The Hughson (CA) varsity football team will face Union Mine (El Dorado, CA) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Football Playoffs – Division 5 tournament, where both teams will battle for a spot in the next round.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Union Mine vs Hughson
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: Union Mine vs. Hughson
As the 2024 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Football Playoffs – Division 5 tournament heats up, the matchup between Union Mine and Hughson promises to be a highly anticipated and intense game. With both teams enjoying successful seasons, this neutral-site game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. is a crucial step in their journey toward the next round.
Union Mine: Strong and Consistent
Union Mine enters the playoffs with a solid 9-2 overall record, including a 6-1 mark in league play. The team has performed well at home (4-1) and away (4-1), with a perfect 1-0 record in neutral-site games. With a win percentage of .818 and a league percentage of .857, Union Mine has demonstrated their ability to compete at a high level throughout the season.
Offensively, Union Mine has averaged 32.5 points per game, with a consistent scoring output across all four quarters. They start off strong with 5.3 points in the first quarter, increasing their scoring to 5.9 in the second. The team builds momentum in the second half, averaging 8.1 points in the third and 12.1 in the fourth. With 357 points scored and 220 points allowed, Union Mine’s ability to ramp up their scoring as the game progresses will be key in their playoff aspirations.
Hughson: Undefeated and Dominant
Hughson, on the other hand, enters the playoffs with an impressive 11-0 overall record, making them one of the most dominant teams in the division. They have been perfect in league play with a 6-0 record and have been equally strong at home (5-0) and on the road (5-0), with a 1-0 record in neutral-site games. With a perfect win percentage of 1.000 and a league percentage of 1.000, Hughson has shown they can perform under pressure, outscoring their opponents by a significant margin.
Hughson’s offense averages 33.9 points per game, slightly ahead of Union Mine’s. They start with a strong 9.6 points in the first quarter and increase their scoring to 12.3 in the second. Though their scoring dips slightly in the second half, averaging 6.1 points in the third and 8.6 points in the fourth, their early dominance gives them a considerable edge. With 373 points scored and just 156 allowed, Hughson has been able to consistently overpower their opponents throughout the season.
Key Differences in Scoring Trends
One of the key differences between these two teams lies in their second-half performance. Union Mine tends to increase their scoring in the second half, especially in the fourth quarter, while Hughson has been most dominant early on. Union Mine’s ability to ramp up their offensive output later in the game could pose a challenge to Hughson’s early surge, making it an intriguing battle of endurance and momentum.
Looking Ahead
As the two teams prepare for this exciting playoff matchup, Hughson’s undefeated record and high-scoring offense make them the favorite heading into the game. However, Union Mine’s ability to adapt and increase their scoring output as the game progresses could make them a formidable opponent. With both teams boasting strong defenses and potent offenses, this game is sure to be a thrilling contest.
As the football season moves into its final stages, Union Mine (9-2 overall) will face off against the undefeated Hughson (11-0 overall) in what promises to be a thrilling matchup. Both teams have had outstanding seasons, and the game is set to be a clash between two offenses looking to impose their will. Here’s a closer look at how these teams compare statistically and what to expect from this exciting showdown.
Team Stat Comparison
While both teams have been highly productive on offense, Hughson has the edge in total yards per game, averaging 349.9 yards compared to Union Mine, which has yet to post specific stats. Hughson‘s offensive strength is largely driven by its balanced attack, with Eli Wilbanks leading the way on the ground, averaging 100.7 rushing yards per game. Through the air, Robert McDaniel has been a standout, throwing for 237.3 passing yards per game, and Bryce McDaniel has been a reliable target with 67.4 receiving yards per game.
On defense, Hughson averages 57.1 tackles per game, while Union Mine has not posted tackle or sack statistics. However, Hughson‘s defense has been solid, averaging 1.9 sacks per game, which demonstrates their ability to get to the quarterback and apply pressure on opposing offenses.
When it comes to scoring, Hughson averages 33.7 points per game, putting them in a good position to control the game through their high-powered offense. Union Mine, with a more defensive-focused approach, has the tools to make this a hard-fought game but will need to rely on its defense to limit Hughson’s offense.
Key Players
For Hughson, Eli Wilbanks is the focal point of the offense, rushing for 100.7 yards per game and contributing 7.8 points per game. His ability to move the ball on the ground allows Robert McDaniel, who averages 237.3 passing yards per game, to open up the passing attack. Bryce McDaniel has been a standout receiver for Hughson, tallying 67.4 receiving yards per game, and his playmaking ability will be critical in helping their offense sustain long drives and score points.
On the defensive side, Hughson is led by Colt Foss, who has posted 8.2 tackles per game, providing a strong presence in the middle of their defense. Additionally, Max Mankins has contributed with 0.7 sacks per game, adding pressure to the opposing offense.
For Union Mine, while individual player statistics are unavailable, their overall performance has demonstrated their ability to be competitive against tough opponents. With a solid overall record of 9-2, Union Mine has proven that they can win crucial games when needed, including a commanding 48-7 victory over El Dorado. They’ll be looking to continue this momentum against Hughson, though they will have to find a way to slow down the high-scoring Hughson offense.
Record Breakdown
Both teams have enjoyed strong seasons, with Hughson entering the game with an undefeated record of 11-0, while Union Mine sits at 9-2. Hughson‘s undefeated streak is a testament to their consistency and strong performances across both league and non-league games. They finished 6-0 in league play, while Union Mine ended their league season with a 6-1 record.
Union Mine has been solid on the road, with a 4-1 away record, while Hughson has been nearly flawless on the road as well, with a 5-0 record. Both teams have shown resilience in different environments, and this game will serve as a true test of their abilities.
Common Opponents
Both Union Mine and Hughson have faced El Dorado, and the results were similar, with both teams securing victories. Union Mine defeated El Dorado 48-7 at home, while Hughson triumphed 28-6 at home. These results indicate that both teams are well-matched against similar opponents, making this showdown even more intriguing.
Conclusion
The matchup between Union Mine and Hughson will showcase two highly competitive teams with distinct offensive strategies. Union Mine will rely on its defense and balanced offensive approach to keep the game close, while Hughson will look to dominate with its explosive passing game led by Robert McDaniel and its dynamic ground game with Eli Wilbanks.
With Hughson‘s undefeated record and high-scoring offense, they enter the game as the favorites, but Union Mine has proven to be a tough opponent, and their defense could be the key to neutralizing Hughson‘s offensive firepower.
Fans can expect a hard-fought battle, and the winner will be well-positioned to make a deep run in the playoffs. This is a matchup that promises excitement and intensity, with both teams bringing their best to the field.
