The Pima High School varsity football team from Pima, AZ, will host Scottsdale Christian Academy from Phoenix, AZ, in a home playoff game today at 2 PM. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 2A tournament, promising an intense contest between these talented teams.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arizona State High School Football Playoff
Who: Scottsdale Christian Academy vs Pima
When: Today, November 30, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Pima vs. Scottsdale Christian Academy

As the Arizona high school football season progresses, Scottsdale Christian Academy and Pima prepare to meet in what promises to be an electrifying matchup. Both teams bring unique strengths to the field, with Pima boasting a stellar 12-1 record and Scottsdale Christian Academy standing at a commendable 9-4. The game will showcase two balanced offenses and gritty defenses vying for supremacy.

Team Comparison

The statistical comparison highlights two teams that are evenly matched in total offensive output, with each relying on different strengths to achieve success.

• Rushing Offense: Pima leads with a robust 230.3 rushing yards per game, spearheaded by the dynamic play of Jeremiah Martinez. Scottsdale Christian Academy, while also strong on the ground, averages 191.2 rushing yards per game, making this area a key battleground.
• Passing Offense: Scottsdale Christian Academy holds an edge in the passing game, averaging 147.0 yards per game compared to Pima’s 109.1. Quarterback Sean Helgeson has been pivotal for Scottsdale Christian Academy, keeping defenses on their heels.
• Total Offense: The total yardage is nearly identical, with Pima at 339.4 yards per game and Scottsdale Christian Academy just behind at 338.2. This balance hints at a highly competitive matchup.
• Defensive Play: Scottsdale Christian Academy boasts a more active defensive unit, averaging 85.5 tackles per game compared to Pima’s 53.1. However, both teams have effective pass rushes, with Scottsdale Christian Academy averaging 2.7 sacks per game and Pima close at 2.6.
• Scoring: Pima has a slight edge in scoring, averaging 35.5 points per game, just above Scottsdale Christian Academy’s 35.0. Both teams have shown an ability to find the end zone consistently.

Key Players

The standout performers from each team will play crucial roles in determining the outcome of this matchup.

• Rushing: Pima’s Jeremiah Martinez is a force, averaging an impressive 152.9 rushing yards per game, far outpacing Scottsdale Christian Academy’s Caleb Randall, who averages 91.2 yards. Martinez’s performance could dictate the pace of the game.
• Passing: Scottsdale Christian Academy’s quarterback, Sean Helgeson, averages 149.3 passing yards per game, making him a critical component of their offensive strategy. Pima’s Cedrick Grimes, averaging 107.2 passing yards per game, complements their ground game effectively.
• Receiving: Ethan Davidson leads Scottsdale Christian Academy’s receiving corps with 57.5 yards per game, while Jaxon McBiles is Pima’s top receiver with 35.6 yards per game.
• Defense: Caleb Randall leads Scottsdale Christian Academy in tackles with 10.1 per game, demonstrating his versatility on both sides of the ball. For Pima, Joe Palmer anchors the defense with 8.6 tackles per game.
• Scoring Impact: Jeremiah Martinez not only excels on the ground but also leads Pima with 14.2 points per game. Scottsdale Christian Academy’s top scorer, Harrison Gurash, contributes 9.3 points per game, making him a key playmaker.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced Tonopah Valley and Santa Cruz Valley, providing a point of comparison:

• Pima: Secured victories against both opponents, including a 40-34 win over Tonopah Valley and a 29-22 victory over Santa Cruz Valley.
• Scottsdale Christian Academy: Split these matchups, losing 35-32 to Tonopah Valley but defeating Santa Cruz Valley 28-6.

Pima’s clean sweep against common opponents could give them a psychological edge heading into the game.

Record Breakdown

• Scottsdale Christian Academy: A 9-4 record includes a perfect 6-0 in league play and a strong 3-0 playoff run. However, their 0-4 non-league record highlights challenges against non-league opponents.
• Pima: At 12-1 overall, Pima has excelled in both league (6-0) and non-league (3-1) games. Their playoff success (3-0) underscores their readiness for high-pressure situations.

Conclusion

This matchup features two evenly matched teams with distinct styles. Pima’s powerful rushing attack, led by Jeremiah Martinez, will be tested by Scottsdale Christian Academy’s balanced offensive approach and aggressive defense. With playoff implications on the line, expect a hard-fought game that could be decided by a few key plays. Fans can look forward to a thrilling contest showcasing the best of Arizona high school football.