The ALA – Gilbert North (Gilbert, AZ) varsity football team is set to host Cactus (Glendale, AZ) in a home playoff game today at 7 p.m. This game is part of the “2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 5A” tournament, with both teams vying for a spot in the next round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arizona State High School Football Playoff
Who: ALA – Gilbert North (AZ) vs Cactus (AZ)
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 5A
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Cactus vs. ALA – Gilbert North

In a highly anticipated postseason matchup, Cactus (9-3) will face off against ALA – Gilbert North (9-3) in what promises to be an exciting clash between two evenly matched teams. Both squads have demonstrated powerful offenses and solid defenses throughout the season. Let’s break down the key statistics, standout players, and the matchup’s overall significance.

Offensive Breakdown: Cactus vs. ALA – Gilbert North

Cactus:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 167.3
• Passing Yards Per Game: 211.8
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 216.4
• Total Yards Per Game: 379.1
• Points Per Game: 31.6

Cactus has displayed a well-rounded offensive attack this season. With Tayejion Player leading the rushing game with 94.8 yards per game, Cactus is able to effectively move the ball on the ground. However, they also excel through the air, with quarterback Antonio Casias contributing 208.8 passing yards per game. Julian “Juju” Stubblefield leads the receiving corps, accumulating 83.8 yards per game. With a total of 379.1 yards per game and 31.6 points per game, Cactus has proven to be a potent offensive force capable of scoring in multiple ways.

ALA – Gilbert North:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 133.9
• Passing Yards Per Game: 212.3
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 214.7
• Total Yards Per Game: 346.2
• Points Per Game: 33.1

ALA – Gilbert North also boasts a well-balanced offense, though they lean more heavily on their passing game. Quarterback Conner White has been efficient, averaging 138.5 passing yards per game, while Isaac Massey leads the team in receiving yards with 72.0 per game. The rushing attack is spearheaded by Kody Thorley, who averages 53.1 yards per game on the ground. Overall, ALA – Gilbert North averages 346.2 total yards and 33.1 points per game, giving them a slight edge in scoring compared to Cactus.

Key Players: Cactus vs. ALA – Gilbert North

Cactus:

• Tayejion Player: With 94.8 rushing yards per game, Player is a key part of Cactus’ offensive game plan. His ability to control the ground game will be essential in setting up the passing attack.
• Antonio Casias: The quarterback has thrown for 208.8 yards per game, and his dual-threat ability makes him a dynamic weapon. Casias’ ability to manage the game and make big throws will be pivotal for Cactus’ success.
• Julian “Juju” Stubblefield: A top receiving option, Stubblefield averages 83.8 yards per game. His ability to stretch the field and create mismatches will be crucial in opening up opportunities for the rest of the offense.
• Jayson Burkhard: A defensive leader for Cactus with 7.3 tackles per game, Burkhard will be vital in helping the defense stop ALA – Gilbert North’s versatile offense.

ALA – Gilbert North:

• Kody Thorley: A dual-threat rusher and tackler, Thorley leads ALA – Gilbert North in rushing yards with 53.1 per game. His ability to move the ball and contribute on defense with 10.4 tackles per game will be critical to the team’s success.
• Conner White: White is a capable passer, throwing for 212.3 yards per game. His ability to connect with top receiver Isaac Massey (72.0 yards per game) will be key for ALA – Gilbert North to stretch the field.
• Isaac Massey: The top receiving target for ALA – Gilbert North, Massey averages 72.0 receiving yards per game and will be essential in the team’s passing game.
• Porter Keime: A key contributor on defense with 0.9 sacks per game, Keime will play a pivotal role in pressuring the Cactus quarterback and disrupting their offensive rhythm.

Record Breakdown

Cactus:

• Overall Record: 9-3
• League Record: 4-1
• Non-League Record: 3-2
• Home Record: 7-0
• Away Record: 2-3
• Playoff Record: 2-0
• In-State Record: 9-3

Cactus has been strong, particularly at home, where they hold a perfect 7-0 record. Their offense and defense have both shown resilience throughout the season, with notable wins and a solid performance in the playoffs (2-0). Their main challenge will be securing a road victory in this matchup.

ALA – Gilbert North:

• Overall Record: 9-3
• League Record: 3-2
• Non-League Record: 4-1
• Home Record: 6-1
• Away Record: 3-2
• Playoff Record: 2-0
• In-State Record: 9-3

Like Cactus, ALA – Gilbert North has had a strong season, including a 4-1 record in non-league play. Their only loss came at home to Desert Mountain, but they have been dominant in their playoff appearances, securing a 2-0 record. Their balanced offense and strong defense will be key factors in this matchup.

Common Opponents

Both teams played Desert Mountain, with Cactus falling 44-0, while ALA – Gilbert North also lost to Desert Mountain 17-7. This common opponent loss shows that both teams have faced difficult challenges and will need to find ways to overcome adversity in this game.

Conclusion

This matchup between Cactus and ALA – Gilbert North is shaping up to be a thrilling contest. Both teams have shown the ability to score quickly and move the ball efficiently, with Cactus leaning slightly more on the run and ALA – Gilbert North relying on their passing game. With standout players like Tayejion Player and Antonio Casias for Cactus and Kody Thorley and Conner White for ALA – Gilbert North, both offenses will look to capitalize on big plays.

Defensively, both teams will need to limit the other’s explosive plays, with Jayson Burkhard and Tayejion Player leading the charge for Cactus and Porter Keime and Kody Thorley for ALA – Gilbert North. The battle in the trenches and ability to execute in crucial moments will likely determine the outcome.

Expect a close game, with both teams capable of making big plays. The winner will have to execute well in all phases of the game, particularly in the passing game and in controlling the tempo of the game. This game is sure to be a fantastic contest as these two teams vie for a playoff victory.