The Rio Hondo Prep (Arcadia, CA) varsity football team will face West (Torrance, CA) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 22 at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships in the Division 7 tournament, where both teams aim for postseason success.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: West vs Rio Hondo Prep
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: West vs. Rio Hondo Prep

As the 2024-2025 CIF Southern Section Football Championships heat up, a thrilling matchup between West (Torrance, CA) and Rio Hondo Prep (Arcadia, CA) is set for Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. Both teams have proven themselves to be strong contenders this season, with impressive records and offensive power. Let’s break down the key statistics and what to expect from this exciting playoff game.

West: A Powerful Offense with Strong Home Performance

West enters the game with an outstanding 10-2 overall record, dominating their league with a perfect 5-0 mark. The team has been especially formidable at home, posting a flawless 5-0 record on their field. Their 4-2 away record also highlights their resilience on the road, while their 1-0 neutral-site performance shows they are well-prepared for this playoff game.

West has averaged 37.5 points per game, with their offense exploding in the first half, particularly in the second quarter, where they put up an impressive 13.7 points per game. However, their scoring tends to dip in the second half, with a noticeable decline in the third quarter (5.9 points) and a modest performance in the fourth (6.2 points). With a .833 win percentage and a 1.000 league win percentage, they’ve been a dominant force in their division.

Key Stats:

• Overall Record: 10-2
• League Record: 5-0
• Home Record: 5-0
• Away Record: 4-2
• Neutral Record: 1-0
• Points For (PF): 450
• Points Against (PA): 180
• Average Points Per Game: 37.5

Rio Hondo Prep: Near Perfect, But Tested

Rio Hondo Prep has been just as impressive this season, boasting a 10-1 overall record. They too have been dominant in league play, posting a perfect 2-0 mark. Their home record of 5-0 and solid 4-1 away record demonstrate their ability to perform under various conditions, while their neutral-site performance mirrors West’s, with a 1-0 record.

The team has averaged 43.4 points per game, showcasing a potent offense that can put up points quickly. Rio Hondo Prep shines in the first half, particularly in the second quarter, with an impressive 15.5 points per game. However, they have faced some struggles in the final quarter, averaging just 4.3 points during that period. Despite the slight dip, their .909 win percentage and 1.000 league win percentage speak to their dominance and consistency throughout the season.

Key Stats:

• Overall Record: 10-1
• League Record: 2-0
• Home Record: 5-0
• Away Record: 4-1
• Neutral Record: 1-0
• Points For (PF): 477
• Points Against (PA): 162
• Average Points Per Game: 43.4

Scoring Averages Comparison

• West:
  • Q1: 11.8
  • Q2: 13.7
  • Q3: 5.9
  • Q4: 6.2
  • Final: 37.5
• Rio Hondo Prep:
  • Q1: 13.5
  • Q2: 15.5
  • Q3: 8.8
  • Q4: 4.3
  • Final: 43.4

The stage is set for an exciting football matchup as the West Warriors (10-2) prepare to take on the Rio Hondo Prep Kares (10-1) in what promises to be an intense and closely contested game. With both teams boasting impressive records and dynamic offenses, this matchup is bound to be a highlight of the season. Let’s break down the teams, their key players, and what to expect in this thrilling showdown.

Team Stat Comparison

Offensive Overview

The West Warriors bring a well-balanced offensive attack to the field, averaging 299.2 total yards per game. The Warriors have been solid in both the running and passing games. Their rushing offense, led by Daniel Reamer (62.1 yards per game), contributes 153.8 rushing yards per game, while the passing game, powered by Eli Brandt (139.9 yards per game), adds 145.3 yards per game through the air.

In contrast, Rio Hondo Prep has a more potent offensive output, averaging 400.1 total yards per game. Their rushing game is the driving force, with Noah Penunuri leading the charge, averaging 106.7 yards per game. The Kares’ passing game is more limited, averaging only 75.2 yards per game, as they rely heavily on their ground attack.

While West’s offense is more balanced, Rio Hondo Prep’s strength lies in their ability to control the ball on the ground, leading to more total yards and a higher points-per-game average (43.2) compared to West’s 33.5.

Defensive Comparison

Defensively, both teams are strong, but Rio Hondo Prep has a slight edge in terms of tackles per game. The Kares average 48.5 tackles per game, which is higher than West’s 44.2 tackles per game. Rio Hondo Prep also has the upper hand in limiting passing plays, as evidenced by their 0.8 sacks per game compared to West’s 1.5 sacks per game. This difference shows Rio Hondo Prep’s ability to disrupt plays and stop offensive momentum.

On the other hand, West is more adept at pressuring the quarterback, and their defense’s ability to create sacks will be crucial against Rio Hondo Prep’s rushing-heavy offense.

Key Players

West Warriors

• Daniel Reamer (#21): The leading rusher for the Warriors, Reamer has contributed 62.1 rushing yards per game. His ability to control the tempo of the game and break through the defensive line will be key for West’s offensive success.
• Eli Brandt (#1): Brandt has been the backbone of the Warriors’ offense, contributing 139.9 passing yards per game. His arm strength and playmaking ability will be vital for keeping the Kares’ defense on their toes.
• Tyler Black (#4): Defensively, Black has been a leader with 7.1 tackles per game. His ability to read the offense and make key tackles in critical situations will be essential for West’s defensive game plan.

Rio Hondo Prep Kares

• Noah Penunuri (#31): Penunuri is the centerpiece of Rio Hondo Prep’s offense, rushing for 106.7 yards per game. He will be a key player in dictating the flow of the game, and stopping him will be a priority for West’s defense.
• Yanick Diaz (#4): Diaz provides a solid contribution in the passing game, with 62.4 receiving yards per game. Though Rio Hondo Prep’s passing attack is not as extensive as West’s, Diaz has the ability to make big plays down the field when called upon.
• Caeden Holcomb (#42): Defensively, Holcomb leads the team with 5.9 tackles per game. His ability to read the West offense and stop plays will be crucial, especially in limiting West’s passing and rushing attacks.

Head-to-Head Insights

West and Rio Hondo Prep share one common opponent this season: Torrance. Both teams faced Torrance and came away with losses, but Rio Hondo Prep’s 28-21 defeat was closer compared to West’s 30-24 loss. This shows that while both teams were challenged by Torrance, Rio Hondo Prep may have had a slightly stronger performance against a tough opponent.

Record Breakdown

• West Warriors: 10-2 overall (5-0 league, 3-2 non-league). West has been dominant in league play, finishing a perfect 5-0. With a balanced offense and strong defense, they are a formidable force in the league. Their only losses came against tough non-league teams, but they have shown resilience and consistency, especially in their home games (5-0).
• Rio Hondo Prep Kares: 10-1 overall (5-0 league, 6-1 non-league). Rio Hondo Prep enters this game with an impressive record, with their only loss coming in a close matchup against Torrance. They have been outstanding in league play, finishing 5-0. Their ability to dominate in both rushing and defensive play makes them a dangerous opponent, especially at home (5-0).

Prediction

Rio Hondo Prep enters this game as the slight favorite due to their explosive offense, especially in the running game, where they average 324.9 rushing yards per game. However, West has proven that they can be a tough opponent, thanks to their balanced offense and strong defensive line.

For West to succeed, they must find a way to contain Penunuri and the Rio Hondo Prep rushing attack while capitalizing on Brandt’s passing ability. Their defense will need to get pressure on the quarterback and force the Kares into passing situations. Meanwhile, Rio Hondo Prep’s strategy will likely focus on controlling the clock with their running game and limiting West’s offensive opportunities.

While West’s defense has the ability to disrupt Rio Hondo Prep’s rushing attack, the Kares’ overall offensive dominance and depth will likely give them the edge in this matchup. Expect a competitive game, but Rio Hondo Prep’s ability to control the ball and score consistently will likely lead them to victory.

Prediction: Rio Hondo Prep wins a hard-fought game, 35-28.

Conclusion

Both West and Rio Hondo Prep have been forces to reckon with in the 2024-2025 season. With a .833 win percentage, West has displayed consistent offensive firepower, especially in the first half. However, Rio Hondo Prep has the edge in overall scoring, averaging 43.4 points per game compared to West’s 37.5. This neutral-site game will be a true test of both teams’ resilience, and the first half will likely be critical for both sides.

Fans can expect a high-scoring affair, with both teams looking to dominate early and capitalize on their offensive strengths. As the playoff pressure mounts, this game promises to be a thrilling showdown with high stakes for both programs.