The Benjamin Franklin varsity football team will host ALA – Ironwood from Ironwood, AZ, in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 AIA State Football Championships for Conference 3A. Both teams will compete for a spot in the next round of the tournament.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Arizona High School Football
Who: ALA – Ironwood vs Benjamin Franklin
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 3A
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Benjamin Franklin vs. ALA – Ironwood
The 2024 AIA State Football Championships are heating up, and one of the most exciting matchups in the Conference 3A tournament will feature the Benjamin Franklin (Queen Creek, AZ) varsity football team hosting ALA – Ironwood (Ironwood, AZ) on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. Both teams enter this game with impressive records, and fans can expect a thrilling showdown for a spot in the next round of the tournament.
Team Records and Rankings
ALA – Ironwood
- Record: 9-2 overall, 3-1 in section play
- Home/Away: 4-2 at home, 5-0 away
- Ranking: 65th in Arizona, 7th in Division
- Points For (PF): 377
- Points Against (PA): 246
- Win %: .818 overall, .750 in section
ALA – Ironwood enters the playoffs with a strong 9-2 record and a perfect 5-0 away record, showcasing their ability to perform on the road. The team’s offense has been productive, scoring 377 points this season, while their defense has allowed 246. Their overall win percentage of .818 reflects a solid season, and they will look to continue their success as they face a formidable opponent in Benjamin Franklin.
Benjamin Franklin
- Record: 10-1 overall, 4-0 in section play
- Home/Away: 6-1 at home, 4-0 away
- Ranking: 37th in Arizona, 1st in Division
- Points For (PF): 468
- Points Against (PA): 108
- Win %: .909 overall, 1.000 in section
Benjamin Franklin has had an outstanding season, finishing with a 10-1 record and an undefeated 4-0 section record. Their offense has been explosive, scoring 468 points, and their defense has been incredibly stingy, allowing only 108 points. The team’s overall performance this season, especially on the defensive side, has set them apart as one of the top teams in the state.
Scoring Averages by Quarter
Both teams have shown they can score, but they do so at different rates throughout the game. Here’s a look at each team’s scoring averages by quarter:
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALA – Ironwood | 6.9 | 8.4 | 8.8 | 11.8 | 34.3 |
| Benjamin Franklin | 10.0 | 12.1 | 10.9 | 5.9 | 42.5 |
Benjamin Franklin has been particularly strong in the first half, averaging 22.1 points across the first two quarters. In comparison, ALA – Ironwood has been more consistent across all quarters, with a slight surge in the fourth quarter, averaging 11.8 points. However, Benjamin Franklin’s ability to score consistently throughout the game, particularly in the second quarter, gives them a strong advantage.
Key Matchup: Offense and Defense
- Offensive Power: Benjamin Franklin boasts one of the most potent offenses in the state, averaging 42.5 points per game. Their ability to put up big numbers in the first half will be key in setting the tone early in this game. ALA – Ironwood, averaging 34.3 points per game, will need to match this firepower to keep up with their high-scoring opponents.
- Defensive Strength: Benjamin Franklin’s defense has been dominant this season, allowing only 108 points, which is one of the best in the state. ALA – Ironwood’s defense has allowed 246 points, which is much higher, and they will need to significantly improve in this area if they want to stop Benjamin Franklin’s high-powered offense.
- Late-Game Execution: ALA – Ironwood’s late-game scoring ability, especially in the fourth quarter, could be a factor if the game is close. However, Benjamin Franklin’s strong start and ability to score at will make them the clear favorite in this matchup.
Conclusion
The 2024 AIA State Football Championships playoff game between Benjamin Franklin and ALA – Ironwood is set to be an exciting and hard-fought contest. Benjamin Franklin enters as the favorite with a stellar 10-1 record and an explosive offense, while ALA – Ironwood will look to continue their strong season, bolstered by their impressive away performance. With both teams bringing impressive scoring power to the field, this game promises to be an exciting clash as they compete for a spot in the next round of the 2024 AIA State Football Championships.
As the football season heats up, the ALA-Ironwood Eagles (9-2) and the Benjamin Franklin Chargers (10-1) are set for an exciting clash that promises to deliver high-energy play and an intense battle for playoff positioning. Both teams come into this game with impressive records and a mix of offensive and defensive strengths, making this matchup one to watch.
Team Stat Comparison
ALA-Ironwood and Benjamin Franklin are both high-scoring teams, with ALA-Ironwood averaging 33.8 points per game and Benjamin Franklin slightly ahead at 42.5 points per game. However, while ALA-Ironwood relies on a strong rushing attack, averaging 299.5 rushing yards per game, Benjamin Franklin has a more balanced offensive attack, with 181.8 rushing yards per game and 181.2 passing yards per game. Both teams post similar total yardage, with ALA-Ironwood averaging 360.6 total yards per game and Benjamin Franklin just a touch ahead at 363.0 yards per game.
Defensively, Benjamin Franklin has shown a bit more dominance, averaging 62.1 tackles per game compared to ALA-Ironwood‘s 54.7. Benjamin Franklin also leads in sacks, recording 4.3 per game versus ALA-Ironwood‘s 1.5. This could play a critical role in disrupting the Eagles’ offense, which heavily depends on their ground game.
Key Players to Watch
- ALA-Ironwood:
- Ayden Williams is the star of the offense, leading the team with 211.7 rushing yards per game and contributing 220.6 total yards per game. His ability to break off big runs will be pivotal for the Eagles as they look to dominate the time of possession and tire out the Benjamin Franklin defense.
- Jett Brewster, with 67.2 passing yards per game, might not be the focal point of the offense but could provide crucial passing plays to keep Benjamin Franklin‘s defense honest.
- On defense, Marques Dorsey leads the team with 9.2 tackles per game. His ability to stop the run and help in pass coverage will be critical in slowing down the Benjamin Franklin attack.
- Benjamin Franklin:
- Ridge Allen has been a key player in the ground game, rushing for 116.5 yards per game. His ability to gain yards on early downs will help set up the play-action for Gavin Wyler to attack the defense through the air.
- Gavin Wyler, passing for 167.9 yards per game, will be the primary threat through the air. With reliable targets like Talan Speir, who averages 59.4 receiving yards per game, Wyler will aim to exploit any openings in the ALA-Ironwood defense.
- Defensively, Chase Judd, with 1.2 sacks per game, will be looking to disrupt the ALA-Ironwood rushing attack and pressure the quarterback. Ashton Grant (9.1 tackles per game) will be crucial in stopping the run and preventing big gains.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced similar opponents this season, with each team posting strong performances. ALA-Ironwood defeated Gilbert Christian 41-17 and Coolidge 0-0 (forfeit), while Benjamin Franklin also defeated Gilbert Christian 42-7 and Coolidge 59-0. Both teams have faced Tempe, with ALA-Ironwood securing a 48-14 victory and Benjamin Franklin winning 56-6. The common opponents’ results indicate that both teams have been highly successful in their matchups, but Benjamin Franklin has often been more dominant.
Record Breakdown
ALA-Ironwood enters the game with a solid 9-2 record, including a 3-1 league record. They’ve been strong in both their league and non-league play, although a recent loss to Florence (30-25) highlights a vulnerability. Meanwhile, Benjamin Franklin boasts an impressive 10-1 record, including a perfect 4-0 in league play. Their lone loss came to ALA-Ironwood in the head-to-head matchup earlier in the season, but with a strong showing in the playoffs and consistent performances, Benjamin Franklin will come into this game confident.
In terms of home and away games, ALA-Ironwood has been dominant at home (4-1) but has struggled slightly on the road (5-1). Benjamin Franklin, with a 6-1 home record and a perfect 4-0 away record, has been consistently strong no matter the venue.
Game Outlook
This game is shaping up to be a battle of contrasting styles. ALA-Ironwood will rely heavily on its running game, led by Ayden Williams, to control the clock and limit Benjamin Franklin‘s opportunities. For Benjamin Franklin, the ability to balance the run and pass with players like Ridge Allen and Gavin Wyler will be key in keeping the ALA-Ironwood defense on its toes.
Defensively, Benjamin Franklin’s ability to disrupt the run with their pass rush will be crucial. If they can slow down Williams and force ALA-Ironwood to become one-dimensional, they could have a strong chance to win. On the other hand, ALA-Ironwood’s defense will need to contain the dual threat of Wyler and Allen, while also getting pressure on Wyler to disrupt his passing rhythm.
Both teams have been dominant this season, but Benjamin Franklin’s more balanced attack and strong defense give them the edge heading into this matchup. However, with ALA-Ironwood’s physical running game and playoff experience, this game is expected to be a hard-fought, exciting contest that could go down to the wire.
