The Round Valley (Eagar, AZ) varsity football team will face ALA – West Foothills (Waddell, AZ) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 AIA State Football Championships in the Conference 3A tournament, with both teams competing for advancement.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Arizona High School Football
Who: ALA – West Foothills vs Round Valley
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: Round Valley vs. ALA – West Foothills
As the 2024 AIA State Football Championships continue, the Round Valley (Eagar, AZ) varsity football team is set to face ALA – West Foothills (Waddell, AZ) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. This game is part of the Conference 3A tournament, with both teams bringing impressive records and high expectations as they battle for a spot in the next round.
Team Records and Rankings
ALA – West Foothills
- Record: 11-0 overall, 5-0 in section play
- Home/Away: 6-0 at home, 5-0 away
- Ranking: 42nd in Arizona, 2nd in Division
- Points For (PF): 430
- Points Against (PA): 40
- Win %: 1.000 overall, 1.000 in section
ALA – West Foothills has been the dominant team in their section, finishing the regular season with an undefeated 11-0 record. Their impressive 1.000 win percentage and 430 points scored, along with just 40 points allowed, show that they have been an unstoppable force. The team has outclassed their opponents all season, and they will look to continue their dominance in the playoffs.
Round Valley
- Record: 8-3 overall, 3-1 in section play
- Home/Away: 4-1 at home, 4-2 away
- Ranking: 63rd in Arizona, 6th in Division
- Points For (PF): 356
- Points Against (PA): 153
- Win %: .727 overall, .750 in section
Round Valley enters the playoffs with a solid 8-3 record, and they have proven themselves to be a strong contender. Their offense has been productive, scoring 356 points this season, and their defense has allowed just 153 points. Though not undefeated like their opponents, Round Valley has had a strong season and will look to continue their run in the postseason.
Scoring Averages by Quarter
Both teams have shown impressive offensive and defensive capabilities, but their scoring patterns differ across the four quarters. Here’s a look at each team’s scoring averages by quarter:
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALA – West Foothills | 14.3 | 10.5 | 8.7 | 8.0 | 39.1 |
| Round Valley | 7.8 | 12.4 | 7.0 | 10.2 | 32.4 |
ALA – West Foothills has been particularly strong in the first quarter, averaging 14.3 points, which has given them a commanding lead early in games. Round Valley, on the other hand, tends to find their rhythm in the second quarter, where they average 12.4 points. As the game progresses, Round Valley’s offense has also been steady, while ALA – West Foothills has maintained a balanced attack throughout the game.
Key Matchup: Offensive Firepower vs. Strong Defense
- Offensive Strength: ALA – West Foothills has been dominant offensively, averaging 39.1 points per game. With an undefeated season and high-scoring output, they will be looking to overwhelm Round Valley’s defense early. Round Valley, with a scoring average of 32.4 points per game, will need to match ALA’s firepower to stay competitive.
- Defensive Stance: ALA – West Foothills’ defense has been nearly impenetrable, allowing only 40 points all season. This elite defense will present a significant challenge to Round Valley’s offense. Meanwhile, Round Valley’s defense has allowed 153 points, but they will need to step up their game against such a high-powered attack.
- Neutral Site Advantage: While both teams have proven their strength in different settings, the neutral-site game means neither team will have the home-field advantage. This level playing field should add an exciting dynamic, with both teams needing to adapt to the unfamiliar environment.
Conclusion
The matchup between Round Valley and ALA – West Foothills in the 2024 AIA State Football Championships promises to be a thrilling contest. ALA – West Foothills enters as the heavy favorite, with their undefeated season and dominant defense. However, Round Valley will be looking to pull off the upset, relying on their balanced offense and resilience. This game could prove to be one of the most exciting matchups of the playoffs as both teams fight for a spot in the next round of the tournament.
As the high school football season enters its final stretch, two undefeated teams are set to square off in a thrilling matchup. ALA – West Foothills (11-0) and Round Valley (8-3) will battle it out in what promises to be a hard-fought contest. Both teams have impressed throughout the season, and this game could have significant playoff implications.
Team Stat Comparison
ALA – West Foothills and Round Valley bring different strengths to the field, making this matchup a true clash of styles. ALA – West Foothills has relied on a well-rounded offense, with 159.7 rushing yards per game and 114.8 passing yards per game. On the other hand, Round Valley has been more balanced, with a potent ground game that averages 234.3 rushing yards per game and a solid passing attack that contributes 128.9 yards per game.
In terms of total yardage, Round Valley has the advantage, averaging 363.2 yards per game compared to ALA – West Foothills‘ 274.5 yards per game. This difference can be attributed to Round Valley’s dominant rushing attack, which has helped them control the game tempo and wear down defenses.
Defensively, Round Valley has been slightly more aggressive, averaging 85.4 tackles per game compared to ALA – West Foothills‘ 56.5. Both teams are capable of pressuring the quarterback, with ALA – West Foothills recording 3.4 sacks per game, while Round Valley averages 3.2 sacks per game. These numbers suggest that both defenses will be key in limiting offensive production and creating turnovers.
Offensively, both teams can score, with ALA – West Foothills averaging 32.4 points per game and Round Valley just slightly ahead at 31.9 points per game. With both teams capable of putting up points, the key will likely be which defense can make the most critical stops.
Key Players to Watch
- ALA – West Foothills:
- Kenyon Rosenthal has been the anchor of the rushing attack with 62.9 rushing yards per game, and will be crucial in helping his team control the clock and establish a physical ground game.
- Hudson Mitton, with 137.2 total yards per game, is the team’s leader in both passing and total offensive yards. His ability to make plays through the air will be pivotal in keeping Round Valley’s defense off balance.
- Carson Callister, with 39.0 receiving yards per game, will be a key target for Mitton in the passing game, especially on third downs and in red zone situations.
- On defense, Hunter Cotten leads the team with 9.9 tackles per game and will be tasked with stopping Round Valley’s powerful run game.
- Round Valley:
- Connor Lueker is the heart of the Round Valley rushing attack, averaging 86.1 yards per game and 181.8 total yards per game. His ability to break tackles and sustain drives will be critical for Round Valley’s offensive success.
- Kage Finch, with 100.0 passing yards per game, will look to provide balance to the offense and take advantage of ALA – West Foothills‘ defense by finding his receivers downfield.
- Lane Hill, with 8.0 tackles per game, will be a key player in stopping ALA – West Foothills’ offense, especially in the run game. His leadership on defense will be crucial in limiting Rosenthal and Mitton.
- Brody Crick leads the team with 9.3 points per game, showing his ability to make plays in key moments. His versatility will help keep the offense dynamic.
Record Breakdown
ALA – West Foothills enters this game with an undefeated 11-0 record, having dominated both league (5-0) and non-league (5-0) play. They have proven themselves to be a well-rounded team, capable of winning games in a variety of ways. On their home turf, they are a perfect 6-0 and will look to continue their strong home performance.
Round Valley, on the other hand, has a solid 8-3 record. Their league play has been impressive with a 3-1 record, and they have been equally effective in non-league games, with a 4-2 mark. Round Valley has shown resilience throughout the season, particularly with their strong road performances, boasting a 4-1 record away from home.
Game Outlook
This matchup pits two teams with contrasting styles against each other. ALA – West Foothills will look to control the game through a balanced offensive attack, relying on Mitton’s arm and Rosenthal’s legs to move the chains. Their defense, led by Cotten, will be tasked with stopping Round Valley’s explosive rushing attack and keeping the score manageable.
On the other hand, Round Valley will seek to impose their will on the ground with Lueker leading the charge. With a strong defense led by Hill, they will aim to slow down ALA – West Foothills’ offense and force them into difficult third-down situations.
Both teams have been strong in all phases of the game, making this a matchup to watch closely. While ALA – West Foothills comes in undefeated and with the home-field advantage, Round Valley’s powerful rushing attack and overall team balance will keep this game tight. Fans can expect a hard-fought, physical battle where every possession counts, with both teams determined to continue their successful seasons.
This game will certainly set the stage for an exciting postseason, with the winner taking a significant step toward a potential championship run.
