The Newbury Park (CA) varsity football team will host Yorba Linda (CA) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – Division 2 tournament, as both teams compete for a chance to advance.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: California High School Football Playoff
Who: Yorba Linda vs Newbury Park
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships (California) – Division 2
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Newbury Park vs. Yorba Linda

The 2024 CIF Southern Section Football Championships – Division 2 tournament features a marquee playoff matchup as undefeated Newbury Park (CA) hosts Yorba Linda (CA) on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This battle pits two powerhouse teams with remarkable seasons against each other, promising an intense and competitive showdown.

Team Overview

Newbury Park enters the playoffs as a dominant force, boasting a perfect 12-0 record. The team has swept its competition in both league play (5-0) and overall games, showcasing balance and strength on both sides of the ball. Their offense has been exceptional, averaging an impressive 39 points per game while allowing just 97 points all season. Newbury Park consistently takes control early, averaging 12.4 points in the first quarter and 12.3 in the second, effectively setting the tone for their games. With home-field advantage and a flawless record, Newbury Park is well-positioned to continue their stellar season.

Yorba Linda has also had an outstanding season, finishing 11-1 with a 4-1 league record. The team has shown strong consistency, excelling both at home (5-1) and on the road (6-0). Yorba Linda averages 30.3 points per game, driven by a strong start in the first quarter (8.8 points) and maintaining momentum throughout. Despite their offensive prowess, their defense has faced challenges, conceding 253 points this season, which may be a factor against a high-scoring Newbury Park team.

Key Match-Up Insights

• Offensive Strength: Newbury Park has the clear advantage in scoring, averaging nearly nine more points per game than Yorba Linda. Their ability to dominate in the first half gives them a significant edge in setting the tempo of the game.
• Defensive Edge: Newbury Park’s defense has been nearly impenetrable, allowing an average of just 8.1 points per game. In contrast, Yorba Linda’s defense has given up 21.1 points per game, which could be a concern against Newbury Park’s high-powered offense.
• Key Players: Yorba Linda will rely on their ability to stay competitive throughout the game, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they average 7.4 points. Meanwhile, Newbury Park’s explosive offense will look to establish a commanding lead early and maintain it with their strong defensive unit.

The playoff showdown between Yorba Linda (11-1) and Newbury Park (12-0) promises to be a thrilling matchup, as both teams bring exceptional records and standout players into this highly anticipated game. While Newbury Park boasts an undefeated season, Yorba Linda has shown grit and resilience, making this a battle of two powerhouse programs.

Offensive Comparison

• Rushing Attack: Yorba Linda relies heavily on its ground game, averaging 212.3 rushing yards per game. Cole Nerio leads the team with 84.6 yards per game and has been a consistent force all season. Newbury Park, while not as dominant in the rushing department, averages a respectable 125.3 yards per game, with Tyler Stromsoe contributing 64.6 yards per game. The edge in rushing goes to Yorba Linda, whose ability to control the tempo with their run game could prove pivotal.
• Passing Game: This is where Newbury Park shines. With a stellar passing offense averaging 237.0 yards per game, Brady Smigiel has been a standout performer, throwing for an impressive 235.2 yards per game. Yorba Linda, while effective through the air with 142.8 passing yards per game, will need a big game from Holden Nagin (142.0 yards per game) to keep pace with Newbury Park’s dynamic aerial attack.
• Total Yards: Both teams are nearly even in total offensive production, with Newbury Park slightly ahead at 362.3 yards per game compared to Yorba Linda’s 355.0. The key difference lies in how these yards are accumulated—Yorba Linda through a balanced attack leaning on the run, and Newbury Park through a pass-heavy strategy.

Defensive Comparison

• Tackles Per Game: Newbury Park holds a slight advantage in defensive activity, averaging 71.2 tackles per game compared to Yorba Linda’s 66.3. Carter Taylor has been a defensive leader for Newbury Park, averaging 10.4 tackles per game, while Santiago Salas leads Yorba Linda with 7.5 tackles per game.
• Sacks Per Game: Newbury Park also leads in sacks, averaging 3.0 per game. Landon Stuart has been a standout with 1.0 sacks per game, matching Yorba Linda’s Jaydon Wittler, who also averages 1.0 sacks per game. Generating pressure on the opposing quarterbacks will be critical, particularly for Yorba Linda, as they face the prolific Smigiel.
• Points Allowed: Both teams feature strong defenses, but Newbury Park has been particularly stingy, holding opponents to fewer points while maintaining a consistent offensive output.

Key Players to Watch

• Yorba Linda:
  • Cole Nerio: With 10.4 points per game, he’s a dual-threat, leading in rushing and scoring.
  • Holden Nagin: The quarterback must find success in the air to complement the ground game.
  • Santiago Salas: Defensive leader who will be pivotal in slowing down Newbury Park’s high-powered offense.
• Newbury Park:
  • Brady Smigiel: The star quarterback has been the catalyst for the team’s success, averaging 235.2 passing yards per game.
  • Shane Rosenthal: A dominant receiver, averaging 103.9 yards per game, he will be a key target.
  • Carter Taylor: Defensive anchor who can disrupt Yorba Linda’s offensive rhythm.

Common Opponent: San Jacinto

Both teams faced San Jacinto during the season and emerged victorious. Yorba Linda secured a narrow 19-16 win, showcasing their resilience in a tough matchup. Newbury Park, however, dominated with a commanding 27-0 victory, underscoring their defensive strength and offensive efficiency.

Record Breakdown

• Yorba Linda: With an 11-1 overall record, they’ve been dominant at home (5-1) and perfect on the road (6-0). Their lone loss came in league play, where they finished 4-1.
• Newbury Park: Undefeated at 12-0, they’ve excelled in both league (5-0) and non-league (5-0) matchups. Their flawless home (6-0) and away (6-0) records highlight their consistency and adaptability.

Keys to Victory

• Yorba Linda: Control the game with their ground attack, limit Smigiel’s passing opportunities, and capitalize on defensive stops.
• Newbury Park: Exploit their aerial advantage, maintain offensive balance, and pressure Nagin to disrupt Yorba Linda’s rhythm.

Prediction

This matchup pits Yorba Linda’s powerful rushing game against Newbury Park’s dynamic passing attack. While Yorba Linda has the tools to control the tempo, Newbury Park’s offensive firepower and defensive consistency give them the edge. Expect a close, hard-fought game, with Newbury Park emerging victorious to extend their undefeated season.

Conclusion

This Division 2 playoff matchup between Newbury Park and Yorba Linda is set to be a thrilling contest between two elite teams. While Newbury Park’s flawless record and overwhelming offensive and defensive statistics give them a significant edge, Yorba Linda’s resilience and consistency make them a formidable opponent. Fans can expect a game full of energy, strategy, and high-stakes drama as both teams battle for a spot in the next round of the CIF Southern Section Football Championships.