The Carter varsity football team (Rialto, CA) will face Wilson (Hacienda Heights, 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, Division 12, as both teams aim for a spot in the next round.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Wilson vs Carter
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – Division 12
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Wilson vs. Carter
The highly anticipated matchup between Wilson and Carter promises to deliver an exciting clash of powerful offenses and stout defenses. Both teams have shown impressive performances this season, with Wilson entering the game with an 11-1 record and Carter standing at 8-3. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of each team’s stats, strengths, and key players as they prepare for this thrilling contest.
Offensive Comparison
- Rushing Yards: Wilson has been particularly strong on the ground, averaging 258.1 rushing yards per game. This potent rushing attack is led by Dominic Ezeonye, who churns out 180.5 yards per game, making him a key player to watch. In contrast, Carter averages 198.2 rushing yards per game, with Jordan McKinney leading the way with 99.5 yards per game. Wilson’s superior rushing yards give them a significant advantage in establishing control over the game early, as their offense is built around dominating the run game.
- Passing Yards: Wilson averages 66.8 passing yards per game, which reflects their emphasis on the run game. However, Juaquin Villalobos has been an effective passer, contributing 75.4 yards per game. On the other hand, Carter boasts a more balanced passing game, averaging 163.7 passing yards per game. Ryder Carson has been instrumental in the passing game for Carter, with 163.7 yards per game. While Wilson prefers a run-heavy approach, Carter’s passing game has been more dynamic and could help them stretch the field.
- Receiving Yards: Both teams have solid receiving units, with Wilson averaging 66.3 receiving yards per game and Carter averaging 162.0 receiving yards. Brian Silva leads Wilson in receiving, with 24.5 yards per game, while Joey Martinez leads Carter with 60.7 yards per game. Carter’s higher receiving yardage gives them the advantage in the air, thanks to their ability to generate more yards through passing.
- Total Yards: Wilson averages 324.9 total yards per game, while Carter outpaces them with 361.9 total yards per game. This is a reflection of Carter’s more balanced offense, which combines both an efficient passing game and strong rushing attack. Wilson, though slightly behind in total yardage, relies on a more focused offensive scheme, with a heavier reliance on their run game.
Defensive Comparison
- Tackles Per Game: Carter’s defense is more active, averaging 58.6 tackles per game compared to Wilson’s 47.7 tackles per game. Christopher Martinez is a standout on Carter’s defense, averaging 8.7 tackles per game, which gives them an edge in terms of defensive playmaking. Wilson’s defense, led by Karl Cruz with 7.5 tackles per game, will need to step up to compete with Carter’s more aggressive defense.
- Sacks Per Game: Both teams have been effective at pressuring the quarterback, but Wilson slightly edges out Carter with 1.4 sacks per game compared to Carter’s 1.1. Dominic Ezeonye has contributed on defense as well, with 0.5 sacks per game, making him a dual-threat player. For Carter, Michael Martinez has recorded 0.3 sacks per game, but it’s the team’s overall pressure and ability to stop the run that has been their strength.
Scoring Comparison
- Points Per Game: Both teams have potent offenses, with Carter averaging 40.3 points per game, just ahead of Wilson’s 36.7 points per game. This indicates that Carter has been more effective at putting up big numbers, while Wilson’s offensive success has been more methodical, relying on their powerful ground game to control the clock and put up consistent points.
Record Breakdown
- Overall Record: Wilson enters the game with an impressive 11-1 record, having been dominant throughout the season. Carter, with an 8-3 record, has also been competitive but has faced some challenges in non-league play.
- League Record: Wilson is undefeated in league play, boasting a perfect 5-0 record, while Carter has a solid 4-1 record in league play. Both teams have excelled within their leagues, but Wilson’s clean league record gives them a slight edge in terms of consistency against league opponents.
- Non-League Record: Wilson has a 4-1 record in non-league play, showcasing their ability to handle tough competition outside of league play. Carter’s 2-2 non-league record indicates that they have faced some challenges, but their 5-0 home record shows their strength on their home turf.
- Home/Away Record: Both teams have performed well at home, with Wilson posting a 5-0 home record and Carter maintaining a 5-1 home record. However, Wilson has been more successful on the road, with a 5-1 record away from home, while Carter’s road record is 2-2. This gives Wilson a potential advantage if the game is played at a neutral location or away from home.
- Playoff Record: Both teams have excelled in the playoffs, with Wilson posting a perfect 2-0 playoff record, and Carter also going 2-0. Their strong playoff performances indicate that both teams are battle-tested and capable of performing under pressure.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced off against similar opponents, but neither team has played against each other this season. However, their results against common opponents show that both teams are competitive. Wilson and Carter share a 0-0 record against common opponents, which suggests that they’ve had equally strong showings against teams in their schedule.
Conclusion
The matchup between Wilson and Carter will be a clash of contrasting styles. Wilson’s powerful running game, led by Dominic Ezeonye, has been their key to success, while Carter’s more balanced offense, with a strong passing game through Ryder Carson and Joey Martinez, gives them the edge in versatility. Carter’s defense, which is more active in terms of tackles, will need to contain Wilson’s run-heavy attack to stay competitive.
Wilson has been dominant throughout the season, and their experience in big games gives them confidence heading into this matchup. However, Carter’s ability to score quickly and generate yardage through both the run and pass makes them a dangerous opponent. This game promises to be an exciting battle, with both teams bringing strong offenses and defenses to the table. The key to victory will lie in which team can control the line of scrimmage and execute their game plan effectively.