The Oakdale varsity football team faces Vanden today at 3:00 p.m. in a neutral-site playoff game. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Football Playoffs – Division 3 tournament, where both teams will compete for a chance to advance further in the postseason.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California State Football Championship
Who: Vanden vs Oakdale
When: Today, November 30, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Football Playoffs – Division 3
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Vanden vs. Oakdale

The 2024 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Football Playoffs – Division 3 tournament is heating up as Vanden and Oakdale prepare to face off in a highly anticipated neutral-site playoff game today at 3:00 p.m. With both teams boasting strong records and high-powered offenses, this matchup promises to be an exciting and competitive contest.

Vanden’s Strong Season

Vanden enters the playoff game with an impressive 10-2 overall record and an .833 win percentage. They had a solid league performance, finishing 4-2 with a .667 league win rate. Vanden’s success has been fueled by a balanced offense, averaging 31.0 points per game. Their scoring is consistent throughout the game, with 11.7 points in the first quarter and 11.6 points in the second quarter. However, their offense tends to slow down in the third and fourth quarters, averaging just 6.0 and 4.6 points in those periods, respectively. Despite this, they have been excellent in neutral-site games, posting a 2-0 record.

With a solid defense allowing 202 points over the course of the season, Vanden has proven capable of winning close games, keeping opponents within reach even when their offense isn’t firing on all cylinders. Their ability to execute early in games will be crucial against a high-scoring team like Oakdale.

Oakdale’s High-Powered Offense

Oakdale, with a 9-3 overall record and a .750 win percentage, is coming into this game with confidence. The Mustangs also posted a strong 4-2 league record. While they have been perfect in neutral-site games (2-0), their away games have been more challenging, with a 2-3 record on the road.

Oakdale’s offense has been outstanding this season, averaging 40.8 points per game, significantly higher than Vanden’s. Their scoring is well-balanced, with 10.9 points in the first quarter, 10.6 in the second, and an impressive 11.3 points in the third quarter. Even in the fourth quarter, when many teams tend to tire, Oakdale keeps pushing with 7.0 points. This late-game consistency, along with their ability to score quickly, gives them a distinct advantage over Vanden, who has struggled to maintain momentum in the second half.

While Oakdale’s defense has allowed 301 points this season, their potent offense has typically been enough to cover any defensive lapses. If they can continue their high-scoring ways and control the tempo of the game, they will present a significant challenge for Vanden.

Key Matchup: Offense vs. Defense

• Scoring Power: Oakdale’s high-powered offense, which averages nearly 41 points per game, will likely be the deciding factor in this game. Vanden’s defense will have its hands full trying to contain Oakdale’s balanced attack. Meanwhile, Vanden will need to execute their offense early and take advantage of their solid first-half scoring to keep up with Oakdale.
• Game Control: Vanden’s ability to score consistently early in the game will be crucial, especially in the first half. They will need to establish a lead before Oakdale’s offense heats up in the second half. Oakdale, on the other hand, has proven that they can score at a high clip throughout the game, making it essential for Vanden to keep pace early on.
• Defense: While Oakdale’s defense has allowed more points, their offense has been so potent that they’ve been able to outscore opponents. Vanden will need to find ways to break through Oakdale’s defense while keeping their own defense strong to limit Oakdale’s explosive attack.

As the 2024-2025 high school football season unfolds, Vanden and Oakdale have emerged as two of the top teams in their respective leagues. Both teams have posted impressive records, with Vanden holding a 10-2 overall record and Oakdale standing at 9-3. As they continue their pursuit of success in the playoffs, let’s compare their statistics, individual leaders, and common opponents to gain a clearer picture of how these two teams stack up against one another.

Team Stat Comparison

Vanden:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 97.2
• Passing Yards Per Game: 264.8
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 262.4
• Total Yards Per Game: 362.0
• Tackles Per Game: N/A
• Sacks Per Game: N/A
• Points Per Game: 30.3

Oakdale:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 394.2
• Passing Yards Per Game: 31.5
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 32.3
• Total Yards Per Game: 425.7
• Tackles Per Game: 45.5
• Sacks Per Game: 1.2
• Points Per Game: 35.7

While Vanden relies on a more balanced offensive attack with a solid passing game, Oakdale excels in the ground game, averaging a staggering 394.2 rushing yards per game. Oakdale’s ability to dominate on the ground has been a key to their success, contributing to their impressive 35.7 points per game. Vanden, on the other hand, leans on a potent passing game, led by Kalani McLeod, and maintains a more balanced offensive approach, generating 362 total yards per game.

In terms of defense, Oakdale has averaged 45.5 tackles per game and 1.2 sacks, reflecting their more aggressive defensive style. Vanden’s defensive stats are not specified, but their overall offensive performance has helped them maintain a competitive edge.

Team Leaders

Vanden:

• Zack Tayeh (57.3 Rushing Yards Per Game): Tayeh leads Vanden’s ground game and provides a reliable option in the backfield.
• Kalani McLeod (262.0 Passing Yards Per Game): McLeod is the standout quarterback for Vanden, delivering impressive passing stats and contributing to their high-yardage offense.
• Logan Bailey (83.0 Receiving Yards Per Game): Bailey is Vanden’s top target, consistently making plays through the air and contributing heavily to the team’s offensive output.
• Kalani McLeod (274.7 Total Yards Per Game): McLeod’s all-around play, both through the air and on the ground, has been vital to Vanden’s success.
• Zack Tayeh (6.5 Points Per Game): Tayeh also contributes on the scoreboard, adding another dimension to Vanden’s offense.

Oakdale:

• Wes Burford (204.9 Rushing Yards Per Game): Burford has been a powerhouse in Oakdale’s dominant running attack, making him one of the most dangerous rushers in the league.
• Grant Gardner (35.8 Passing Yards Per Game): While Oakdale doesn’t rely heavily on passing, Gardner has been efficient when called upon.
• Ricky Torrez (19.0 Receiving Yards Per Game): Torrez has been the top target in the passing game, helping to round out Oakdale’s offensive attack.
• Wes Burford (215.9 Total Yards Per Game): Burford has been the focal point of Oakdale’s offense, consistently generating yards on the ground and making plays.
• Jackson Gilton (8.8 Tackles Per Game): Gilton has been the defensive leader for Oakdale, providing stability and making key plays in critical moments.
• Jaxx Velasco (1.0 Sacks Per Game): Velasco contributes to Oakdale’s defense, getting pressure on the quarterback and limiting offensive opportunities.

Both teams have standout players who lead their respective squads in key categories, with Vanden’s McLeod contributing both in the air and on the ground, while Oakdale’s Burford has been an offensive juggernaut, especially in the rushing department.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced Vista del Lago, with Vanden winning their matchups 45-14 and 28-7, while Oakdale defeated Vista del Lago 55-21. The common opponent results show that both teams were able to secure victories, though Oakdale’s victory margin was larger.

Record Breakdown

• Vanden (10-2):
  • 4-2 in league play
  • 4-0 in non-league games
  • 4-1 at home
  • 4-1 away
  • 2-0 in neutral games
  • 10-2 overall record
• Oakdale (9-3):
  • 4-2 in league play
  • 3-1 in non-league games
  • 5-0 at home
  • 2-3 away
  • 2-0 in neutral games
  • 8-3 overall record

Both teams have posted strong records overall, with Vanden having a slight edge in overall wins. Oakdale’s perfect record at home (5-0) suggests that they perform especially well on their home turf, but their away record of 2-3 highlights some challenges on the road. Vanden, on the other hand, has a balanced performance both at home and away, with 4-1 records in both categories.

Conclusion

The matchup between Vanden and Oakdale is a clash of contrasting styles. Vanden’s balanced offensive attack, led by Kalani McLeod and Zack Tayeh, faces off against Oakdale’s dominant rushing game with Wes Burford at the helm. While Vanden has relied on an effective passing game and a steady all-around offense, Oakdale has been a force on the ground, running through opponents with ease.

Both teams have proven themselves against common opponents, with both securing victories over Vista del Lago. As the season progresses, these teams will look to fine-tune their strengths and address their weaknesses in order to make a deep playoff run. Whether Vanden’s passing attack can outpace Oakdale’s relentless rushing offense will be the key to determining who advances further in the postseason.