered offense and scoring efficiency will clash with Highland’s resilient defense and balanced attack. With both teams showcasing impressive records and playoff momentum, fans can expect a thrilling and closely contested game.