The Cactus (Glendale, AZ) varsity football team will host Desert Edge (Goodyear, AZ) in a home playoff game tonight at 8 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 5A tournament, where both teams will battle for a chance to advance further.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Arizona State Football Championship
Who: Cactus (AZ) vs Desert Edge (AZ)
When: Today, December 06, 2024
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 5A
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Desert Edge vs. Cactus
Desert Edge vs. Cactus
The 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 5A tournament is heating up, and tonight’s home playoff game between Desert Edge (Goodyear, AZ) and Cactus (Glendale, AZ) promises to be a thrilling matchup. With both teams coming off strong seasons, this game is set to showcase some of the best high school football talent in Arizona.
Desert Edge: Consistent and Resilient
Desert Edge enters this game with a solid 9-4 overall record, having performed well both at home (4-2) and away (5-2). Their regional performance has been impressive too, finishing with a 4-1 record in conference play. The Scorpions have demonstrated resilience throughout the season, overcoming challenges and positioning themselves as a team to watch.
Offensively, Desert Edge has averaged 25.4 points per game. They have shown a tendency to start games slow, scoring an average of just 3.4 points in the first quarter. However, their offense picks up as the game progresses, particularly in the second quarter (8.8 points) and fourth quarter (7.8 points). If Desert Edge is able to find more consistency early on, they will certainly pose a challenge for Cactus.
Cactus: Dominant and Dynamic
Cactus, with a 10-3 overall record, has been an incredibly dynamic team this season. The Coyotes have been nearly unbeatable at home, going 7-0, but have faced a more challenging road schedule, finishing 3-3 away from home. Their regional performance mirrors that of Desert Edge, with a 4-1 record in conference play, making them evenly matched in that regard.
The Coyotes have been a high-scoring team throughout the season, averaging 32.5 points per game. Their offensive game is well-balanced, with strong performances in both the first (5.6 points) and second quarters (12.2 points). Cactus also scores effectively in the third quarter (7.5 points) but has occasionally struggled to maintain momentum in the fourth quarter, scoring just 5.6 points. However, their overall scoring power and consistency have made them a formidable force.
Key Matchup: Offense vs. Defense
While both teams have shown strong offensive capabilities, the key to this matchup could come down to which team can maintain control of the game. Desert Edge has shown a tendency to start slow but can rally later, while Cactus’s explosive second-quarter offense could give them an early lead. Desert Edge’s defense, having allowed 206 points this season, will need to step up and limit the high-scoring Coyotes if they hope to pull off the upset.
Cactus, on the other hand, will have to capitalize on their strong first half to put Desert Edge at a disadvantage early. Their balanced offense and defensive consistency will be crucial if they aim to keep the Scorpions from building momentum late in the game.
Looking Ahead
Tonight’s game is sure to be a hard-fought battle, with both teams entering the playoffs with strong records and plenty to prove. Desert Edge will look to shake off their slow starts and put pressure on the Cactus defense, while Cactus will aim to take control early and avoid letting Desert Edge gain momentum late. With so much on the line, fans can expect a thrilling contest under the lights.
No matter who emerges victorious, this matchup will surely be one to remember in the 2024 AIA State Football Championships.
