The Panorama varsity football team from Panorama City, CA, will face Van Nuys High School in a neutral playoff game today at 11 AM. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF LA City Section Football Championships – Division III tournament, promising an exciting battle between these determined teams.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California State Football Championship
Who: Van Nuys vs Panorama
When: Today, November 30, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF LA City Section Football Championships – Division III
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Panorama vs. Van Nuys

The 2024 CIF LA City Section Football Championships – Division III tournament features a compelling playoff matchup today at 11 AM, as Panorama High School takes on Van Nuys High School at a neutral venue. Both teams have had solid seasons, making this clash a critical step toward postseason glory.

Team Performance Overview

Van Nuys
The Wolves from Van Nuys hold an 8-5 record, demonstrating resilience and competitiveness throughout the season. They’ve scored 373 points while allowing 226, averaging 28.7 points per game. Van Nuys thrives in the middle quarters, particularly the third, where they average 9.5 points, setting up strong second-half performances. Their defense, combined with timely scoring, has helped them navigate a challenging schedule and succeed in critical moments, especially in neutral-site games where they are 2-0.

Panorama
The Pythons of Panorama City enter with a 7-6 record, having shown flashes of potential throughout the season. With 332 points scored and 335 allowed, Panorama has faced challenges on both sides of the ball but remains competitive in tight contests. The Pythons’ scoring is front-loaded, with their best performances coming in the first quarter, averaging 6.5 points. Their 2-0 record in neutral games indicates an ability to rise to the occasion in playoff scenarios.

Key Matchup Factors

1. Scoring Consistency: Van Nuys’ ability to sustain offensive output through the middle quarters gives them a key advantage, while Panorama’s tendency to start strong will require them to maintain momentum throughout the game.
2. Defensive Edge: Van Nuys has been slightly stronger defensively, allowing fewer points over the season. If their defense can contain Panorama’s early-game bursts, it could swing the game in their favor.
3. Neutral-Site Resilience: Both teams have excelled in neutral games, boasting identical 2-0 records. The ability to handle pressure and adapt to the environment will play a crucial role.

The upcoming playoff showdown between Van Nuys and Panorama promises to be a compelling matchup of two gritty teams fighting for supremacy. With both squads boasting unique strengths and navigating similar paths to the postseason, this game could go down to the wire. Let’s break down the stats, players, and common opponent results to see how the teams compare.

Team Statistics

Van Nuys enters the matchup as a more statistically established team, with a balanced offensive game plan:

• Total Offense: Van Nuys averages 281.2 yards per game, combining 124.5 rushing yards and 156.7 passing yards. Their receiving corps adds 160.0 yards per game to the mix.
• Defense: The Wolves average 42.5 tackles and 1.0 sacks per game while scoring 28.7 points per game.

On the other hand, Panorama’s stats are not fully reported, making it challenging to assess their offensive or defensive consistency. However, their record and performance against common opponents give clues about their resilience and ability to compete.

Key Players

Van Nuys relies heavily on the versatility of their quarterback, Carlos Herrera (#7), who is the heart and soul of the team’s offense.

• Herrera’s Stats:
  • 64.3 rushing yards per game
  • 169.6 passing yards per game
  • 234.0 total yards per game, well above the national average of 36.3.

Supporting Herrera is wide receiver Marlon Figueroa (#11), who averages 49.3 receiving yards per game and contributes 8.4 points per game. On defense, Louis Welling-Belli (#5) anchors the unit with 7.3 tackles per game, while Abraham Ceja (#13) provides some pass-rush support with 0.3 sacks per game.

Panorama’s lack of statistical reporting makes it difficult to highlight individual stars, but their performance against mutual opponents suggests they have players capable of stepping up when needed.

Common Opponents

Analyzing the results against mutual opponents provides a glimpse into the teams’ comparative performances:

• Fulton: Both teams lost to Fulton, but Van Nuys managed a playoff victory in their second meeting (17-12).
• San Fernando: Van Nuys triumphed in a close game (36-30), while Panorama fell heavily (41-14).
• Reseda: Both teams dominated Reseda, with Van Nuys winning 38-0 and Panorama posting a 46-12 victory.
• Canoga Park: Both teams won, with Van Nuys scoring more decisively (49-20) compared to Panorama (16-8).
• Sylmar and Kennedy: Both teams struggled, losing to these opponents in similar fashion.

Van Nuys holds a slight edge in the common opponent comparison, going 4-3 against these teams compared to Panorama’s 2-4 record.

Season Performance

• Van Nuys (8-5): The Wolves have demonstrated consistency at home (4-2) and neutral sites (2-0), excelling in playoff situations (3-0). However, their road record (2-3) shows some vulnerability.
• Panorama (7-6): Panorama mirrors Van Nuys with a solid playoff record (3-0) and decent home performance (3-2). However, their 2-4 road record and struggles against common opponents highlight inconsistencies.

Key Matchup Insights

• Offensive Execution: Van Nuys clearly depends on Carlos Herrera to generate offense. Panorama’s defense must prioritize limiting his impact to disrupt the Wolves’ rhythm.
• Turnovers and Adjustments: With Panorama’s limited statistical record, they could be an unpredictable opponent. Quick adjustments by Van Nuys may determine the outcome.
• Playoff Momentum: Both teams are undefeated in the playoffs, suggesting confidence and clutch performances could be decisive factors.

Conclusion

Van Nuys enters this contest with statistical advantages and a stronger record against mutual opponents. However, Panorama’s unpredictable nature and resilience mean they cannot be overlooked. The battle between Carlos Herrera’s dynamic playmaking and Panorama’s determination will likely determine who advances. One thing is certain—fans can expect a thrilling contest with everything on the line.