The Sports Leadership & Management (Henderson, NV) varsity football team is set to face Truckee (CA) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 12:20 PM at Allegiant Stadium. This matchup is part of the “2024 NIAA Football Playoffs – 3A State” tournament.

Truckee vs Sports Leadership & Management Football Game Info:

What: Nevada High School Football
Who: Truckee vs Sports Leadership & Management
When: Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Time: 12:20 PM
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Truckee vs Sports Leadership & Management

The upcoming high school football matchup between Truckee and Sports Leadership & Management is shaping up to be a thrilling contest between two strong teams, each with impressive records and star players.

Team Overview

Truckee (12-0)
Truckee has been dominating this season with an undefeated record of 12-0, including a perfect 7-0 record in their league. Their offense has been a juggernaut, averaging 39.8 points per game, led by standout players like Joseph Birnbaum, who contributes an impressive 74.7 rushing yards per game. The Truckee offense has been unstoppable, averaging 395.9 total yards per game, thanks to a balanced attack of both rushing and passing. The team has been particularly strong in the first half, with 12.7 points per game in the opening quarter and 13.9 in the second quarter, setting the tone for victories.

Sports Leadership & Management (8-4)
On the other hand, Sports Leadership & Management (SLM) boasts an 8-4 record, with a 5-1 league performance. They’ve shown resilience throughout the season, averaging 31.0 points per game. Their offense is headlined by Alaijah Young, who leads the team with 184.3 total yards per game, while Damien Nevil adds 119.3 passing yards per game. The team has had a bit of a slower start compared to Truckee, averaging only 6.9 points in the first quarter but showing strong fourth-quarter performances, with 10.1 points scored in the final period.

Key Stat Comparison

Truckee and SLM are similar in their offensive approach, but Truckee holds the edge in total yards per game (395.9 to 344.5). Truckee’s strong rushing attack, led by Birnbaum’s 74.7 rushing yards per game, outpaces SLM’s 229.9 rushing yards per game, but both teams are dangerous in both the air and on the ground.

The most notable difference comes in the defensive department. Truckee’s defense has been far more aggressive, averaging 69.0 tackles per game and 2.4 sacks per game. SLM, in contrast, averages only 45.1 tackles and 0.8 sacks, which could leave them vulnerable against Truckee’s potent offense.

Players to Watch

• Truckee:
  Joseph Birnbaum – The workhorse running back has racked up 74.7 rushing yards per game and 9.4 points per game.
  Jace Estabrook – The quarterback has been efficient, averaging 176.3 total yards per game and contributing to both the passing and rushing game.
• Sports Leadership & Management:
  Alaijah Young – The dual-threat quarterback is a key figure for SLM, with 184.3 total yards per game.
  Damien Nevil – A reliable passer, Nevil has thrown for 119.3 yards per game, making him one of the team’s biggest offensive weapons.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced common opponents this season, offering some insight into how they might match up. Truckee defeated Churchill County 42-0 on September 27th and Virgin Valley 41-27 on November 16th, both dominating performances. SLM, however, faced tougher challenges. They defeated Churchill County 28-27 but fell to Virgin Valley 26-16, highlighting that Truckee may have had the edge in these contests.

Head-to-Head Breakdown

• Truckee’s Strength:
  With a perfect record, Truckee has proven their dominance on both offense and defense. Their ability to close games out, especially in the early quarters, could be a key factor in this matchup.
• SLM’s Resilience:
  While SLM has faced more adversity, they have shown resilience in close games, particularly with their strong fourth-quarter performances. If they can stay competitive through the first three quarters, they might have a chance to capitalize on any Truckee fatigue in the final period.

Conclusion

As the game approaches, all eyes will be on how these two teams match up. Truckee comes in as the favorite with an undefeated season and an explosive offense, but SLM will be looking to upset the odds, relying on their star players and ability to rally late in games. With both teams having the potential for big plays and hard-hitting defense, this could be one of the most exciting high school football matchups of the season.