The Highland (Gilbert, AZ) varsity football team will face off against Casteel (Queen Creek, 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, Conference 6A, as both teams vie for a spot in the next round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arizona High School Football
Who: Casteel vs Highland
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 6A
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Casteel vs. Highland

As the 2024 AIA State Football Championships heat up, the Casteel Colts will take on the Highland Hawks in an intense playoff showdown this Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. The teams are set to face off at Highland’s home field in Gilbert, Arizona, with both squads eager to continue their journey toward the state title.

Casteel’s Season Overview

Casteel enters the game with a 5-5 overall record, securing a .500 win percentage. In section play, they’ve had a tough season, finishing 1-3 in their division. Despite some struggles on the road (with a 3-2 away record), the Colts have shown resilience, averaging 28.6 points per game. They’ve been particularly strong in the second and fourth quarters, where they tend to generate significant scoring opportunities. In terms of team performance, Casteel has scored an average of 19.0 points in the final quarter, demonstrating their ability to mount late-game comebacks.

Highland’s Strengths and Key Stats

On the other hand, Highland boasts a 7-3 record, showing a strong win percentage of .700. With a solid 4-1 home record, they are tough to beat at home. Their overall scoring average of 28.0 points per game is highlighted by their strong second-quarter performance, where they put up an impressive 10.8 points on average. However, the Hawks have struggled a bit in the fourth quarter, averaging just 3.6 points. Defensively, Highland has allowed 178 points, significantly fewer than Casteel’s 266, giving them a clear advantage in terms of points allowed.

Scoring Trends

The teams have some contrasting scoring patterns. Casteel is more of a late-game team, racking up 9.1 points in the fourth quarter. Their offensive output peaks in the final period, making them a dangerous opponent even when the game is on the line. Highland, on the other hand, tends to start strong, particularly in the second quarter, and might look to capitalize early against Casteel’s defense.

Looking Ahead

This playoff matchup promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams bringing different strengths to the field. Highland will look to leverage their home advantage and steady defense, while Casteel will aim to continue their late-game surge and stay competitive. With everything on the line, it’s sure to be an exciting game under the Friday night lights.

As the high school football season unfolds, Casteel and Highland are shaping up to be two of the most exciting teams in the state. With both teams showing strong performances throughout the season, it’s clear that they’re well-matched in several key areas. Here’s a detailed comparison based on team statistics, standout players, and their performance against common opponents.

Team Stat Comparison

Rushing and Passing Offense
Casteel leads in rushing yards per game with 199.7, a significant edge over Highland’s 146.1. This shows Casteel’s dominance on the ground, led by standout rusher Klarence Freeman. Highland, however, outshines Casteel in the passing game, with 196.9 yards per game compared to Casteel’s 168.7. This passing attack is driven by quarterback Kalen Fisher and a solid receiving corps.

Receiving and Total Yards
Both teams are relatively even in receiving yards, with Casteel at 168.6 yards per game and Highland slightly ahead with 195.8. Overall, Casteel leads in total yards per game with 368.4, while Highland averages 343.0 yards per game. This suggests that Casteel might have a more balanced offense, using both the run and pass effectively to gain ground.

Defensive Metrics
Defensively, Casteel averages 75.8 tackles per game, slightly higher than Highland’s 70.3. However, Highland has the upper hand in sacks, with 2.0 per game, compared to Casteel’s 1.4. Both teams show impressive defensive abilities, but Highland’s ability to disrupt the opposing quarterback with more sacks might be a crucial factor in games with high-pressure situations.

Scoring
The scoring comparison is tight, with Highland edging out Casteel, averaging 27.1 points per game to Casteel’s 26.7. This is a testament to both teams’ ability to score consistently, making them dangerous offensive threats.

Key Players to Watch

Casteel:

• Klarence Freeman (#25): Freeman leads Casteel’s rushing attack with 120.0 rushing yards per game, making him a pivotal part of their offense.
• Paul Palmer (#9): Palmer is a dual-threat for Casteel, contributing significantly with 163.9 passing yards and 200.3 total yards per game.
• Mason Lewis (#0): As a key receiver, Lewis contributes 54.4 receiving yards per game.

Highland:

• Kash Allen (#7): The standout rusher for Highland, Allen averages 105.3 yards per game, making him a constant threat on the ground.
• Kalen Fisher (#6): Fisher leads Highland in passing yards with an impressive 194.0 yards per game, and his arm is a key factor in their offense.
• Greyson Sparks (#20): As a defensive force, Sparks averages 10.7 tackles per game, providing leadership in the defensive unit.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced similar challenges against top-tier opponents, although the results have varied.

• Queen Creek: Casteel narrowly lost 39-38 to Queen Creek on September 6, 2024. Highland, on the other hand, also faced Queen Creek at home on November 1, 2024, but fell short with a 23-20 loss.
• Chandler: Both teams faced Chandler, with Casteel losing 42-21 on October 18, 2024, and Highland defeating Chandler 20-14 on September 27, 2024.

The teams’ mixed results against these common opponents highlight the tight competition and showcase the importance of key matchups in shaping their seasons.

Record Breakdown

Casteel (24-25)
Casteel has shown resilience with a 5-5 overall record, including a 1-3 league record. They’ve excelled in non-league play, going 4-2. Their performance in home games is even, with a 2-3 record, but they will need to improve on the road (3-2).

Highland (24-25)
Highland, with a 7-3 overall record, has fared better in league play (6-0), showing dominance in their region. Their 4-1 record at home is impressive, and they have a strong road performance as well, with a 3-2 record. This could give them an edge in upcoming away games.

Conclusion

Both Casteel and Highland have proven themselves as formidable opponents. Casteel excels in rushing offense and total yardage, while Highland shines in passing and defense, particularly with more sacks. Both teams have standout players who could make the difference in a matchup, and their close records against common opponents suggest that any game between them will be highly competitive. As the season progresses, both teams will look to fine-tune their strengths and improve their weaknesses in order to make a deep playoff run.