The Los Molinos varsity football team is set to face Weed in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 Northern Section Football Playoffs – Division 5 tournament. Both teams are aiming to advance in the postseason with a win.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Weed vs Los Molinos
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 Northern Section Football Playoffs – D5 Football NSCIF 2024
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Weed vs Los Molinos

The 2024-2025 football season for Weed and Los Molinos has been marked by competitive performances and contrasting results. As each team made strides on the field, their overall records and scoring averages reflect their unique playing styles and approaches to each game.

Weed High School Football (24-25 Season)

Weed’s football team finished with a 5-6 overall record, struggling at times but showing resilience throughout the season. Their performance in league play was below average, finishing with a 2-4 league record. Despite a strong home record of 2-2, Weed faced challenges on the road, finishing 3-4 in away games.

Weed’s total points scored for the season stood at 349, with an average of 31.7 points per game. Their defense allowed 345 points, showcasing a relatively balanced performance on both sides of the ball. Weed’s team scoring by quarter indicates a promising offensive output, particularly in the third quarter, where they averaged 11.5 points. However, their first and fourth-quarter performances were less consistent, scoring an average of just 3.5 points per quarter.

Los Molinos High School Football (24-25 Season)

Los Molinos, on the other hand, finished the season with a 6-5 overall record, securing a spot above .500 with a 3-3 league record. Their home and away performances were even, each with a 3-3 split, showing consistency in their overall gameplay. Despite allowing 389 points throughout the season, Los Molinos managed to score 371 points, averaging 33.7 points per game.

The team’s scoring breakdown reveals a highly efficient first half of play, with an average of 12.5 points in the first quarter and 12.0 points in the second. Their third-quarter performance remained strong at 12.3 points, but the team struggled to maintain that momentum in the fourth quarter, where their scoring dropped to an average of just 5 points. In overtime, Los Molinos averaged 6.0 points, indicating their ability to close games with resilience.

Key Comparisons

While Weed’s overall win percentage of .455 is lower than Los Molinos’ .545, their near-identical point totals reflect a closely matched rivalry. Los Molinos held a slight edge in overall offense, but Weed’s higher points per game in certain quarters, particularly in the third quarter, suggests they had the ability to challenge tough opponents during critical moments.

The teams’ offensive patterns also differ. Los Molinos typically came out strong in the early quarters, whereas Weed found more success in the latter stages, particularly in the third quarter. However, both teams experienced difficulties finishing strong, as evidenced by their declining fourth-quarter scoring averages.

As the high school football season nears its conclusion, the matchup between the Weed Cougars and the Los Molinos Bulldogs stands out as one to watch. With both teams battling it out in a competitive environment, this game promises to bring intensity and excitement. Looking at the teams’ statistics, performances, and key players reveals the strengths and weaknesses that will play a crucial role in the outcome.

Team Stat Comparison

Los Molinos enters the game with a notable advantage in offensive output, averaging 478.0 total yards per game, which dwarfs Weed’s 343.5 total yards per game. The Bulldogs’ offense, led by Harrison Hamre, has been a powerhouse, particularly in the running game. Los Molinos averages 322.8 rushing yards per game, more than 80 yards per game ahead of Weed’s 237.7 rushing yards. This makes their ground game a key feature in their offensive strategy.

Weed’s offense, however, has been efficient, with standout Marcus Horton leading the way. Horton has accumulated 146.2 rushing yards per game and 102.1 passing yards per game, making him a dual-threat. With 252.0 total yards per game, Horton is the engine that drives Weed’s offense. Despite Weed’s potent offense, Los Molinos has the edge in both rushing and passing, with 155.2 passing yards per game and a balanced offensive attack.

In terms of defense, Los Molinos also leads in key statistics, with 55.5 tackles per game and 3.4 sacks per game, compared to Weed, whose defensive stats are less defined. Los Molinos’ defense has proven to be more disruptive, allowing an average of 24.3 points per game, while Weed gives up 30.9 points per game.

Team Leaders

For Weed, the standout player is undoubtedly Marcus Horton, who not only leads the team in rushing but also contributes significantly in passing, making him the focal point of their offensive game plan. Horton’s 16.0 points per game is the highest on the team, showcasing his ability to find the end zone consistently.

On the defensive side, Weed does not have an identified player leading in tackles or sacks, but Horton’s ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game makes him a key player on both sides of the ball.

For Los Molinos, Harrison Hamre is the star, contributing 220.0 rushing yards per game and 231.5 total yards per game, both of which are impressive figures. Hamre’s ability to both rush and contribute in the passing game (138.2 passing yards per game) has made him a versatile weapon for Los Molinos. He also scores 15.3 points per game, putting him among the most dangerous players on the field.

Defensively, Wyatt Gillett leads the Bulldogs with 11.4 tackles per game, while Parker Heitman has added to the defensive line with 1.4 sacks per game. This solid defensive duo has been a crucial part of Los Molinos’ success this season.

Common Opponents and Record Breakdown

When it comes to common opponents, both teams have had some notable wins and losses, adding intrigue to their matchup. Weed has posted a 2-2 record against common opponents, while Los Molinos has a 1-3 record. Some key results include:

• Weed vs. Maxwell: Loss 35-27 (9/6/24)
• Los Molinos vs. Maxwell: Loss 63-28 (10/18/24)
• Weed vs. Modoc: Win 35-30 (10/18/24)
• Los Molinos vs. Modoc: Win 68-37 (11/15/24)
• Weed vs. Biggs: Win 16-14 (11/15/24)
• Los Molinos vs. Biggs: Loss 54-19 (10/25/24)

From these matchups, it’s clear that Weed has had mixed results, but their narrow victory over Modoc and win against Biggs stand out. Meanwhile, Los Molinos’ losses to Maxwell and Biggs highlight the inconsistencies in their season, though their dominant win over Modoc shows that they can perform at a high level when needed.

Record Breakdown and Playoff Outlook

The season records for both teams are similar, with Weed posting a 5-6 overall record and Los Molinos at 6-5. Weed’s 2-4 league record reflects some challenges within their division, while Los Molinos has been slightly more competitive with a 3-3 league record.

Both teams have shown their ability to win games on the road, with Weed posting a 3-3 record at home and 3-2 on the road. Los Molinos has a 3-4 home record but has performed better away with a 3-2 record.

In the playoffs, Weed has had limited success, but their win in neutral-site games gives them a slight edge in high-stakes scenarios. Los Molinos, however, has a 1-0 record in playoff games, which could be a boost as they enter postseason play.

Conclusion

The game between Weed and Los Molinos will feature contrasting styles of play. Los Molinos boasts a powerful running game and a balanced offensive attack, led by the dynamic Harrison Hamre, while Weed relies heavily on the all-around abilities of Marcus Horton. Defensively, Los Molinos has the advantage with more tackles and sacks, but Weed’s ability to score through various means keeps them competitive.

With both teams coming off mixed results against common opponents, the contest will likely come down to which team can execute its game plan more effectively. Whether it’s Weed’s reliance on Horton’s dual-threat ability or Los Molinos’ powerful rushing attack, this game promises to be a hard-fought battle between two teams looking to close the season with momentum.