The AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, AZ) varsity football team will face Heritage Academy Gateway (Queen Creek, AZ) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 2 p.m. This matchup is part of the Arizona Football State Tournament – Division 2, where both teams will battle for a spot in the next round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arizona High School Football Playoff
Who: Heritage Academy Gateway vs AZ Compass Prep
When: Today, November 23, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: AZ Compass Prep vs. Heritage Academy Gateway

The Arizona Football State Tournament – Division 2 is reaching its climax, and the upcoming neutral-site playoff game between AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, AZ) and Heritage Academy Gateway (Queen Creek, AZ) promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams have proven themselves as formidable contenders, and with a spot in the next round on the line, this matchup is one to watch.

Heritage Academy Gateway: A Strong Season, but Facing a Tough Test

Record Overview: Heritage Academy Gateway enters this playoff game with an impressive 8-2 record, boasting a solid win percentage of .800. They’ve been competitive in their section, finishing with a 2-1 record, and have been dominant at home, going 5-1. Their 3-1 mark on the road shows they can handle challenges away from home, but the neutral-site environment will be a different test.

Offensive Strengths: Heritage Academy Gateway has been an effective offensive team, averaging 34.3 points per game. While they’ve been consistent, their ability to score across all quarters remains uncertain, making it crucial for them to be more dynamic against an undefeated and high-scoring team like AZ Compass Prep.

Defensive Play: On the defensive side, Heritage Academy Gateway has allowed 180 points throughout the season, averaging 18 points per game. While they’ve held opponents in check, they will need to elevate their game to prevent AZ Compass Prep’s high-octane offense from running up the score.

AZ Compass Prep: Undefeated and Dominant

Record Overview: AZ Compass Prep enters this game with an unblemished 10-0 record, underscoring their dominance this season. Their perfect 7-0 record in section play and flawless 6-0 home performance reflect their consistency, while their 4-0 record on the road proves they can perform in any setting. With a win percentage of 1.000 and the momentum of an undefeated season, AZ Compass Prep will be looking to maintain their dominance.

Offensive Firepower: AZ Compass Prep has been a juggernaut on offense, averaging 43.2 points per game. A particularly remarkable stat is their ability to close games with an explosive fourth quarter, where they score an average of 50 points. Their balanced attack and ability to put up points late make them a dangerous team, especially when they find themselves in tight situations.

Defensive Strength: Alongside their offensive prowess, AZ Compass Prep has been stellar on defense, allowing just 108 points over the course of the season. With a defense that gives up only 10.8 points per game, they have been one of the toughest teams to score against in the state. This defensive strength, combined with their offense, makes them a well-rounded contender.

Key Comparisons: AZ Compass Prep vs. Heritage Academy Gateway

• Offensive Power: AZ Compass Prep has a clear advantage when it comes to offensive output, averaging 43.2 points per game compared to Heritage Academy Gateway’s 34.3. The overwhelming firepower from AZ Compass Prep will put immense pressure on Heritage Academy Gateway’s defense, which will have to perform at its highest level to keep the game competitive.
• Defensive Edge: Both teams have solid defenses, but AZ Compass Prep’s has been significantly more dominant, allowing only 108 points over the season. Heritage Academy Gateway has given up 180 points, which could spell trouble when facing a team with the offensive capabilities of AZ Compass Prep.
• Momentum and Undefeated Record: AZ Compass Prep’s perfect 10-0 season speaks volumes about their consistency and strength across the board. Heritage Academy Gateway will have to overcome not just their opponent’s powerful offense, but also the psychological challenge of facing an undefeated team with such momentum.

As the season progresses, the matchup between Heritage Academy Gateway and AZ Compass Prep promises to be an exciting and hard-fought contest. Both teams have proven themselves on the field, with strong records and standout players. Here’s a detailed comparison of the two teams, looking at their offensive and defensive stats, key players, and performance against common opponents.

Overall Team Records

• Heritage Academy Gateway: With an 8-2 overall record, Heritage Academy Gateway has demonstrated their strength throughout the season. Their 2-1 league record and 5-1 non-league mark showcase their ability to compete in a variety of matchups. At home, they have a solid 5-1 record, while their away performance is equally impressive with a 3-1 record. They also have a 1-0 record in head-to-head matchups against AZ Compass Prep.
• AZ Compass Prep: AZ Compass Prep has been dominant, finishing the season undefeated with a 10-0 record. They posted a 7-0 league record and a 2-0 non-league mark. AZ Compass Prep has been especially strong at home, with a perfect 6-0 record, and they have also been undefeated on the road with a 4-0 mark. Additionally, their 1-0 playoff record further solidifies their status as one of the top teams in the state.

Offensive Comparison

1. Rushing Yards:
   • Heritage Academy Gateway excels on the ground, averaging 259.7 rushing yards per game. Stratton Ellsworth is the team’s standout rusher, leading the way with 76.0 rushing yards per game.
   • AZ Compass Prep also features a strong rushing attack, averaging 182.3 yards per game. Dominic Hawkins is their top rusher, with 108.7 yards per game, providing a significant threat on the ground.
2. Passing Yards:
   • Heritage Academy Gateway relies primarily on their running game, averaging just 15.2 passing yards per game. Tyler Lines leads the team in passing with 16.9 yards per game, but the team’s passing attack has been limited.
   • AZ Compass Prep has a more balanced offensive strategy, averaging 119.3 passing yards per game. Cash White has been their leading quarterback, with 143.6 passing yards per game, offering a more potent passing game.
3. Receiving Yards:
   • Heritage Academy Gateway averages 15.2 receiving yards per game, with Oliver Puthoff contributing 32.0 receiving yards per game.
   • AZ Compass Prep has a more dynamic receiving attack, with Dominic Hawkins leading the team with 54.8 receiving yards per game, significantly boosting their total offensive output.
4. Total Yards:
   • Heritage Academy Gateway averages 274.9 total yards per game, with the majority of their yards coming from their powerful rushing attack.
   • AZ Compass Prep averages 301.6 total yards per game, demonstrating a well-rounded offense that combines both rushing and passing effectively.
5. Points Per Game:
   • Heritage Academy Gateway scores an average of 34.2 points per game, with Stratton Ellsworth contributing 10.2 points per game.
   • AZ Compass Prep has a high-scoring offense, averaging 39.0 points per game, with Dominic Hawkins accounting for 19.8 points per game, making him a major scoring threat.

Defensive Comparison

1. Tackles:
   • Heritage Academy Gateway averages 25.3 tackles per game, with Jonah Bietz leading the team with 5.9 tackles per game.
   • AZ Compass Prep is much more aggressive defensively, averaging 37.8 tackles per game. DJ Johnson leads their defense with 6.1 tackles per game.
2. Sacks:
   • Heritage Academy Gateway has struggled to generate pressure, averaging just 0.4 sacks per game.
   • AZ Compass Prep has been more effective at pressuring the quarterback, averaging 1.4 sacks per game, helping to disrupt opposing offenses.
3. Pancake Blocks:
   • AZ Compass Prep leads in the trenches with 35 pancake blocks, showing their dominance in the offensive line.
   • Heritage Academy Gateway has not recorded pancake block statistics, but they will need to improve in this area to compete with AZ Compass Prep’s physicality.

Performance Against Common Opponents

Both teams have faced several common opponents this season. Here’s how they performed:

• Skyline Prep: Heritage Academy Gateway won 36-8 on August 30, while AZ Compass Prep defeated Skyline Prep 36-0 on September 5.
• Learning Foundation & Performing Arts: Heritage Academy Gateway lost 48-38 on September 5, while AZ Compass Prep won 40-20 on October 30 and 42-14 on November 14.
• Maricopa Institute of Technology: Heritage Academy Gateway won 30-0 on September 12, while AZ Compass Prep won 50-12 on October 17.
• Imagine Prep Coolidge: Heritage Academy Gateway won 44-0 on September 19, while AZ Compass Prep won 30-14 on September 26.
• El Dorado: Heritage Academy Gateway won 38-6 on September 26 and 44-34 on November 16. AZ Compass Prep defeated El Dorado 42-0 on October 10.
• Sequoia Pathfinder Verrado Way: Heritage Academy Gateway won 54-14 on October 4, while AZ Compass Prep triumphed with a 60-0 win on September 12.
• Southwest Leadership Academy: Heritage Academy Gateway won 1-0 (F) on October 19, while AZ Compass Prep defeated Southwest Leadership 46-14 on August 29.
• Gila Bend: Heritage Academy Gateway won 50-40 on November 1, while AZ Compass Prep won 56-26 on October 3.

Key Players

• Heritage Academy Gateway:
  • Stratton Ellsworth: Leading the team with 76.0 rushing yards per game and 10.2 points per game, Ellsworth is a key contributor on both offense and defense.
  • Tyler Lines: Though his passing numbers are modest, Lines is integral to the team’s offensive strategy, contributing 16.9 passing yards per game.
• AZ Compass Prep:
  • Dominic Hawkins: A dual-threat player, Hawkins leads the team with 108.7 rushing yards per game and 54.8 receiving yards per game. His 19.8 points per game make him one of the most dynamic players in the league.
  • DJ Johnson: A key defensive player, Johnson leads the team with 6.1 tackles per game, playing a crucial role in AZ Compass Prep’s strong defensive unit.

Conclusion

This upcoming game between Heritage Academy Gateway and AZ Compass Prep will feature two strong teams with different styles of play. Heritage Academy Gateway will rely on their ground game, led by Stratton Ellsworth, to keep pace with AZ Compass Prep’s more balanced offensive attack. The defensive edge seems to favor AZ Compass Prep, with their more aggressive defense and superior sack and tackle numbers. However, Heritage Academy Gateway’s powerful rushing game could pose a challenge for AZ Compass Prep’s defense. With Dominic Hawkins leading the charge for AZ Compass Prep, they come into the game as the favorites, but Heritage Academy Gateway’s resilience and strong team play will make for an exciting matchup.