The Cactus (Glendale, AZ) varsity football team will host Desert Edge (Goodyear, AZ) in a home playoff game tonight at 8 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 5A tournament, where both teams will battle for a chance to advance further.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arizona State Football Championship
Who: Cactus (AZ) vs Desert Edge (AZ)
When: Today, December 06, 2024
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 5A
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Desert Edge vs. Cactus

As the Arizona high school football season unfolds, the matchup between Desert Edge and Cactus is shaping up to be an exciting clash between two powerhouse teams. Both squads have enjoyed successful seasons and possess explosive offenses, strong defenses, and remarkable individual performances. Let’s dive into the statistics, team leaders, and overall records to get a better understanding of what to expect from this thrilling contest.

Team Stat Comparison

Rushing Yards:
Cactus holds the advantage in rushing yards, averaging 159.1 per game compared to Desert Edge’s 119.4. This difference highlights Cactus’s ability to dominate on the ground, which could be key in controlling the tempo of the game. Desert Edge will need to find a way to slow down Cactus’s rushing attack to have a shot at winning.

Passing Yards:
Desert Edge and Cactus are closely matched when it comes to passing yards. Desert Edge averages 216.8 yards per game, while Cactus edges them out with 220.8 yards per game. Both teams have strong passing games, and their quarterbacks will play pivotal roles in moving the ball downfield. Expect a high-powered aerial attack from both sides.

Receiving Yards:
Cactus once again has the edge in receiving yards, with 225.0 per game, while Desert Edge averages 213.5. Both teams are capable of making big plays through the air, and Cactus’s slightly higher average may give them a marginal advantage in pass coverage and big-play potential.

Total Yards:
Cactus leads in total yards per game with 379.8, while Desert Edge averages 336.2. This difference suggests that Cactus has a more balanced offense, combining both a strong rushing game and a potent passing attack. Desert Edge will need to limit Cactus’s offensive output to stay competitive in this matchup.

Tackles Per Game:
Desert Edge’s defense averages 66.4 tackles per game, compared to Cactus’s 61.5. While both teams are active on defense, Desert Edge’s slightly higher tackle total indicates they might be more aggressive and involved in limiting opposing offenses. This could play a critical role in containing Cactus’s dynamic attack.

Sacks Per Game:
Desert Edge excels in this category, averaging 3.5 sacks per game compared to Cactus’s 1.4. This disparity suggests that Desert Edge has a more aggressive defensive front, capable of putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Their ability to disrupt the opposing passing game could be a major factor in the outcome of this game.

Points Per Game:
Cactus has the edge in scoring, averaging 32.1 points per game, while Desert Edge averages 25.3. Cactus’s higher offensive output speaks to their ability to put up points in bunches, while Desert Edge will need to maximize efficiency to keep pace with Cactus’s high-scoring offense.

Team Leaders

Desert Edge:

• Aryon Thomas leads the rushing attack with 56.7 yards per game.
• Blake Roskopf is the standout passer, averaging 242.6 yards per game and contributing to a total of 251.9 yards per game.
• Zerek Sidney is the top receiver with 50.0 yards per game and also contributes 6.2 points per game.
• Joshua Hopphaus leads the defense with 9.7 tackles per game.
• Jerry Washington has contributed 1.4 sacks per game, helping to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Cactus:

• Tayejion Player leads the rushing attack with 90.3 yards per game.
• Antonio Casias is the primary passer, averaging 217.9 yards per game and 240.8 total yards per game.
• Julian (Juju) Stubblefield leads in receiving yards with 94.8 per game, and Tristan Varga contributes 7.7 points per game.
• Jayson Burkhard leads the defense with 7.4 tackles per game.
• Talon Staggs has contributed 0.6 sacks per game, playing a key role in the pass rush.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced similar opponents throughout the season, and their records against these common teams are telling. Desert Edge holds a 5-1 record against common opponents, while Cactus is undefeated at 5-0.

Here’s a breakdown of their results against mutual opponents:

• Sunnyslope: Desert Edge won 38-14, while Cactus won 52-14.
• Millennium: Desert Edge won 40-13, and Cactus won 40-37.
• Sunrise Mountain: Desert Edge won 42-17, while Cactus won 53-0.
• Canyon View: Desert Edge won 28-5, and Cactus won 30-23.
• Verrado: Desert Edge lost 17-10, while Cactus won 50-41.

Both teams have shown their dominance over common opponents, with Desert Edge having a slightly tougher time against Verrado, but their overall performances suggest that they both have the capability to compete at the highest level.

Record Breakdown

Desert Edge (9-4):
Desert Edge has posted a solid 9-4 overall record. Their season includes strong league and non-league performances, including a 4-1 record in the league. The team has been effective at home, going 4-2, but struggled on the road with a 5-1 record.

Cactus (10-3):
Cactus has been slightly more successful, posting a 10-3 record overall. They have been perfect at home with a 7-0 record and have also performed well in the playoffs, with a 3-0 record. Cactus has been particularly strong on the road, going 5-2 away from home.

Conclusion

Both Desert Edge and Cactus have been exceptional teams this season, with explosive offenses and solid defenses. Cactus’s ability to put up points and dominate in all areas of the game gives them an edge, but Desert Edge’s aggressive defense, particularly in sacks and tackles, could prove to be a significant factor. Both teams have been dominant in their league play, and their meeting is set to be a true test of which team can impose its will.

This matchup is likely to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams capable of making big plays. Cactus will look to leverage their balanced attack to outscore Desert Edge, while Desert Edge will rely on their aggressive defense to stifle Cactus’s potent offense. The outcome of this game will come down to which team can execute their game plan most effectively, making this one of the most exciting matchups of the season.