The Highland varsity football team from Palmdale faces Woodrow Wilson from Long Beach in a neutral-site playoff game tonight at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (Division 9), where both teams aim to advance further in their quest for the title.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Woodrow Wilson vs Highland
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – Division 9
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Highland vs. Woodrow Wilson

As the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (Division 9) continue, Highland and Woodrow Wilson prepare to battle in a neutral-site playoff game that promises an exciting display of talent and determination. With identical 9-4 records, both teams have shown their mettle this season, but tonight’s game will reveal which team is truly ready to take the next step.

Highland: Offensive Firepower and League Dominance

Highland comes into this matchup as a team that has proven itself throughout the season, particularly in league play, where they boast an impressive 6-1 record. Ranked 175th in California and 87th in their division, Highland has been a high-scoring team, averaging 35.6 points per game and totaling 463 points this season.

While Highland starts games slowly, with just 1.8 points on average in the first quarter, they find their rhythm as the game progresses. Their strongest performances come in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they average 8.0 points. This ability to finish strong has been crucial to their success.

Defensively, Highland has allowed 257 points, showcasing a balanced approach that complements their explosive offense. Their overall win percentage of .692 reflects their consistency and determination, whether playing at home, away, or in neutral settings.

Woodrow Wilson: Resilience and Neutral-Site Success

Woodrow Wilson enters the game with an equally strong 9-4 record and a .692 win percentage. Ranked 196th in California and 94th in their division, the team has excelled in neutral-site games, where they are undefeated at 2-0.

The team averages 30.6 points per game, with a balanced scoring approach across all quarters. They score consistently in the first (7.0 points), third (7.0), and fourth (7.8) quarters, showcasing their ability to maintain offensive pressure throughout the game. With a total of 398 points scored and 239 allowed, Woodrow Wilson has demonstrated a solid all-around game.

League play has been a mixed bag for Woodrow Wilson, as they finished 3-3. However, their ability to shine in critical moments, particularly in neutral-site games, makes them a dangerous opponent.

Key Factors for the Matchup

1. Highland’s Finishing Power: Highland’s ability to dominate late in games could prove pivotal, especially if the matchup is close heading into the fourth quarter.
2. Wilson’s Neutral-Site Advantage: Woodrow Wilson’s undefeated record in neutral settings indicates they thrive under playoff conditions, giving them confidence heading into this game.
3. Offense vs. Defense: Highland’s higher-scoring offense will test Woodrow Wilson’s defense, which has been relatively stout, allowing just 239 points this season.

As two evenly matched teams prepare to clash, a detailed breakdown of team and player statistics offers insight into the Woodrow Wilson vs. Highland matchup. Both teams boast identical records (9-4), setting the stage for what promises to be a tightly contested game.

Team Stat Comparison

When analyzing the teams’ average performances this season, the numbers highlight near parity:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Woodrow Wilson narrowly edges Highland with 117.5 compared to 116.8.
• Passing Yards Per Game: Again, Wilson maintains a slight lead, averaging 159.8 yards to Highland’s 158.2.
• Receiving Yards Per Game: Woodrow Wilson averages 161.8, just ahead of Highland’s 155.2.
• Total Yards Per Game: With 277.3 total yards per game, Wilson barely outpaces Highland’s 275.0.

While these offensive stats favor Woodrow Wilson, Highland showcases a significant defensive edge:

• Tackles Per Game: Highland dominates with 76.3 tackles per game versus Wilson’s 50.0.
• Sacks Per Game: Highland more than doubles Wilson’s production, averaging 3.0 sacks compared to 1.2.
• Points Per Game: Highland also holds a slight scoring advantage at 25.4 points per game versus Wilson’s 24.8.

Key Players to Watch

Both teams feature standout players capable of swinging momentum.

Woodrow Wilson Leaders:

• Deuce Weston (#2): Weston leads the ground attack, averaging 75 rushing yards and contributing 8 points per game.
• Mack Cooper (#15): A key figure in Wilson’s passing game, Cooper averages 176.9 passing yards and 180 total yards per game.
• Maxwell Barbee (#8): Barbee shines in the receiving game, posting 80 yards per game.
• Jalen Nelson (#3): Nelson anchors the defense with 9.0 tackles per game.
• Isaiah Castro (#43): Castro is the team’s sack leader, averaging 1.0 per game.

Highland Leaders:

• Roderick Erwin (#21): Highland’s leading rusher, Erwin averages 45.8 rushing yards per game.
• Justin Wyatt Jr. (#3): Wyatt provides balance in the passing game, averaging 151.9 passing yards and 181.4 total yards per game.
• Andrew Garner (#6): Garner is a reliable target, averaging 62.7 receiving yards and contributing 6.5 points per game.
• Jayden Carrillo (#11): The defensive standout leads Highland with 12.6 tackles per game.
• Jamarieh Hector (#7): Hector leads the team in sacks with 1.1 per game.

Record Breakdown

Despite their identical 9-4 overall records, there are distinct differences in performance across various contexts:

• League Play: Highland has the upper hand with a 6-1 record, while Wilson trails at 3-3.
• Home vs. Away: Highland performs significantly better at home (5-2) than Wilson (2-4). However, Wilson’s 5-0 away record demonstrates their resilience on the road.
• Playoffs: Both teams are undefeated in playoff action, at 3-0, signaling their ability to perform under pressure.

Matchup Outlook

The statistics suggest this will be a close contest, with Woodrow Wilson’s balanced offense squaring off against Highland’s stronger defense. Key matchups to watch include Wilson’s Mack Cooper and Maxwell Barbee against Highland’s defensive anchors, Jayden Carrillo and Jamarieh Hector.

Ultimately, the outcome could hinge on turnovers, red-zone efficiency, and the performance of star players like Deuce Weston and Justin Wyatt Jr. Expect a hard-fought game with no shortage of drama as these evenly matched teams vie for supremacy.

Prediction

With both teams showcasing similar records and win percentages, this game is shaping up to be a tightly contested battle. Highland’s strong offensive output and ability to finish games give them a slight edge, but Woodrow Wilson’s consistency and playoff success make them a formidable challenger. Expect an intense, down-to-the-wire contest as these two teams vie for Division 9 supremacy.