The Thatcher (AZ) varsity football team is set for a neutral playoff game against ALA – West Foothills (Waddell, AZ) today at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 AIA State Football Championships, Conference 3A tournament, as both teams look to secure their place in the next round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arizona High School Football Playoff
Who: ALA – West Foothills vs Thatcher
When: Today, November 23, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: ALA – West Foothills vs. Thatcher

As the 2024 AIA State Football Championships heat up, a thrilling playoff showdown is set to take place between the undefeated ALA – West Foothills and the Thatcher Eagles. Both teams have made impressive runs in the Conference 3A tournament, but this game will determine who advances further in the postseason.

ALA – West Foothills: A Perfect Season So Far

ALA – West Foothills enters this game as the team to beat, boasting a flawless 13-0 record. The team has been dominant both at home (7-0) and on the road (5-0), with a perfect 1-0 record in neutral-site games. Their powerful offense has accumulated 486 points this season, averaging 37.4 points per game, while their defense has been stifling, allowing only 52 points (just 4 points per game on average).

The team’s scoring breakdown highlights their early-game dominance, as they average 14.3 points in the first quarter and 10.5 points in the second quarter, putting opponents on the back foot early. Their ability to maintain pressure through the third and fourth quarters (8.7 and 8.0 points respectively) has been key to their undefeated run.

Thatcher: A Strong Contender With a Stellar Road Record

Thatcher has been an impressive force this season as well, with an overall record of 10-2. The Eagles’ performance at home (5-2) and away (5-0) has been solid, especially their perfect road record, which speaks to their ability to perform in high-pressure environments. Their scoring has been steady, with an average of 31.6 points per game.

Thatcher’s offensive rhythm peaks in the second quarter, where they score an average of 11.3 points, but their first quarter output (6.8 points) and third-quarter struggles (just 1.6 points) have raised concerns. They will need to find more consistency throughout the game to challenge the high-scoring ALA – West Foothills team. The Eagles will rely on their defense, which has allowed 138 points this season (an average of 11.5 points per game), to keep the game competitive.

Key Matchup: ALA – West Foothills’ Offense vs. Thatcher’s Defense

This game’s outcome will likely hinge on the battle between ALA – West Foothills’ explosive offense and Thatcher’s defense. ALA – West Foothills has been nearly unstoppable this season, scoring high in all four quarters. Thatcher’s ability to slow down ALA – West Foothills’ early-game momentum will be crucial if they are to avoid falling behind early. Thatcher’s defense will need to rise to the challenge, particularly in containing ALA’s powerful offensive line and playmakers.

On the other side of the ball, Thatcher will aim to exploit any gaps in the ALA – West Foothills defense, which has been tough all season but could be tested by Thatcher’s well-balanced offense. With both teams boasting solid overall records, this promises to be a closely contested playoff game.

Looking Ahead

As both teams prepare for this crucial playoff matchup, fans can expect an exciting contest full of high stakes and intense action. ALA – West Foothills will look to continue their perfect season, while Thatcher will aim to disrupt their unbeaten streak and make a statement in the 2024 AIA State Football Championships. The neutral-site game at 7 p.m. will be one to watch, as both teams give it their all for a chance to move forward in the tournament.

The upcoming matchup between ALA – West Foothills and Thatcher promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams have had impressive seasons, with ALA – West Foothills posting a strong 13-0 record and Thatcher sitting at 10-2. The two squads are set to face off with high expectations, each boasting explosive offenses and solid defenses. This article breaks down their season stats, key players, and how they stack up against each other.

Team Performance Overview

• ALA – West Foothills has enjoyed an undefeated season so far, with a perfect 5-0 record in league play. Their overall record of 13-0 highlights their dominance across both league and non-league games. The team’s ability to perform under pressure, especially in their 4-0 record against common opponents, shows their readiness for the postseason.
• Thatcher, while not undefeated, has still had an impressive season with a 10-2 overall record and 5-1 in league play. They enter this game as a strong contender with a solid 3-0 record against common opponents. Their offense has been potent, and their defense has stepped up when needed.

Offensive Breakdown

1. Rushing Attack:
   • ALA – West Foothills averages 186.7 rushing yards per game, led by Kenyon Rosenthal, who contributes 65.3 rushing yards per game. This solid ground game has been key to their success, allowing them to control the clock and dictate the pace of games.
   • Thatcher has been even more effective on the ground, averaging 234.0 rushing yards per game. Kody Bingham has been a standout player, rushing for 97.4 yards per game and contributing to their aggressive rushing attack.
2. Passing Game:
   • ALA – West Foothills averages 109.5 passing yards per game, with Hudson Mitton leading the charge with 126.9 total yards per game. Their passing game, though secondary to their rushing attack, has been efficient when called upon.
   • Thatcher is slightly less reliant on the pass, averaging 97.2 passing yards per game. Chad Johnson, however, is still a key contributor, throwing for 94.6 yards per game. Their balanced attack allows them to keep defenses guessing.
3. Receiving Game:
   • ALA – West Foothills averages 109.2 receiving yards per game, with Carson Callister leading the team with 39.6 yards per game. Their receiving corps may not be as high-volume as others, but they make crucial catches when needed.
   • Thatcher’s receiving game is also effective, with Wyatt Nicholas leading the way with 55.8 yards per game. As a team, they average 96.2 receiving yards per game, complementing their strong running attack.
4. Total Yards:
   • ALA – West Foothills averages 296.2 total yards per game, showing a well-balanced offense. Their combination of solid rushing and timely passing keeps defenses on their toes.
   • Thatcher has a higher total yardage, averaging 331.2 yards per game. With a strong rushing attack and a decent passing game, they have been able to put up significant numbers.
5. Scoring:
   • ALA – West Foothills scores an average of 33.3 points per game, with Kenyon Rosenthal contributing 6.0 points per game. Their ability to score consistently has helped them stay undefeated.
   • Thatcher, averaging 31.6 points per game, is slightly behind but still a potent offense. Kody Bingham leads their scoring efforts, contributing 9.7 points per game.

Defensive Breakdown

1. Tackles:
   • ALA – West Foothills averages 51.4 tackles per game, with Hunter Cotten leading the team with 9.2 tackles per game. Their defensive front has been solid, allowing them to control the flow of games and limit their opponents’ scoring opportunities.
   • Thatcher has a much more aggressive defense, averaging 69.5 tackles per game. Ryan Jones leads the team with 10.2 tackles per game, making plays all over the field and helping the defense stay dominant.
2. Sacks:
   • ALA – West Foothills averages 2.9 sacks per game, with JJ Brutus contributing 1.6 sacks per game. Their ability to apply pressure on the quarterback has been a key defensive strength.
   • Thatcher, while not as aggressive in the sack department, still averages 1.9 sacks per game. Will Chidester has been their primary sack artist, contributing 0.5 sacks per game.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced several common opponents this season, with ALA – West Foothills and Thatcher both posting impressive results:

• Paradise Honors: ALA – West Foothills won 45-0, while Thatcher also took a dominant win, 32-0.
• Sabino: ALA – West Foothills secured a 28-0 victory, while Thatcher won 41-12.
• Round Valley: Both teams triumphed over Round Valley, with ALA – West Foothills winning 28-6 and Thatcher winning 35-27.

Key Players

• ALA – West Foothills:
  • Kenyon Rosenthal leads the rushing game with 65.3 yards per game and is a key player in the offense.
  • Hudson Mitton is the quarterback, contributing 126.9 total yards per game, and has shown his ability to lead the team in both the passing and rushing attacks.
  • Hunter Cotten is the defensive leader, recording 9.2 tackles per game and providing stability in the defensive backfield.
• Thatcher:
  • Kody Bingham is the standout rusher for Thatcher, leading the team with 97.4 rushing yards per game.
  • Chad Johnson manages the passing game with 94.6 passing yards per game, maintaining balance in their offense.
  • Ryan Jones has been a defensive force, leading the team with 10.2 tackles per game and keeping the defense aggressive.

Conclusion

Both ALA – West Foothills and Thatcher bring high-powered offenses and strong defenses to the table in this highly anticipated game. Thatcher has the advantage in total yards and tackles, thanks to a more aggressive defense and a potent rushing attack led by Kody Bingham. However, ALA – West Foothills has been perfect this season, with a strong rushing game and efficient passing led by Kenyon Rosenthal and Hudson Mitton.

With both teams undefeated against common opponents, this game is poised to be a closely contested battle. Thatcher will look to use their balanced attack and defensive dominance to break down ALA – West Foothills, while the latter will rely on their unblemished record and solid offensive execution to keep their perfect season intact. Expect a competitive matchup, where every play counts.