The Casteel (Queen Creek, AZ) varsity football team will host Centennial (Peoria, AZ) in a highly anticipated playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the “2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 6A” tournament, where both teams will battle for a spot in the next round.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Arizona High School Football Playoff
Who: Centennial vs Casteel
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 6A
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Casteel vs. Centennial
The 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 6A tournament is underway, and tonight’s game between Casteel (Queen Creek, AZ) and Centennial (Peoria, AZ) promises to be a compelling contest. With both teams fighting for postseason glory, fans can expect a fierce battle under the Friday night lights.
Centennial: Looking for an Upset
Centennial enters the playoffs with a 4-7 overall record and a .364 win percentage. The Coyotes have been competitive in their section games, posting a 2-2 record, and have shown resilience with a balanced performance at home and on the road. Offensively, Centennial averages 25.6 points per game, with their strongest quarter being the third, where they score 8.0 points on average. While their offense has been solid, their defense has allowed 250 points over the season, and they’ll need to step up against a potent Casteel offense.
Casteel: A Stronger Regular Season
Casteel enters the game with a 6-5 overall record and a .545 win percentage. While they’ve struggled in section play with a 1-3 record, their performance on the road, where they are 4-2, showcases their ability to perform under pressure. At home, Casteel is 2-3, and they’ll look to leverage the playoff atmosphere to improve their record. Offensively, the Colts have been slightly more productive than Centennial, averaging 28.6 points per game. Their strongest quarter is the fourth, where they average 9.6 points, indicating they are a strong finishing team.
Key Matchup: Fourth-Quarter Scoring
One critical factor in this matchup will be how both teams perform in the final quarter. Centennial averages 6.0 points in the fourth, while Casteel shines with 9.6 points, suggesting the Colts may have the edge in crunch time. Additionally, Casteel’s slightly higher scoring average overall (28.6 points to Centennial’s 25.6) could give them the offensive edge.
What’s at Stake
This playoff game is a chance for both teams to prove their mettle. Centennial will aim to pull off an upset with a strong defensive effort and capitalize on their scoring bursts in the third quarter. Meanwhile, Casteel will look to lean on their ability to finish games strong and exploit Centennial’s defensive gaps.
As Centennial and Casteel prepare for a highly anticipated football matchup, comparing the teams’ performances sheds light on their strengths and weaknesses. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season but differ in key statistical areas that may influence the outcome.
Offensive Comparison
Casteel holds a slight edge in offensive production, averaging 364.3 total yards per game compared to Centennial’s 334.4. A significant part of this comes from their strong rushing attack, led by #22 Isaiah Linyear, who averages 83.5 rushing yards per game—well above Centennial’s top rusher, #1 Owen Reynoso, who averages 60.6 yards per game.
However, Centennial has the advantage in the air. Quarterback #7 Kainan Manna averages 160.2 passing yards per game, closely rivaling Casteel’s #9 Paul Palmer at 168.2. Additionally, Centennial’s #2 Nikko Boncore-Montoya leads all receivers with 73.7 receiving yards per game, outpacing Casteel’s top receiver, #0 Mason Lewis, who averages 54.4.
Defensive Showdown
Defensively, Casteel has been more consistent, averaging 73.4 tackles per game compared to Centennial’s 51.5. However, Centennial’s pass rush is more effective, tallying 3.6 sacks per game, led by #46 Taurean Hall (1.1 sacks per game). In contrast, Casteel records only 1.5 sacks per game, with their leader, #49 Logan Voss, contributing just 0.3 sacks per game.
Scoring Efficiency
When it comes to putting points on the board, Casteel averages 26.8 points per game, slightly outpacing Centennial’s 22.4. Centennial’s #8 Shamar Berryhill leads the team with 6.0 points per game, while Casteel’s #3 Elijah Beamon averages 5.1.
Head-to-Head and Common Opponents
Though Centennial has struggled against common opponents, going 1-3, they hold a commanding 42-7 win over Boulder Creek. Casteel, on the other hand, boasts a 2-2 record, including a thrilling 29-27 victory against Highland—a team that defeated Centennial earlier in the season.
Season Records and Trends
Casteel has had a stronger season overall, finishing with a 6-5 record compared to Centennial’s 4-7. Casteel has been more successful in non-league play, going 4-2, while Centennial struggled at 1-5. Both teams are playoff contenders, with identical 1-0 postseason records.
Key Factors to Watch
- Rushing vs. Passing: Centennial’s success will hinge on exploiting their passing game, while Casteel will look to dominate on the ground.
- Defensive Impact: Casteel’s tackling prowess could be a game-changer, but Centennial’s ability to generate sacks might disrupt Casteel’s offensive rhythm.
- Execution in the Clutch: With both teams having narrow wins and losses this season, late-game composure could be the deciding factor.
Prediction
This game shapes up to be a battle of contrasts, with Centennial’s aerial attack facing off against Casteel’s ground game and defensive consistency. While Casteel’s balanced offense and stronger record suggest they have the upper hand, Centennial’s knack for explosive plays keeps them firmly in contention. Expect a close, hard-fought contest.
Conclusion
As Casteel and Centennial face off tonight at 7 p.m., fans can expect a competitive and high-energy game. With both teams bringing their unique strengths to the field, this Conference 6A matchup will be a thrilling step in the journey toward the championship.
