The ALA – West Foothills varsity football team from Waddell, AZ, will host Pusch Ridge Christian Academy from Tucson, AZ, in a home playoff game today at 6 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 3A tournament, promising a competitive and exciting battle.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Arizona State High School Football Playoff
Who: ALA – West Foothills (AZ) vs Pusch Ridge Christian Academy (AZ)
When: Today, November 30, 2024
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 3A
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: ALA – West Foothills vs. Pusch Ridge Christian Academy
As the Arizona high school football playoffs heat up, Pusch Ridge Christian Academy (12-1) and ALA – West Foothills (13-0) are set to face off in a highly anticipated showdown. Both teams bring impressive records, balanced offenses, and stout defenses into this matchup, making it a potential classic.
Team Comparison
Statistically, the teams are closely matched, with slight variations in offensive and defensive outputs:
- Rushing Offense: ALA – West Foothills holds a slight edge, averaging 193.2 rushing yards per game compared to Pusch Ridge’s 154.0. Kenyon Rosenthal leads the ground game for ALA, averaging 65.3 yards per game, narrowly surpassing Pusch Ridge’s Blake Reed (62.3 yards).
- Passing Offense: Pusch Ridge relies more heavily on their aerial attack, averaging 153.4 passing yards per game behind quarterback Jacob Newborn. ALA – West Foothills averages 127.6 yards through the air, with Hudson Mitton steering the offense.
- Total Offense: The total offensive output is nearly identical, with ALA – West Foothills averaging 320.8 yards per game and Pusch Ridge at 307.4. This balance suggests a closely contested game.
Key Players
The outcome of the game will hinge on the performance of standout players from both teams:
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Pusch Ridge Christian Academy:
- Blake Reed (#6): Reed is a dual-threat player, leading the team in rushing (62.3 yards per game) and scoring (8.4 points per game).
- Jacob Newborn (#4): The quarterback is the offensive engine, averaging 147.2 passing yards and 198.0 total yards per game.
- Tyler Shoaff (#51): Shoaff leads the defense with 10.0 tackles per game, anchoring the unit.
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ALA – West Foothills:
- Kenyon Rosenthal (#23): Rosenthal is the top rusher, averaging 65.3 yards per game and contributing 6.0 points per game.
- Hudson Mitton (#1): Mitton provides a steady hand at quarterback, averaging 135.9 passing yards per game.
- JJ Brutus (#5): Brutus leads the team’s pass rush with 1.5 sacks per game, a key to disrupting opposing offenses.
Common Opponents
Both teams are undefeated against four common opponents, underscoring their dominance:
- Yuma: Pusch Ridge won decisively (51-0), while ALA – West Foothills secured a 37-7 victory.
- Sabino: Pusch Ridge triumphed 42-14, and ALA – West Foothills shut them out 28-0.
- Thatcher: Both teams earned double-digit victories, with Pusch Ridge winning 22-7 and ALA – West Foothills prevailing 34-22.
- Paradise Honors: Pusch Ridge won 38-6, while ALA – West Foothills delivered a commanding 45-0 victory.
Record Breakdown
- Pusch Ridge Christian Academy: Their lone loss came in a non-league matchup, but they boast an undefeated 4-0 record in league play and a 3-0 playoff record.
- ALA – West Foothills: With a perfect 13-0 record, including 5-0 in league play and 3-0 in the playoffs, they have been unstoppable this season.
Game Outlook
This matchup promises to be a thriller, with two evenly matched teams vying for a spot in the next round. Pusch Ridge will look to leverage their balanced offense and active defense, while ALA – West Foothills will aim to continue their unbeaten streak with a dynamic rushing attack and a disruptive pass rush.
The game’s outcome could hinge on key turnovers, special teams play, and the ability of each team’s stars to rise to the occasion. Football fans can expect a high-energy, tightly contested battle as these two powerhouse programs clash on the field.
