The Yucaipa (CA) varsity football team will host Warren (Downey, CA) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – Division 7 tournament, with both teams competing for a spot in the next round.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Warren vs Yucaipa
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – Division 7
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Warren vs. Yucaipa
The 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships – Division 7 tournament will feature an exciting matchup between Warren (Downey, CA) and Yucaipa (CA) on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. Both teams enter the game with contrasting records and strengths, setting the stage for a thrilling playoff contest.
Team Overview
Warren enters the game with a 5-7 overall record and a 3-2 league mark. They have struggled on the road, posting a 2-6 record, but have been more competitive away from home with a 2-1 neutral-site record. Warren has scored 264 points and allowed 250, averaging 22.0 points per game. Their offensive production is fairly balanced, with the team averaging 4.2 points in the first quarter, 5.6 points in the second, and 6.6 in the third. Their fourth-quarter performance, however, drops to 5.4 points, which could present challenges when facing a more consistent and higher-scoring team like Yucaipa.
Yucaipa, with an 8-4 overall record, comes into the game as the higher seed. They finished the league season with a 2-3 record but were strong at home (4-2) and on the road (4-2). The team has scored 363 points and allowed 340, with an average of 30.3 points per game. Yucaipa’s offensive strength is evident throughout the game, as they average 6.0 points in the first quarter, 8.5 in the second, and 5.9 in the third. While their fourth-quarter production is slightly lower (5.5 points), their overall scoring potential is much higher than Warren’s. This gives Yucaipa a clear advantage in terms of offensive firepower.
Key Match-Up Insights
- Scoring Consistency: Yucaipa has been much more consistent in their offensive output, averaging 30.3 points per game compared to Warren’s 22.0. Their ability to score early and sustain pressure throughout the game will be a key factor, particularly against a Warren team that struggles to score in the fourth quarter.
- Defensive Battle: While Warren has allowed 250 points, which is relatively close to their total scoring, Yucaipa has given up 340 points. This suggests that Yucaipa’s defense may need to step up to keep Warren’s offense in check. However, Yucaipa’s high-scoring offense should still give them an advantage.
- Momentum and Late-Game Performance: Yucaipa’s consistent scoring gives them an edge over Warren in terms of momentum. Warren will need to find a way to keep up in the second half, especially as their fourth-quarter production has been lower than Yucaipa’s.
The upcoming matchup between Warren and Yucaipa presents an interesting contrast in playing styles and team strengths. Both teams have shown resilience throughout the season, but their paths have differed in terms of performance. Warren enters the game with a 5-7 overall record, while Yucaipa boasts a more favorable 8-4 mark. Despite their different overall records, both teams have had success in their respective leagues and during the playoffs, making this contest a highly anticipated one.
Offensive Breakdown
- Rushing Yards: Yucaipa has been dominant on the ground, averaging 272.2 rushing yards per game. The backfield, led by Logan Barbour (133.2 rushing yards per game), has proven to be the backbone of their offense. In comparison, Warren has struggled a bit more with rushing, averaging just 116.3 yards per game. However, Skylar Lendsey has been a key contributor, averaging 82.3 rushing yards per game.
- Passing Yards: The passing game for Warren has been less prolific, with only 7.1 passing yards per game. Jamar Malone II has led the team with 85.0 passing yards per game, which is a significant gap compared to Yucaipa, who relies more on its ground attack. Yucaipa, led by Deace Turner with 79.9 passing yards per game, doesn’t prioritize the passing game as much, but the numbers still reflect a balanced offensive approach.
- Receiving Yards: Warren has a slight advantage in the receiving game, with Jalen Ross contributing 74.4 receiving yards per game. Meanwhile, Yucaipa’s Eric Moreno has accumulated 47.5 receiving yards per game. While Warren’s offense is more diverse in the passing and receiving departments, Yucaipa’s running game is what truly sets them apart.
- Total Yards: Yucaipa dominates in total yardage, averaging 356.6 yards per game compared to Warren‘s 123.4. This difference speaks volumes about the contrasting offensive philosophies, with Yucaipa focused on the running game and Warren struggling to consistently generate offense.
Defensive Comparison
- Tackles Per Game: Yucaipa has a significantly better defensive record, averaging 66.8 tackles per game, led by Will McHargue (9.8 tackles per game). Warren, on the other hand, averages 44.4 tackles per game. This disparity suggests that Yucaipa‘s defense is more active and involved in stopping the opposition.
- Sacks Per Game: Both teams have been somewhat modest in their sack production. Yucaipa averages 1.7 sacks per game, while Warren is slightly behind at 1.3. Both teams will need to pressure the opposing quarterback to disrupt offensive rhythm.
Scoring and Points Per Game
- Warren has struggled with offense, averaging just 16.0 points per game. Skylar Lendsey leads the team with 6.0 points per game. In contrast, Yucaipa has averaged 29.7 points per game, with Logan Barbour contributing 10.5 points per game. Yucaipa’s ability to score at a higher rate is a key advantage heading into the game.
Record Breakdown
- Overall Record: Yucaipa has had a much stronger season with an 8-4 record compared to Warren’s 5-7. Despite Warren‘s less impressive overall record, they have shown resilience in key moments.
- League Record: Warren finished 3-2 in league play, while Yucaipa had a 2-3 league record. Although Warren had more success in league competition, Yucaipa’s overall record and playoff performance speak to their higher level of consistency.
- Non-League Record: Warren struggled in non-league play with a 0-5 record, while Yucaipa performed better, finishing 4-1 in non-league games.
- Playoff Record: Both teams are undefeated in the playoffs, with Warren having a 2-0 playoff record and Yucaipa also 2-0. Both squads are looking to continue their success in the postseason.
Home/Away Performance
- Warren has a mixed record at home with a 2-6 record, but they perform better on the road with a 4-2 away record. In contrast, Yucaipa is solid both at home (4-2) and on the road (4-2), demonstrating their ability to win in a variety of settings.
Conclusion
This matchup between Warren and Yucaipa highlights the stark contrast between two teams with differing offensive and defensive strengths. Yucaipa’s dominant rushing attack and high-scoring offense, led by Logan Barbour, should be a key factor in the game. Warren, despite having a lower overall record, has the ability to pull off an upset if they can find a way to move the ball more effectively and disrupt Yucaipa’s rhythm.
Ultimately, Yucaipa’s strong running game, balanced offensive attack, and superior defense make them the favorites in this contest. However, Warren will look to leverage their experience and momentum from a solid playoff run, hoping to challenge Yucaipa and prove their worth. With both teams having similar playoff records, this game could come down to which team can execute their game plan most effectively on the day.
