The Lathrop (CA) varsity football team will face Sutter (CA) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Football Playoffs – Division 5 tournament, marking an exciting matchup as both teams aim to advance in the postseason.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Sutter vs Lathrop
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Football Playoffs – Division 5
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Sutter vs. Lathrop
As the 2024 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Football Playoffs heat up, the neutral-site game between Sutter and Lathrop promises to be an intense and exciting clash. Both teams have enjoyed exceptional seasons, entering the playoffs with identical 10-1 records and perfect league performances. Here’s a closer look at what makes this matchup so intriguing.
Sutter: Dominating with an Unbeaten League Record
Sutter’s football team has been a powerhouse this season, finishing with a 10-1 overall record and a flawless 6-0 league mark. Their dominance is evident in both their home (6-0) and away (3-1) performances, as well as their perfect neutral-site record (1-0). With a win percentage of .909 and a perfect league record, Sutter has been nearly unstoppable.
Offensively, Sutter averages an impressive 45.6 points per game, with balanced scoring across all four quarters: 14.4 in the first, 16.2 in the second, 9.9 in the third, and 5.2 in the fourth. Their high-scoring first half and consistent offensive output make them a difficult team to keep up with. With 502 points scored and only 98 allowed, Sutter’s offense has been prolific, and their defense has been just as effective in shutting down opponents.
Lathrop: A Resilient Team with a Strong Defense
Lathrop’s football team has also enjoyed a successful season, finishing with a 10-1 overall record and an undefeated 7-0 mark in league play. They have been dominant at home (5-0) and solid on the road (4-1), with one neutral-site win. Like Sutter, Lathrop also boasts a .909 win percentage and a perfect league record.
Offensively, Lathrop averages 32.4 points per game, with scoring coming primarily in the first half: 8.7 points in the first quarter and 9.7 in the second. While they don’t match Sutter’s explosive first-half performance, Lathrop has been able to sustain a strong offensive presence throughout the season, scoring 356 points and allowing 157. Their ability to capitalize on late-game adjustments with 7.0 points per game in the fourth quarter shows their resilience when games get tight.
Key Differences in Scoring Trends
One of the most noticeable differences between these two teams is their offensive dynamics. Sutter’s offense is fast and explosive, particularly in the first half, where they average over 30 points. Their ability to build an early lead and maintain it throughout the game has been a significant factor in their success. In contrast, Lathrop tends to be more consistent throughout the game, with a balanced scoring attack but less of a fast start. Their late-game adjustments could be crucial in a tightly contested matchup.
Looking Ahead
As the two teams prepare to face off, Sutter’s high-powered offense and perfect league record give them a slight edge going into the game. However, Lathrop’s resilience, combined with their solid defense, will keep them competitive throughout the matchup. This game is sure to be a thrilling contest with high stakes, as both teams aim to secure a spot in the next round of the playoffs.
As the season draws to a close, the Sutter and Lathrop football teams, both boasting impressive records, prepare for a highly anticipated matchup. With both teams standing at 10-1 overall, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Let’s take a closer look at how these two squads compare across several key statistical categories, their standout players, and what fans can expect as they face off.
Team Stat Comparison
Sutter and Lathrop both display strong offensive and defensive capabilities, but they do so in different ways.
Sutter’s rushing attack has been their bread and butter this season, averaging a whopping 338.9 rushing yards per game. In contrast, Lathrop has also relied heavily on the ground game but averages 263.7 rushing yards per game, a solid but less dominant figure compared to Sutter’s.
In terms of passing, Sutter averages 104.8 passing yards per game, which is more balanced but still secondary to their rushing offense. Lathrop, however, has kept their passing game minimal, only averaging 44.0 passing yards per game. The disparity in passing yards reflects Lathrop‘s preference for a run-heavy approach, with much of their offensive production coming from the ground.
Sutter also excels in total yards, averaging 443.7 total yards per game—a combination of their powerful rushing attack and modest passing game. Lathrop, meanwhile, averages 307.7 total yards per game, relying heavily on their rushing game to maintain offensive momentum.
When it comes to defense, Sutter has proven to be more aggressive, averaging 65.5 tackles per game and 4.5 sacks per game, while Lathrop averages 60.5 tackles per game and 2.6 sacks per game. Both teams have solid defenses, but Sutter has the edge in terms of disruption and pressure on opposing offenses.
On the scoreboard, Sutter leads with 45.9 points per game, showcasing a high-octane offense that can strike quickly and often. Lathrop, while still potent, averages 31.3 points per game, reflecting a more methodical approach to scoring.
Team Leaders
Both teams have standout players who have been key to their success this season.
For Sutter, the star of the offense is Marcus Meras, who leads the team with 86.8 rushing yards per game and 24.4 receiving yards per game. Braden Scritchfield has been a consistent contributor in the passing game, with 85.5 passing yards per game and 135.4 total yards per game. Defensively, Mason Cartwright has been the top tackler, with 10.4 tackles per game, while Troy Bowens has contributed with 1.2 sacks per game.
Lathrop’s offense is led by Pablo Peña, who has been a dual-threat, rushing for 86.5 yards per game and contributing 88.3 total yards per game. Jordan Blase has also been a key part of the offense, but much of the focus remains on Peña’s ability to dominate both on the ground and through the air. Defensively, Casyn Hopping leads with 8.2 tackles per game and 1.2 sacks per game, making him a key player in the trenches.
Record Breakdown
Both teams have had dominant seasons, with Sutter going 10-1, including a perfect 6-0 league record, and Lathrop also at 10-1, with a 7-0 league record. Each team has only one loss on the season, and both have proven themselves in-state with 9-1 and 10-1 records, respectively.
Sutter has performed well both at home (6-0) and on the road (3-1), while Lathrop has maintained an undefeated road record (5-0) and a strong 4-1 home record. Both teams have also excelled in the playoffs, with Sutter and Lathrop each posting 1-0 records in neutral-site games.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced strong opponents throughout the season, but they have not faced each other yet, making this upcoming game all the more intriguing. It will be interesting to see how they compare head-to-head, especially considering their similar records and styles of play.
Conclusion
The Sutter vs. Lathrop game is shaping up to be one of the most exciting matchups of the season. Sutter‘s powerful rushing attack, combined with their high-scoring offense and aggressive defense, presents a formidable challenge. On the other hand, Lathrop will look to capitalize on their strong ground game and defensive prowess to keep the game close.
Both teams have proven themselves to be dominant in their respective leagues and will bring their best to the field. Whether Sutter can continue their offensive juggernaut or Lathrop can slow them down with their defense will be a key factor in determining the outcome of this clash of titans.
Fans can expect a thrilling contest between these two undefeated teams, with plenty of hard-hitting action, strategic play, and standout performances from key players.
