The Moreau Catholic Mariners from Hayward, CA, will host the Leland Chargers from San Jose, CA, in an exciting playoff matchup tonight at 7:30 PM. This game is part of the prestigious 2024 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games in the Division 7-AA bracket, promising high-stakes action for both teams.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California State Football Championship Bowl Games
Who: Moreau Catholic (CA) vs Leland (CA)
When: Today, December 06, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF State Football Championship Bowl Games – Division 7-AA
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Leland vs. Moreau Catholic

As we head into an exciting 2024 football season, two teams that stand out for their competitive spirit are Leland and Moreau Catholic. Both teams have had strong performances in recent years, and a deeper look at their team stats, leaders, and records shows a fascinating comparison that could make for an intriguing matchup. Let’s break down the key statistics and team dynamics of both teams.

Team Stat Comparison

When comparing the overall statistics of Leland and Moreau Catholic, we can observe notable differences, but also some similarities that suggest both teams are formidable in their own right.

Offensive Yardage:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Leland averages 194.1 rushing yards per game, a strong figure that highlights their reliance on the ground game. Moreau Catholic, on the other hand, has a slightly lower average at 141.2 rushing yards per game.
• Passing Yards Per Game: Moreau Catholic is more pass-heavy, with 197.5 passing yards per game, compared to Leland’s 92.5. This shows Moreau Catholic’s strength in the air, while Leland’s offense is built around the run.
• Receiving Yards Per Game: Moreau Catholic leads in this category as well, with 196.5 receiving yards per game compared to Leland’s 92.5, again showing their strength in the passing game.

Total Yardage:

• Leland’s total yardage per game stands at 286.5, whereas Moreau Catholic averages 338.7 total yards per game. This difference of 52.2 yards per game suggests that Moreau Catholic has a more dynamic offense overall.

Defensive Stats:

• Tackles Per Game: Leland records an average of 46.7 tackles per game, significantly fewer than Moreau Catholic’s 65.3 tackles per game. This suggests that Moreau Catholic has a more aggressive defense, making more plays on the ball.
• Sacks Per Game: Leland has 0.5 sacks per game, whereas Moreau Catholic averages 1.0 sack per game. Moreau Catholic has a slight edge in pressuring the opposing quarterbacks.

Scoring:

• Points Per Game: Moreau Catholic scores an average of 27.3 points per game, slightly higher than Leland’s 24.7 points per game, indicating a more prolific offense from Moreau Catholic.

Key Players: Who to Watch

Both teams feature standout players who contribute significantly to their respective offenses and defenses. Let’s take a look at the top performers for each team.

Leland’s Key Players:

• Hudson Vye: With an impressive 90.9 rushing yards per game, Vye is Leland’s leading rusher and a key figure in their ground attack.
• Jacob Gibson: Gibson is a dual threat, contributing 82.5 passing yards per game and 122.0 total yards per game. His ability to move the ball through both the air and on the ground makes him a dynamic player for Leland.
• Brady Hernandez: With 29.9 receiving yards per game, Hernandez is a reliable target in Leland’s passing attack.

Moreau Catholic’s Key Players:

• Jayden Bryant: Leading the team with 88.1 rushing yards per game, Bryant is the focal point of the Moreau Catholic running game.
• Jeremiah Charles: As the top passer with 191.0 passing yards per game, Charles has the arm to stretch defenses and lead his team in the air.
• Jalen Arnold: Arnold has been a standout with 109.9 receiving yards per game, a key contributor to the team’s high passing numbers.

Record Breakdown

When looking at the overall records, both teams have had strong seasons, but Leland holds a slight advantage in overall wins:

• Leland’s Record: 10-3 overall, with a solid 4-1 record in league play.
• Moreau Catholic’s Record: 9-4 overall, with a 5-1 record in league play. Both teams have impressive win-loss ratios, with Leland edging out Moreau Catholic by a single win in total.

Home vs. Away Performance:

• Leland: Strong at home with a 5-1 record, and 4-2 on the road.
• Moreau Catholic: Similarly strong at home with a 6-2 record, but slightly weaker on the road at 2-2.

Playoff Success:

Both teams have performed well in the playoffs:

• Leland: 3-0 in the playoffs, showing they can perform under pressure.
• Moreau Catholic: Also 3-0 in the playoffs, meaning both teams are well-equipped for high-stakes games.

Conclusion

The match between Leland and Moreau Catholic promises to be an exciting and tightly contested game. With Moreau Catholic boasting a more balanced offense and a stronger passing game, they have the edge in offensive yardage. However, Leland’s powerful rushing attack and solid overall team dynamics make them a serious contender. Both teams have demonstrated playoff success and strong home records, adding further intrigue to what could be a thrilling showdown in the 2024 season.