The Hayden (Winkelman, AZ) varsity football team is set to face Bagdad (AZ) in a crucial neutral playoff game today at 6 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 AIA State Football Championships for Arizona’s Conference 1A. Both teams are eager to advance, making this an exciting contest.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arizona High School Football
Who: Bagdad vs Hayden
When: Today, November 16, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 1A
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Bagdad vs. Hayden

The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as the Bagdad (AZ) and Hayden (Winkelman, AZ) varsity football teams gear up for their highly anticipated playoff game. This matchup forms part of the 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) for Conference 1A, showcasing two of the most dominant teams in the state.

Rankings & Records

Bagdad enters the playoff ranked second in Arizona and 42nd nationally in Division 2, boasting an impressive 10-1 overall record. They have been flawless in section play (3-0) and remain undefeated at home (6-0), with a strong 4-1 record in away games. Their .909 win percentage reflects their formidable performance, underlined by a remarkable 524 points scored (PF) against only 76 points allowed (PA).

Hayden, on the other hand, holds the top spot in Arizona for Division 1 and is ranked 16th nationally. Their flawless 11-0 record and a perfect 3-0 section record underscore their dominance. With an unblemished 5-0 record at both home and away games and a 1-0 neutral game record, Hayden maintains a pristine 1.000 win percentage. The team’s offense has been explosive, tallying 642 points for (PF) and allowing only 86 points against (PA).

Team Scoring Averages

The scoring capabilities of both teams tell a compelling story:

• Bagdad: Their scoring pattern indicates strong starts, averaging 15.2 points in the first quarter, followed by 12.4 in the second, 6.8 in the third, and closing with 11.6 points in the final quarter, culminating in an average of 47.6 points per game.
• Hayden: Known for their consistency, Hayden averages 6.0 points per quarter in the first three periods before surging with an impressive 12.0 points in the final quarter. This pattern results in an exceptional 58.4 points per game average.

Analysis

Bagdad’s strategic advantage lies in their ability to score early and set the tone for the game. Their strong defensive stats, allowing only 76 points throughout the season, highlight a team capable of stifling even the most dynamic offenses.

Hayden’s balanced and relentless offensive approach, combined with a defense that has allowed only 86 points all season, sets them apart as a formidable opponent. Their ability to maintain pressure and deliver strong fourth-quarter performances demonstrates resilience and depth.

The 2024-2025 football season has showcased two powerful teams, Bagdad and Hayden, who have made waves with their exceptional performances. This article compares key statistics, standout players, and head-to-head matchups between these two contenders, providing insight into their competitive edge.

Team Statistical Comparison

Rushing and Passing Yards

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Hayden leads with an impressive 277.8 yards, significantly outpacing Bagdad’s 208.7. This advantage highlights Hayden’s strength in ground offense.
• Passing Yards Per Game: Bagdad holds a slight edge with 165.5 yards compared to Hayden’s 150.9, showcasing their more balanced offensive approach.

Receiving and Total Yards

• Receiving Yards Per Game: Bagdad averages 156.0 yards, marginally higher than Hayden’s 150.9.
• Total Yards Per Game: Hayden’s offense surpasses Bagdad’s with 428.7 total yards per game, compared to 374.2, indicating their higher overall productivity.

Defensive Performance

• Tackles Per Game: Bagdad averages 51.1 tackles, exceeding Hayden’s 43.2, showing a stronger defensive presence.
• Sacks Per Game: Hayden’s 3.1 sacks per game outpace Bagdad’s 2.6, underscoring their ability to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
• Points Per Game: Hayden scores an impressive 58.2 points per game, overshadowing Bagdad’s still notable 47.4, pointing to their superior scoring capability.

Key Team Leaders

Rushing Leaders

• Bagdad: #6 Thomas Rodriguez leads with 92.7 rushing yards per game.
• Hayden: #22 Kino Lorona stands out with 107.6 rushing yards per game, surpassing both Rodriguez and the national average of 20.3.

Passing Leaders

• Bagdad: #11 Ezrah Aguilar averages an impressive 175.9 passing yards per game, well above the national average of 51.5.
• Hayden: #8 Paul Gaither contributes significantly with 133.5 passing yards per game.

Receiving Leaders

• Bagdad: #25 Aaron Landers leads with 51.7 receiving yards per game.
• Hayden: #0 J.r Fong closely follows with 42.8 yards.

Tackles and Defensive Leaders

• Bagdad: #5 Carson Wood leads the team defensively with 7.6 tackles per game.
• Hayden: #12 Matthew Armenta averages 9.4 tackles, highlighting his defensive prowess.

Sacks

• Bagdad: #34 Nick Martinez averages 1.2 sacks per game.
• Hayden: #84 Mario Hong contributes 1.0 sack per game.

Scoring Leaders

• Bagdad: Thomas Rodriguez leads with 11.2 points per game.
• Hayden: Kino Lorona stands out with an impressive 18.2 points per game, more than doubling the national average.

Common Opponent Analysis

Both teams have faced several common opponents with perfect records in these matchups.

Bagdad’s Common Opponent Record: 5-0
Hayden’s Common Opponent Record: 4-0

• Desert Christian: Bagdad secured a (W) 1-0 (forfeit) victory, while Hayden decisively won 77-6.
• Williams: Bagdad triumphed 50-0; Hayden won 68-0.
• Lincoln Prep: Bagdad claimed two wins, 64-0 and 62-12, while Hayden secured a 57-14 victory.
• Mogollon: Bagdad defeated Mogollon 48-26, while Hayden won 50-20.

Record Breakdown

Bagdad (2024-2025)

• Overall: 10-1
• League: 3-0
• Non-League: 5-1
• Head to Head: 0-1
• Home: 6-0
• Away: 4-1
• Playoff: 2-0

Hayden (2024-2025)

• Overall: 11-0
• League: 3-0
• Non-League: 6-0
• Head to Head: 1-0
• Home: 5-0
• Away: 5-0
• Neutral: 1-0
• Playoff: 2-0

Conclusion

Both Bagdad and Hayden have had outstanding seasons, demonstrating dominance both in league and non-league play. While Bagdad shows strong defensive capabilities and consistent performances, Hayden’s superior rushing game and higher points per game give them an edge offensively. With Hayden’s undefeated record and Bagdad’s robust resilience, any future matchup between these teams promises to be a thrilling encounter for football enthusiasts.