The Ferndale (CA) varsity football team will host Vallejo (CA) in a home playoff game today at 1 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 North Coast Section Football Championships, Division 7 tournament, where both teams will compete for a chance to advance further in the postseason.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football
Who: Vallejo vs Ferndale
When: Today, November 16, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 North Coast Section Football Championships – Division 7
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Ferndale vs. Vallejo

The 2024 North Coast Section Football Championships will feature an exciting Division 7 playoff game today at 1 p.m. between the Ferndale (CA) and Vallejo (CA) varsity football teams. With both teams bringing strong records to the table, this game promises to be an intense battle as they vie for a chance to advance further in the postseason.

Team Records and Performance

Ferndale enters the matchup with a remarkable 9-1 overall record, having finished league play with a 5-1 record. The team has been dominant at home, with an undefeated 5-0 record on their own turf. Their high-powered offense has been a key factor in their success, scoring 373 points while allowing just 147. This offensive firepower, combined with their solid defense, has made Ferndale a tough opponent throughout the season.

Vallejo, on the other hand, boasts a 7-3 overall record with a strong 4-1 league performance. They have been effective both at home (4-1) and on the road (3-2). Vallejo’s offense has scored 275 points while allowing 225, showing they are capable of putting up significant numbers. However, their defensive struggles have sometimes been exposed throughout the season.

Scoring Averages and Key Stats

Ferndale has been a high-scoring team, averaging 37.3 points per game. Their offense is particularly strong in the first and fourth quarters, scoring an average of 12.0 points in the first quarter and 14.0 in the fourth. This ability to finish strong will be an important asset in this playoff game.

Vallejo, averaging 27.5 points per game, has shown an ability to score consistently. However, their scoring numbers have been uneven, with 2.0 points in the first quarter and 0 points in the second and third quarters. This lack of scoring in the middle of games could prove challenging when facing a high-scoring team like Ferndale.

Key Factors to Watch

• Ferndale’s Strong Start and Finish: Ferndale’s ability to score early (12.0 points in the first quarter) and finish strong (14.0 points in the fourth quarter) could give them the edge in this playoff matchup. Their consistent offensive attack throughout the game will put pressure on Vallejo’s defense.
• Vallejo’s Inconsistent Scoring: Vallejo will need to find a way to improve their scoring consistency, particularly in the second and third quarters, where they have struggled. Against a high-scoring team like Ferndale, keeping up in the middle of the game will be crucial for a chance to win.

This game promises to be a thrilling contest, with Ferndale’s high-scoring offense going up against Vallejo’s balanced but sometimes inconsistent attack. If Ferndale can build an early lead and continue their offensive momentum, they could overpower Vallejo. However, if Vallejo can find their rhythm and capitalize on their strengths, they could pull off an upset in this exciting playoff showdown.

As the season draws to a close, Vallejo and Ferndale are set to face off in what promises to be an exciting matchup between two strong teams with contrasting offensive styles. With Vallejo holding a 7-3 overall record and Ferndale boasting an impressive 9-1 record, this game is crucial for both teams as they aim to finish strong and gain momentum heading into the playoffs.

Team Statistics Breakdown

Offensive Comparison

Both teams bring unique offensive schemes to the table, with Ferndale relying heavily on a potent rushing attack, while Vallejo offers a more balanced offense.

• Rushing: Ferndale has been dominant on the ground, averaging 286.5 rushing yards per game, led by Tanner Pidgeon, who runs for 106.4 yards per game. On the other hand, Vallejo averages 131.2 rushing yards per game, with Sedrick Vaughn contributing 77.6 yards per game. Ferndale’s ability to control the line of scrimmage and grind out yards on the ground will be key to their success in this matchup.
• Passing: Vallejo relies more on the air attack, with David Buddha Bernstine III leading the team with 197.7 passing yards per game. Ferndale, in contrast, has not focused on passing much, averaging just 38.0 passing yards per game. Tanner Pidgeon has contributed 36.7 receiving yards per game, but Ferndale’s offense is predominantly centered around their rushing attack.
• Total Yardage: Ferndale has the slight edge in total yards per game, averaging 324.5 yards, compared to Vallejo’s 319.0. However, Vallejo’s ability to mix both the run and pass more effectively gives them a dynamic edge in certain situations, especially when they are forced to switch things up.

Defensive Strengths

Both teams have strong defenses, but Ferndale has a slight edge in terms of total tackles and overall defensive consistency.

• Tackles: Ferndale leads with 59.5 tackles per game, compared to Vallejo’s 49.4. This edge in tackles suggests that Ferndale is more active on defense and better able to stop plays before they develop. Liam Bishop leads Ferndale with 10.3 tackles per game, while Vallejo’s top tackler, Donovan Chhit Pagtanac, averages 7.0 tackles per game.
• Sacks: Vallejo averages 1.2 sacks per game, with Vernus Ragsdale contributing 0.6 sacks per game. Ferndale has slightly more success in the sack department with 1.5 sacks per game, and Mason Garrett contributing 0.7 sacks per game. Both teams will need to apply pressure on the quarterback to disrupt the opponent’s offensive rhythm.

Scoring Comparison

When it comes to scoring, Ferndale has been the more explosive team, averaging 36.7 points per game, compared to Vallejo’s 27.2 points per game. Tanner Pidgeon is a key contributor for Ferndale, scoring 14.9 points per game, while Sedrick Vaughn leads Vallejo with 13.3 points per game. Ferndale’s ability to put up big numbers will make them a difficult team to keep up with, and Vallejo will need to rely on their defense to slow them down.

Pancake Blocks

Both teams have excelled in the trenches, with Ferndale having 1 pancake block on the season, and Vallejo yet to record any. However, Ferndale’s solid offensive line and strong running game are crucial in giving them the advantage in the line play department.

Record Breakdown

• Vallejo enters the matchup with a 7-3 overall record and a 4-1 league record. Their impressive performances this season include a strong 3-0 record at home. Vallejo’s only significant challenge this season came in their loss to Salesian College Preparatory (7-6).
• Ferndale, with a 9-1 record, has been dominant in both league and non-league play. They boast a perfect 5-0 record at home and a solid 4-1 record on the road. Their only loss came against Salesian College Preparatory (63-28), but they have since bounced back strongly and remain one of the most balanced and high-scoring teams in their league.

Key Players to Watch

• Vallejo: David Buddha Bernstine III is the key player for Vallejo, leading the team with 197.7 passing yards per game and 248.0 total yards per game. Sedrick Vaughn will continue to be a major factor in the running game, while Donovan Chhit Pagtanac and Vernus Ragsdale will need to step up on defense to slow down Ferndale’s dynamic rushing attack.
• Ferndale: Tanner Pidgeon is the focal point of the Ferndale offense, leading the team with 106.4 rushing yards per game and 143.1 total yards per game. Jonah Anderson will be an important piece in the receiving game, while Liam Bishop and Mason Garrett will be critical in defense as they try to contain Vallejo’s multi-faceted attack.

Conclusion: A Battle of Contrast

In this matchup, Ferndale brings an overwhelming rushing attack that could prove too much for Vallejo’s defense to handle, while Vallejo will rely on its balanced offense and defensive pressure to stay competitive. The contrast between Ferndale’s powerful ground game and Vallejo’s passing attack creates an intriguing dynamic.

Ferndale is the favorite heading into this contest, with their potent offense and stout defense, but Vallejo’s ability to strike through the air and contain the run will be the key to an upset. Fans can expect a hard-fought battle, with the outcome hinging on which team can impose its style of play and execute under pressure.