The Edison (Huntington Beach, CA) varsity football team is set to host Central (Fresno, CA) today at 3:30 p.m. in a highly anticipated matchup in the 2024 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games, Division 1-A. Both teams aim to secure a spot in the next round of the prestigious tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California State Football Championship Bowl Games
Who: Edison vs Central
When: Today, December 14, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games – Division 1-A
Time: In progress
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Edison vs. Central

The 2024 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games, Division 1-A, feature a highly anticipated playoff matchup between Edison (Huntington Beach, CA) and Central (Fresno, CA). The two powerhouse teams will face off today at 3:30 p.m., with each squad looking to advance in one of California’s most prestigious high school football tournaments.

Central: A Dominant Force

• Overall Record: 12-2
• League Record: 3-2
• Home Record: 6-1
• Away Record: 6-1
• Winning Percentage: .857
• League Winning Percentage: .600
• Points For (PF): 500
• Points Against (PA): 284

Central has been a standout team this season, boasting an impressive 12-2 record. Known for their balanced offense and strong defense, the Grizzlies average 35.7 points per game while allowing 284 points across the season. They excel in the second quarter, averaging 12.2 points, which often sets the tone for their games.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Q1: 7.3
• Q2: 12.2
• Q3: 9.4
• Q4: 6.6
• Final: 35.7 points per game

Their ability to sustain scoring momentum through all four quarters makes Central a formidable opponent, particularly in high-stakes matchups like today’s.

Edison: Undefeated at Home

• Overall Record: 11-4
• League Record: 1-2
• Home Record: 7-0
• Away Record: 1-4
• Neutral Site Record: 3-0
• Winning Percentage: .733
• League Winning Percentage: .333
• Points For (PF): 463
• Points Against (PA): 257

Edison’s 11-4 record highlights their resilience, especially on home turf, where they remain undefeated at 7-0. Their offense averages 30.9 points per game, led by strong first-quarter performances where they score 11.3 points on average. However, their scoring tends to taper off in the second half, with only 4.8 points in the third quarter and 3.1 in the fourth.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Q1: 11.3
• Q2: 10.3
• Q3: 4.8
• Q4: 3.1
• Final: 30.9 points per game

Edison’s defense has also been a strength, allowing just 257 points this season, and their ability to control games at home could be a key factor in this matchup.

Key Matchup Insights

Central enters the game as the slight favorite, given their consistent scoring and strong overall performance this season. Their ability to score in all quarters could give them an edge, especially if they can capitalize on Edison’s tendency to slow down in the second half.

However, Edison’s undefeated home record cannot be overlooked. Their ability to start strong in the first quarter could put pressure on Central early, and their defensive unit has the potential to disrupt Central’s rhythm.

As Central and Edison prepare to face off, a close examination of their statistics, team leaders, and record breakdown reveals key factors that could influence the outcome of this exciting matchup.

Team Stat Comparison

Both teams exhibit impressive performances, with strengths that could sway the game in different directions:

• Rushing Attack: Edison leads slightly with 217.2 rushing yards per game compared to Central’s 205.6. Julius Gillick, Edison’s star running back, averages a remarkable 168.9 rushing yards per game, placing him far above the national average of 19.9.
• Passing and Receiving Game: Central has a clear edge in the air, boasting 230.7 passing yards per game and 230.7 receiving yards per game. Jelani Dippel, their quarterback, is a standout, averaging 230.7 passing yards per game—double Edison’s Sam Thomson at 117.0.
• Total Offense: Central’s balanced attack results in a commanding 436.3 total yards per game, significantly outpacing Edison’s 364.9.
• Defense: Edison’s defense appears more robust, with 83.6 tackles per game compared to Central’s 64.1. Matt Lopez leads Edison with 11.1 tackles per game, narrowly trailing Central’s Aidan Chavez at 12.4.
• Points Per Game: Central averages slightly more points (35.7) than Edison (30.7), reflecting their potent offensive capabilities.

Key Team Leaders

The spotlight falls on a few exceptional players who could be game-changers:

• Central’s Brandon Smith: The running back averages 128.6 rushing yards per game and contributes 12.1 points per game, a critical part of Central’s scoring machine.
• Edison’s Julius Gillick: Gillick leads Edison’s offense, contributing 15.4 points per game—the highest among all players in this matchup.
• Quarterback Matchup: Central’s Jelani Dippel dwarfs Edison’s Sam Thomson in total yards per game (257.7 vs. 182.2), making him a central figure in Central’s offensive strategy.

Head-to-Head Factors

Despite not having met head-to-head this season, the teams share a common opponent in Clovis West. Central dominated Clovis West with a convincing 45-27 victory, while Edison suffered a narrow 29-28 loss. This suggests Central might have an edge in direct comparisons.

Record Breakdown

• Overall Performance: Central holds a stronger overall record (12-2) compared to Edison’s 11-4. Central’s 3-2 league record also outshines Edison’s 1-2.
• Home and Away: Edison remains undefeated at home (7-0), while Central’s road record (6-1) highlights their ability to perform under pressure.
• Playoff Success: Both teams are playoff powerhouses, with Central at 4-0 and Edison at 5-0 this season, underscoring their ability to rise to the occasion in high-stakes games.

Final Thoughts

This matchup promises to be a battle of strengths. Central’s high-powered offense, led by Jelani Dippel and Brandon Smith, will test Edison’s staunch defense and Julius Gillick’s ability to carry the offense. With both teams boasting strong records and playoff pedigree, fans can expect a thrilling contest that may come down to who can execute their game plan more effectively.

Conclusion

The Division 1-A showdown between Edison and Central is shaping up to be a thrilling contest. Both teams have had impressive seasons, and their contrasting strengths promise a competitive battle. With a spot in the next round of the CIF State Championship on the line, this game is set to deliver high-stakes excitement for fans and players alike.