The Buena (Sierra Vista, AZ) varsity football team will host Casa Grande (AZ) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 AIA State Football Championships in the 5A Conference, with both teams aiming to advance further in the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arizona High School Football
Who: Casa Grande vs Buena
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 5A
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Casa Grande vs. Buena

As the 2024 AIA State Football Championships approach, the Buena (Sierra Vista, AZ) varsity football team will host Casa Grande (AZ) in an exciting home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. This match-up in the 5A Conference promises to showcase two talented teams with contrasting styles and impressive records.

Team Overview

Buena enters this game with a strong 8-2 overall record and a dominant 4-1 mark in their section. The Colts have been a high-scoring team all season, averaging 50.6 points per game, with their offense finding success early in games (averaging 14.0 points in the first quarter). Their well-balanced offense has been one of their biggest strengths, and they will look to continue that momentum into the playoffs.

Casa Grande, on the other hand, comes into the game with a 6-4 record and a 2-3 section record. While they have had a solid season, they have been inconsistent in their section play. Their offense averages 35.4 points per game but has struggled to maintain that scoring output in the later parts of games, particularly in the second half. Casa Grande will need to play their best football to keep up with Buena’s high-powered offense.

Scoring Breakdown

Keys to the Game

For Casa Grande to succeed, they will need to capitalize on their early-game performance, as they score well in the first half. Staying competitive in the opening quarters and maintaining that energy into the second half will be critical to keeping Buena from running away with the game.

Buena, on the other hand, will need to continue their offensive onslaught. Their ability to score consistently throughout the game, especially late in the second half, has been a major asset. If their offense can stay sharp and their defense holds up against Casa Grande’s offense, they will put themselves in a strong position to win.

Conclusion

This 5A playoff game between Buena and Casa Grande is sure to be a thrilling contest. Buena’s high-powered offense faces off against Casa Grande’s determined squad, with both teams looking to advance further in the 2024 AIA State Football Championships. Fans can expect an exciting battle under the Friday night lights, as both teams give their all to secure a spot in the next round of the playoffs.

Team Stat Comparison

Buena has been one of the most potent offensive teams this season, averaging 436.6 total yards per game. Their offensive success is driven by a powerful rushing attack, which leads the way with 270.7 rushing yards per game, thanks to standout performances from Andres Bonilla, who averages 119.9 yards per game. Alongside their ground game, Buena’s passing game is also impressive, with Nash Moore averaging 166.5 passing yards per game, contributing to their overall offensive balance.

In contrast, Casa Grande has been more reliant on its passing game, averaging 278.0 passing yards per game, led by Luke Keeton, who has been a dynamic presence under center with 275.5 passing yards per game. Despite a slightly weaker rushing attack (129.9 rushing yards per game), Casa Grande has managed to put up strong offensive numbers, averaging 407.9 total yards per game.

Defensively, Buena has been the stronger team, averaging 68.5 tackles per game compared to Casa Grande’s 49.9. Buena’s defense will be crucial in slowing down the high-powered passing game of Casa Grande, while their ability to stop the run has been a strength throughout the season. Casa Grande, with 1.9 sacks per game, will need to apply pressure on Moore to disrupt Buena’s offensive rhythm.

Key Players to Watch

• Casa Grande:
  • Luke Keeton, the quarterback, is the key to Casa Grande’s offensive success. His ability to connect with Kendale Cade (93.7 receiving yards per game) and other playmakers will be pivotal in keeping the offense moving against a tough Buena defense.
  • Cameron Armstrong leads the rushing attack with 69.5 yards per game and will need to contribute in both the running and passing game to take pressure off Keeton.
  • Johnathan Marley, with 7.7 tackles per game, is the anchor of Casa Grande’s defense. His ability to limit Buena’s rushing attack will be a crucial factor in the game’s outcome.
• Buena:
  • Andres Bonilla will be the focal point of Buena’s offense. His ability to control the tempo with his 119.9 rushing yards per game will allow Nash Moore to operate efficiently in the passing game, especially when paired with standout receiver Jayden Thomas, who averages 82.1 receiving yards per game.
  • Cooper Kraus, with 8.1 tackles per game, will need to step up on defense and contain Casa Grande’s passing game, which has been their primary strength.
  • Shawn Bookman, who leads the team with 0.7 sacks per game, will be key in applying pressure on Keeton and disrupting Casa Grande’s offensive rhythm.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced some common opponents, including Marana, Sunnyside, Desert View, and Cienega. Casa Grande defeated Sunnyside and Desert View but suffered losses to Marana and Cienega. Buena, on the other hand, had a close loss to Marana but handled Sunnyside and Desert View with ease. Buena also defeated Cienega in a solid win, further showing their strength this season. The shared experience against common opponents highlights that both teams are competitive, but Buena has been more consistent in these matchups.

Record Breakdown

• Casa Grande comes into this game with a 6-4 record, including a 2-3 mark in league play. The Cougars have been strong in non-league games with a 4-1 record but will need to improve their league play to contend with top teams like Buena. Their 3-2 record at home will give them an edge as they play in front of their home crowd.
• Buena has had an outstanding season, with an 8-2 record and a dominant 4-1 league record. Their offensive firepower, combined with solid defense, has propelled them to success throughout the year. With a strong 4-1 road record, Buena will look to continue their dominance as they head into the postseason.

Game Outlook

This game will be a battle of contrasting styles: Buena’s powerful running game and balanced offense against Casa Grande’s dynamic passing attack. Buena will look to control the game on the ground, using Andres Bonilla to wear down the Casa Grande defense and set up play-action opportunities for Nash Moore. Meanwhile, Casa Grande will rely on the arm of Luke Keeton to stretch the field and find success through the air, utilizing Kendale Cade and other weapons in the passing game.

The key to victory for Casa Grande will be their ability to keep up with Buena’s explosive offense, especially in the running game. They will need to contain Bonilla and limit the effectiveness of Buena’s play-action passing game. On the other hand, Buena will need to neutralize Casa Grande’s passing game and avoid letting Keeton dictate the pace of the game.

With both teams bringing strong performances into this contest, expect a high-paced, hard-fought battle. The winner of this matchup will carry momentum into the postseason and solidify their status as one of the top teams in the region.