The Pima varsity football team will host Bisbee, AZ, in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 AIA State Football Championships for Conference 2A. Both teams will battle for a spot in the next round of the tournament.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Arizona High School Football
Who: Bisbee vs Pima
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 2A
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Bisbee vs. Pima
The 2024 AIA State Football Championships are in full swing, and the Conference 2A playoff game between Bisbee and Pima promises to be an exciting matchup. Both teams have dominant 10-1 records, showcasing impressive regular-season performances, and this Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m., they will square off at Pima’s home field to continue their playoff journeys.
Team Records and Rankings
Bisbee
- Record: 10-1 overall, 7-0 in section play
- Home/Away: 5-1 at home, 5-0 away
- Ranking: 125th in Arizona, 8th in Division
- Points For (PF): 380
- Points Against (PA): 195
- Win %: .909 overall, 1.000 in section
Bisbee has been a powerhouse in Conference 2A, finishing the regular season with a remarkable 10-1 record. Their dominance in section play, where they went undefeated at 7-0, is a testament to their strong all-around game. Bisbee’s offense has scored an impressive 380 points, and their defense has allowed 195, allowing them to control the tempo of games both at home and on the road. With their perfect road record, Bisbee will look to carry that momentum into this playoff battle.
Pima
- Record: 10-1 overall, 6-0 in section play
- Home/Away: 5-1 at home, 5-0 away
- Ranking: 100th in Arizona, 3rd in Division
- Points For (PF): 394
- Points Against (PA): 115
- Win %: .909 overall, 1.000 in section
Pima has also been an impressive team this season, finishing with a 10-1 record and dominating section play with a perfect 6-0 mark. They have outscored their opponents 394 to 115, which speaks to their explosive offense and stifling defense. Pima’s ability to consistently score points while keeping their opponents to a minimum has been a defining characteristic of their successful season. Their strong home record and perfect section performance make them a formidable opponent for Bisbee.
Scoring Averages by Quarter
Both teams have shown their ability to score consistently, but their offensive output is slightly different in terms of distribution throughout the game. Here’s a breakdown of each team’s scoring by quarter:
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bisbee | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 2.7 | 34.5 |
| Pima | 4.8 | 8.5 | 7.3 | 8.0 | 35.8 |
Pima tends to get stronger as the game progresses, averaging 8.5 points in the second quarter and 8.0 points in the fourth. This late-game surge could prove crucial against a Bisbee team that has struggled to put up points in the final quarter (2.7 points). Pima’s ability to capitalize in the second half gives them an edge, especially in a playoff environment.
Key Matchup: Offense vs. Defense
- Offensive Efficiency: Pima’s high-scoring offense has been key to their success, but Bisbee has demonstrated its own ability to score points, with 380 points for the season. The game will likely come down to which team can execute more efficiently, especially in the second half.
- Defensive Strength: Pima has been exceptionally strong defensively, allowing only 115 points on the season, compared to Bisbee’s 195. Pima’s defense will need to remain disciplined to stifle Bisbee’s offense, while Bisbee will look to take advantage of Pima’s occasional scoring lapses.
- Game Tempo: Pima has been able to control the tempo of their games, especially with their strong fourth-quarter play. Bisbee will need to start fast and capitalize on early opportunities to keep pace with Pima’s late-game firepower.
Conclusion
The game between Bisbee and Pima promises to be an intense, closely contested battle. Both teams have shown that they can score in bunches, but Pima’s consistency in the second half and dominant defense gives them an edge. Bisbee will need to execute well early and maintain their offensive rhythm to keep up with Pima’s powerful attack. This Conference 2A playoff game is set to be a thrilling encounter with both teams eager to continue their championship runs in the 2024 AIA State Football Championships.
As the season reaches its conclusion, Bisbee and Pima are set to face off in a highly anticipated matchup that promises to be a thrilling contest. Both teams have posted identical 10-1 overall records, making this game a crucial one as they look to solidify their playoff positioning and gain momentum heading into the postseason.
Team Stat Comparison
When comparing the overall team stats, Bisbee and Pima are nearly identical in terms of their offensive production, with Bisbee averaging 441.8 total yards per game and Pima slightly behind with 335.4 yards per game. Bisbee has a slight advantage in the passing game, averaging 218.9 passing yards per game, compared to Pima’s 102.2. However, Pima boasts a superior rushing attack, averaging 233.2 yards per game, while Bisbee follows closely with 222.9 yards per game.
Defensively, Bisbee holds the advantage in tackles per game, averaging 90.9, while Pima averages just 52.0 tackles per game. This disparity in tackles suggests that Bisbee may have a more aggressive defense, which could play a significant role in stopping Pima’s potent rushing game.
Both teams are averaging impressive points per game, with Bisbee putting up 34.5 points per game and Pima close behind at 34.8. This suggests that both offenses are highly efficient and capable of putting up big numbers on the scoreboard.
Key Players to Watch
- Bisbee:
- Sebastian Lopez has been a standout player for Bisbee, contributing 97.5 rushing yards per game and an impressive 208.4 passing yards per game. His ability to contribute in both the running and passing game makes him a dual-threat and a key player to watch in this matchup.
- Hunter Wright has been a reliable target in the passing game, averaging 83.9 receiving yards per game. His connection with Lopez in the passing game will be crucial in moving the ball down the field.
- Spencer Anthony, with 12.3 tackles per game, is a defensive leader for Bisbee. His presence will be essential in trying to limit Pima’s strong rushing attack.
- Pima:
- Jeremiah Martinez is the star of Pima’s offense, contributing 148.7 rushing yards per game and 163.2 total yards per game. His ability to carry the ball effectively will be crucial for Pima‘s offensive success.
- Cedrick Grimes has been a top performer in the passing game, contributing 99.9 receiving yards per game. His ability to stretch the field and create big plays will help balance Pima’s offense.
- Joe Palmer, with 9.1 tackles per game, is a key player on Pima’s defense. He will need to be at his best to help contain Bisbee’s potent offensive attack.
Record Breakdown
Both teams have had stellar seasons, with both posting 10-1 overall records. Bisbee has been dominant in league play with a 7-0 record, while Pima also boasts a strong league performance with a 6-0 record. Bisbee has been successful at home, posting a 5-1 record, while Pima has also been solid on the road with a 5-0 record.
This matchup is important for both teams, as they aim to maintain their winning ways heading into the playoffs. Bisbee and Pima both have perfect records against common opponents this season, with Pima recently defeating Santa Cruz Valley 29-22, while Bisbee fell to them 30-7 earlier in the season.
Common Opponents
The teams share a common opponent in Santa Cruz Valley, with Pima securing a 29-22 victory in their most recent meeting, while Bisbee lost 30-7. This outcome suggests that Pima may have the edge when it comes to facing similar competition, but the game against Bisbee will provide an entirely new challenge.
Game Outlook
This game promises to be an exciting and tightly contested affair. Bisbee’s dynamic offense, led by Sebastian Lopez, will look to exploit Pima’s defense with a balanced attack, mixing both the run and the pass. Meanwhile, Pima will rely heavily on the legs of Jeremiah Martinez, who has been a force in the rushing game. The battle in the trenches will be key, as Bisbee‘s strong defense will aim to slow down Pima’s running game while trying to limit big passing plays.
The difference in tackles per game and overall defensive pressure could give Bisbee a slight edge in this matchup, but Pima’s ability to control the ball with its run-heavy attack could wear down Bisbee’s defense. This game could come down to which team can impose its will offensively while keeping the other team off the field.
Both teams have the potential to make a deep playoff run, and this game will serve as an important step in proving their readiness. Expect both teams to bring their A-game as they battle for bragging rights and momentum heading into the postseason.
