The Cleveland High School varsity flag football team from Reseda, CA, will face WISH Academy from Los Angeles, CA, in a neutral-site playoff game today at 3 PM. This matchup is part of the “2024 CIF LA City Section Flag Football Championships – Division II” tournament.
WISH Academy vs Cleveland Flag Football Game Info:
What: California High School Flag Football
Who: WISH Academy vs Cleveland
When: Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Time: 3 PM
Watch here: Watch here
Game preview: WISH Academy vs Cleveland
The high school flag football scene saw a competitive tilt between WISH Academy and Cleveland High School, with WISH Academy pulling ahead in the rankings despite evenly matched stats and performances in the 2024-2025 season.
Rankings Overview
WISH Academy ranks slightly higher nationally and within California, standing at 682nd nationally and 331st in California compared to Cleveland’s 676th and 328th positions. In their respective sections, WISH Academy is ranked 23rd, one place ahead of Cleveland’s 22nd spot.
Team Performance and Records
WISH Academy boasts a superior overall record at 12-6, with a 10-6 league performance and .667 win percentage. Cleveland’s season has been more challenging, with a 7-11 overall record, 2-7 in league play, and a .389 win percentage.
While WISH Academy showed dominance in playoff games (2-0), Cleveland performed better against a common opponent, Santee, winning 20-12 compared to WISH Academy’s 6-0 victory and 22-12 loss in two encounters.
Scoring Trends
Both teams struggle offensively but have contrasting scoring dynamics. WISH Academy averages 14 points in final quarters, highlighting a late-game surge. Cleveland spreads its scoring primarily in the second quarter, averaging 2.8 points.
Statistical Comparison
Cleveland outpaces WISH Academy in rushing yards per game, averaging 27.8 yards compared to WISH Academy’s modest rushing contributions. However, WISH Academy excels in aerial offense, led by #9 Nina Ramirez, who averages 102.5 passing yards and contributes significantly with 10.5 points per game.
Cleveland’s balanced yet less dominant stats reflect the team’s struggles this season, with no standout players reaching WISH Academy’s numbers.
| Category | WISH Academy | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards/Game | – | 27.8 |
| Passing Yards/Game | 37.7 | – |
| Receiving Yards/Game | 36.9 | – |
| Tackles/Game | 7.9 | – |
| Sacks/Game | 0.1 | – |
Team Leaders
WISH Academy’s Nina Ramirez and Cindy Martinez shine on offense, with Amber Ramirez anchoring the defense with 7.5 tackles per game. Sophie Ward-Bourlier stands out in the secondary with 1.5 interceptions per game.
Cleveland lacks standout individual contributors but demonstrates team-wide effort in their games.
Final Analysis
WISH Academy’s superior teamwork, offensive leadership, and clutch performances set them apart this season. While Cleveland shows promise, especially in rushing, they’ll need to find more consistent scoring and defensive dominance to challenge higher-ranked teams like WISH Academy.
As the playoffs approach, both teams will aim to capitalize on their strengths, but the edge remains with WISH Academy due to their balanced and resilient gameplay.
