The Hayfork varsity football team will face Tulelake in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 6 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 NSCIF 8-Man Football Playoffs – 8-Man Football – NSCIF 2024 tournament. Both teams will battle for a spot in the next round of the postseason.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Tulelake vs Hayfork
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 CIF Central Section Football Championships – Division II
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Hayfork vs. Tulelake

The 2024 NSCIF 8-Man Football Playoffs bring an exciting neutral-site matchup between undefeated Hayfork and the high-scoring Tulelake. Set to kick off on Friday, November 22, at 6 p.m., this game promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams battle for a spot in the championship round.

Hayfork: Undefeated and Dominant

Hayfork enters the playoffs with an unblemished 11-0 record, including a perfect 5-0 mark in league play. The Wolves have dominated in every setting—home, away, and neutral games—showing their versatility and consistency. Their offense averages 50 points per game while allowing a mere 50 points all season, showcasing a powerful combination of scoring and defensive prowess. Hayfork excels in the first half, averaging 23.6 points in the first quarter and 18.4 in the second, often building commanding leads early in games.

Tulelake: High-Scoring and Resilient

Tulelake has also had an impressive season, finishing with an 8-2 record and an 80% winning rate in league play. The Honkers boast a potent offense, averaging 52.1 points per game. They are especially dangerous in the first half, scoring 18.4 points in the first quarter and 16.8 in the second. However, their scoring tapers off in the second half, a potential vulnerability against a well-rounded Hayfork team. Tulelake’s defense has been solid as well, allowing just 120 points this season.

Key Matchup: Hayfork’s Defense vs. Tulelake’s Offense

This game pits Hayfork’s suffocating defense against Tulelake’s explosive offense. Hayfork’s ability to control the tempo early in games has been key to their success, but they will face a formidable challenge in Tulelake’s fast-starting attack. Tulelake, on the other hand, will need to find ways to break through Hayfork’s defensive wall while shoring up their second-half performance to keep pace.

The matchup between Tulelake (8-2) and Hayfork (11-0) brings together two of the most dominant teams in their league. With explosive offenses, stout defenses, and an undefeated record in common-opponent games, this game has all the ingredients of a high school football classic. Let’s break down the key stats, players, and dynamics that will shape this highly anticipated contest.

Team Comparison: A Battle of Ground Games

Both Tulelake and Hayfork are built around their dominant rushing attacks. Tulelake averages 340.8 rushing yards per game, while Hayfork leads with an astonishing 375.6 rushing yards per game. However, Tulelake holds the edge in total offensive output, averaging 421.0 total yards compared to Hayfork’s 386.9 yards per game.

The passing game favors Tulelake, with quarterback Xavier Silva contributing 79.2 passing yards per game compared to Hayfork’s modest 11.3. Despite Hayfork’s limited air attack, their efficiency on the ground—led by their standout rusher Levi Cavalli—more than compensates.

Key Players to Watch

Tulelake

• Danny Garcia is the heartbeat of the Tulelake offense, rushing for 121.2 yards per game and scoring 12.4 points per game.
• Xavier Silva provides balance with 79.2 passing yards per game, contributing 163.8 total yards per game.
• Defensively, Adrian Garcia leads the way with 6.3 tackles per game, while Angel Sandoval has shown an ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks with 0.7 sacks per game.

Hayfork

• Levi Cavalli has been nothing short of sensational, averaging a league-leading 210.3 rushing yards per game and scoring an incredible 28.0 points per game. He also contributes 12.4 passing yards per game, making him a dual threat.
• Devin Nanez complements the rushing attack with contributions in receiving and defense, averaging 7.0 receiving yards and 10.0 tackles per game.
• On defense, Hayden Trossauer has been a force in the trenches, leading the team with 1.3 sacks per game.

Dominance Against Common Opponents

Both teams boast undefeated records (7-0) against shared opponents, often winning by lopsided margins. Highlights include:

• Tulelake defeated Butte Valley 73-6 in their second meeting, while Hayfork bested them 62-0.
• Both teams overwhelmed Loyalton with identical shutouts: 58-0 for Tulelake and 58-0 for Hayfork.
• Against Burney, Tulelake won decisively (64-8), but Hayfork surpassed that performance with two wins: 54-6 and 70-6.

The similar margins highlight the strength and consistency of both squads. However, Hayfork’s ability to consistently score at least 50 points suggests a slight offensive edge.

Record Breakdown and Playoff Implications

• Tulelake enters the game with an 8-2 record, including a 4-1 league performance and a 1-0 playoff record. Their two losses came against formidable opponents, including a prior meeting with Hayfork.
• Hayfork remains undefeated at 11-0, with a perfect 5-0 league record. They’ve demonstrated dominance at home and on the road, securing a clean sweep of their schedule.

This game carries significant playoff implications for both teams, with Hayfork aiming to maintain their unbeaten streak and Tulelake looking for redemption.

What to Expect

• Offensive Battle: Both teams will rely heavily on their rushing games, with Danny Garcia and Levi Cavalli expected to carry the load. The battle in the trenches will be crucial, as each team’s offensive line looks to create space for their star backs.
• Defensive Playmakers: While Tulelake averages more tackles per game (61.1 vs. 48.5), Hayfork’s ability to generate sacks (3.2 per game) could disrupt Tulelake’s passing game.
• Momentum Shifts: Hayfork’s undefeated record and high-scoring offense give them confidence, but Tulelake’s balanced attack and hunger for revenge make them a dangerous opponent.

Conclusion

The Tulelake vs. Hayfork rematch promises to be a thrilling contest between two dominant teams. While Hayfork enters as the favorite, given their perfect season and league-leading rushing attack, Tulelake’s ability to mix the run and pass gives them a fighting chance. With playoff dreams on the line, fans can expect an intense, hard-fought game where every play could determine the outcome.