The Banning (Wilmington, CA) varsity flag football team takes on San Pedro (CA) in a highly anticipated neutral playoff game today at 5:30 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 CIF LA City Section Flag Football Championships, Open Division, as both teams vie for a spot in the next round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Flag Football Playoff
Who: San Pedro vs Banning
When: Today, November 23, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF LA City Section Flag Football Championships – Open Division
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: San Pedro vs. Banning: A High-Stakes Clash in the Open Division Playoffs

The 2024 CIF LA City Section Flag Football Championships, Open Division, features a thrilling playoff showdown between two powerhouse teams: San Pedro and Banning. Both squads bring impressive records and scoring prowess to the field, setting the stage for an electrifying contest.

San Pedro: A Dominant Force

San Pedro has been nearly unstoppable this season, boasting a 25-2-1 overall record with a flawless 8-0 mark in league play. Ranked first in their section and 26th in California, the team has excelled in every environment, going 10-0 at home and 10-1-1 on the road, with a strong 5-1 record at neutral sites.

The Pirates have showcased a prolific offense, scoring 783 points across the season (an average of 28 points per game). Their scoring pattern reveals dominance in the first quarter (10.0 points) and a strong finish in the fourth quarter (12.5 points), indicating their ability to both start strong and close out games. Defensively, they’ve allowed just 223 points, giving them a balanced and formidable presence on the field.

Banning: A Strong Contender

Banning enters the playoffs with a solid 15-6 record, ranking second in their section and 71st in California. With a 6-2 league record and a respectable 7-2 mark on the road, the Pilots have proven their resilience in challenging environments.

Offensively, Banning averages 28.3 points per game, slightly higher than San Pedro, but their scoring has been less consistent across quarters. On defense, they’ve allowed 202 points over the season, showcasing their ability to contain opponents effectively. Despite their underdog status, Banning’s balanced performance makes them a dangerous challenger.

Key Matchup: San Pedro’s Consistency vs. Banning’s Resilience

San Pedro’s well-rounded team performance and ability to dominate both early and late in games will be critical against a resilient Banning squad. The Pilots must find ways to disrupt San Pedro’s rhythm and capitalize on any scoring opportunities. Banning’s slightly higher scoring average gives them potential, but they’ll need to maintain consistency to overcome the Pirates’ stifling defense.

Playoff Implications

With a spot in the next round of the Open Division playoffs on the line, both teams are poised to deliver their best. San Pedro will aim to continue their dominant season, while Banning looks to pull off a statement victory and advance in the tournament. Fans can expect a fiercely competitive game that could come down to a battle of execution and endurance.

The clash between San Pedro and Banning is one of intrigue and rivalry, with both teams boasting impressive seasons. While San Pedro’s dominant record of 25-2-1 underscores their consistency and excellence, Banning’s 15-6 campaign showcases a team capable of big wins and resilient performances. Let’s break down the matchup and what it means for these two squads.

Statistical Comparison

San Pedro holds an edge in several key areas, particularly in total yards and scoring:

• Offense: San Pedro averages 256.1 total yards per game, largely fueled by a dynamic passing attack (212.4 yards per game), while Banning puts up 214.8 yards per game, with a more balanced split between rushing (70.1 yards per game) and passing (144.6 yards per game).
• Defense: Both teams excel defensively, allowing few points against common opponents. Banning leads in sacks per game (1.5) and tackles, while San Pedro excels in forcing turnovers with 2.7 interceptions per game compared to Banning’s 2.0.
• Scoring: San Pedro averages 27.5 points per game, outpacing Banning’s 22.5, which could prove decisive in a close contest.

Key Players

• San Pedro:
  • Quarterback M. Adrid (#4) leads the offense with 127.3 passing yards per game, supported by wide receiver F. Ramirez (#3), who averages 42.0 receiving yards and 5.8 points per game.
  • The defensive unit thrives on interceptions, with S. Malone (#13) averaging 0.5 per game.
• Banning:
  • Quarterback Alina Argueta (#1) is a dual threat, leading the team with 176.9 passing yards per game and 201.2 total yards per game, significantly higher than the national average.
  • Running back Ariana Dominguez (#7) anchors the rushing game with 28.4 yards per game, while defensive standout Kali Sue (#5) contributes 3.7 tackles per game, 1.1 interceptions per game, and 9.4 points per game, making her one of Banning’s most versatile players.
  • Defensive lineman Iolana Nuhi-Yandall (#14) adds a strong pass rush, leading the team with 2.3 sacks per game.

Common Opponents

Both teams dominated shared opponents with a few notable differences:

• Narbonne: Both squads earned victories, but San Pedro’s wins were closer (19-14 and 13-12), while Banning was more decisive (25-6 and 26-0).
• Marshall: This opponent proved to be a challenge. San Pedro played to a 13-13 tie, while Banning lost one game (18-14) but rebounded with a 19-6 victory.
• Carson: San Pedro handled Carson with two wins, including a 30-0 shutout, while Banning dominated their matchup with a 49-0 victory.

Banning holds a slight edge here, going 10-1 against common opponents compared to San Pedro’s 8-0-1, though San Pedro remains undefeated.

Record Breakdown

San Pedro’s record speaks to their dominance:

• Home Field Advantage: San Pedro is 10-0 at home, while Banning is a respectable 5-1.
• League Performance: San Pedro swept through their league with an 8-0 record, whereas Banning finished 6-2.
• Playoff Success: Both teams are undefeated in the playoffs (2-0), adding further intrigue to this matchup.

Analysis and Prediction

San Pedro’s success is built on a potent passing attack and a stifling defense that thrives on creating turnovers. Their undefeated record at home, combined with their ability to execute in high-stakes moments, makes them a formidable opponent.

Banning, on the other hand, is a more balanced team with key contributors on both sides of the ball. Their decisive wins against common opponents like Narbonne and Carson highlight their capability to dominate when firing on all cylinders.

Prediction: While Banning’s depth and versatility could pose challenges, San Pedro’s consistency and home-field advantage give them the edge in this rivalry. Expect a hard-fought game with San Pedro narrowly coming out on top. Final score prediction: San Pedro 24, Banning 20.