The Sutter High School varsity football team from California will face Hughson High School in a neutral playoff game today at 11 AM. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Football Playoffs – Division 5 tournament, promising a competitive showdown between two skilled teams.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California State Football Championship
Who: Sutter (CA) vs Hughson (CA)
When: Today, November 30, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Football Playoffs – Division 5
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Sutter vs. Hughson

As the high school football playoffs heat up, two dominant teams, Hughson and Sutter, are set to face off in what promises to be an exciting and closely contested matchup. Both teams boast impressive records, talented players, and strengths that have propelled them to this pivotal moment. Here’s a breakdown of how these two powerhouses compare on paper.

Team Statistics

Hughson relies on a balanced offense with an emphasis on the passing game, averaging 213.0 passing yards and 347.8 total yards per game. Their rushing attack contributes a respectable 134.8 yards per game. On defense, the team averages 57.1 tackles and 1.8 sacks per game, allowing 32.8 points per game.

Sutter, on the other hand, dominates with a punishing ground game, racking up an astounding 331.3 rushing yards per game. While their passing game is less emphasized at 96.1 yards per game, the team’s overall offensive output is a staggering 427.4 total yards per game. Defensively, Sutter is a standout, averaging 67.2 tackles and 4.1 sacks per game while allowing only 43.8 points per game.

Key Players

Both teams feature standout players who have been pivotal to their success:

• Hughson:
  • Eli Wilbanks (#21): Leads the rushing attack with 96.3 yards per game and contributes 8.2 points per game.
  • Robert McDaniel (#8): The offensive linchpin, averaging 232.4 passing yards and 241.1 total yards per game.
  • Malakai Sumter (#4): Tops the receiving corps with 64.7 yards per game.
  • Colt Foss (#0): Anchors the defense with 7.5 tackles per game.
  • Max Mankins (#10): A defensive presence with 0.7 sacks per game.
• Sutter:
  • Marcus Meras (#5): A dual-threat star with 89.0 rushing yards, 22.3 receiving yards, and 10.2 points per game.
  • Braden Scritchfield (#13): The team’s passing leader with 78.4 yards per game, contributing 128.1 total yards per game.
  • Mason Cartwright (#8): A defensive powerhouse, leading with 11.2 tackles per game.
  • Troy Bowens (#97): A sack machine, averaging 1.1 sacks per game.

Season Performance

• Hughson: Undefeated at 12-0, they have dominated both league and non-league play. Their perfect 5-0 home record and 2-0 playoff performance highlight their consistency.
• Sutter: With an 11-1 record, Sutter has shown resilience, excelling in both home (6-0) and away (3-1) games. They also hold an unblemished 6-0 league record and have excelled in the playoffs (2-0).

Key Matchup Insights

• Offensive Strategies: Hughson’s balanced offensive approach contrasts with Sutter’s run-heavy dominance. This clash of styles could dictate the game’s tempo and momentum.
• Defensive Battle: While Hughson’s defense is solid, Sutter’s higher tackle and sack rates suggest a more aggressive and disruptive unit.
• Star Players: The performances of Wilbanks and McDaniel for Hughson versus Meras and Cartwright for Sutter will likely determine the game’s outcome.

Conclusion

With contrasting styles and star power on both sides, this game promises to be a battle for the ages. Hughson’s aerial attack and balanced offense face a formidable challenge in Sutter’s relentless ground game and aggressive defense. Both teams are evenly matched, and the winner will likely be decided by which side can impose its will and execute under pressure.

Football fans, buckle up—this showdown has all the makings of a classic!