The Mountain View (Mesa, AZ) varsity football team will host Cesar Chavez (Laveen, AZ) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 AIA State Football Championships for Conference 6A, with both teams vying for a spot in the next round.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Arizona High School Football
Who: Cesar Chavez vs Mountain View
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: Mountain View vs. Cesar Chavez
As the 2024 AIA State Football Championships continue, one of the key matchups in the Conference 6A tournament will see the Mountain View (Mesa, AZ) varsity football team hosting Cesar Chavez (Laveen, AZ) on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. Both teams have proven their strength throughout the season, and this game promises to be an exciting showdown for a spot in the next round of the tournament.
Team Records and Rankings
Cesar Chavez
- Record: 7-3 overall, 4-1 in section play
- Home/Away: 4-1 at home, 3-2 away
- Ranking: 35th in Arizona, 19th in Division
- Points For (PF): 295
- Points Against (PA): 229
- Win %: .700 overall, .800 in section
Cesar Chavez enters the playoffs with a solid 7-3 record, including a strong 4-1 mark in section play. While their overall points for (295) and points against (229) show a competitive team, they face a tough challenge against Mountain View’s high-powered offense. Cesar Chavez will need to execute their game plan perfectly, especially on the road, to keep up with their formidable opponents.
Mountain View
- Record: 9-1 overall, 5-0 in section play
- Home/Away: 4-0 at home, 5-1 away
- Ranking: 9th in Arizona, 7th in Division
- Points For (PF): 501
- Points Against (PA): 202
- Win %: .900 overall, 1.000 in section
Mountain View has been one of the top teams in Arizona this season, with a remarkable 9-1 record and a perfect 5-0 section record. Their offense has been explosive, averaging 50.1 points per game, while their defense has been solid, allowing just 202 points over the course of the season. The Mountain View squad has been especially dominant at home, winning all of their home games.
Scoring Averages by Quarter
Both teams have demonstrated the ability to score, but they do so at different rates throughout the game. Here’s a look at each team’s scoring averages by quarter:
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cesar Chavez | 6.8 | 5.0 | 6.5 | 6.3 | 29.5 |
| Mountain View | 15.4 | 15.6 | 8.3 | 10.8 | 50.1 |
Mountain View has been particularly dominant in the first half, averaging 31 points across the first two quarters. Their ability to score early and often gives them a significant advantage, particularly in front of their home crowd. In comparison, Cesar Chavez has been more consistent throughout the game, but their lower scoring output could be a disadvantage against such a high-powered offense.
Key Matchup: Offense and Defense
- Offensive Strength: Mountain View’s offense has been one of the most potent in the state, averaging 50.1 points per game. Their scoring ability, particularly in the first half, makes them a dangerous opponent. Cesar Chavez, with 29.5 points per game, will need to be more efficient offensively to keep pace with Mountain View’s scoring machine.
- Defensive Concerns: Mountain View’s defense has been tough, allowing only 202 points this season. They will look to control the tempo of the game and limit Cesar Chavez’s scoring opportunities. On the other hand, Cesar Chavez’s defense has allowed 229 points, and they will need to step up significantly to slow down Mountain View’s offensive juggernaut.
- Home Field Advantage: Mountain View’s undefeated 4-0 record at home highlights their dominance in familiar surroundings. The home crowd will play a crucial role as they look to give their team the edge over a strong, but outmatched, Cesar Chavez squad.
Conclusion
The upcoming playoff game between Mountain View and Cesar Chavez is shaping up to be an exciting and high-stakes contest. Mountain View enters the game as the heavy favorite with their explosive offense and solid defense, along with an undefeated home record. Cesar Chavez, while a capable team with a strong season of their own, will need to find a way to neutralize Mountain View’s attack if they are to pull off an upset. This game promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams battle for a spot in the next round of the 2024 AIA State Football Championships.
As the football season nears its exciting conclusion, Cesar Chavez (7-3) will take on Mountain View (9-1) in a high-stakes matchup that promises to be filled with explosive plays and intense competition. Both teams have put together impressive seasons, with dynamic offenses and solid defenses, setting the stage for a thrilling game.
Team Stat Comparison
Cesar Chavez and Mountain View are both high-scoring teams, but Mountain View has a slight edge in total offensive production. The Mountain View Toros are averaging 428.1 total yards per game, compared to Cesar Chavez’s 357.3 yards per game. This difference is primarily due to Mountain View‘s more explosive passing attack, with 214.8 passing yards per game compared to Cesar Chavez‘s 152.2.
On the ground, both teams have solid rushing games, with Mountain View averaging 213.3 yards per game, just slightly ahead of Cesar Chavez at 205.1 yards per game. Despite the difference in total yards, Mountain View has been significantly more productive in terms of scoring, averaging 50.5 points per game, while Cesar Chavez posts 25.5 points per game.
Defensively, Cesar Chavez leads with 69.2 tackles per game, while Mountain View averages 60.1. When it comes to sacks, Cesar Chavez averages 2.9 per game, which is better than Mountain View’s 1.8 sacks per game. These statistics suggest that Cesar Chavez may have an advantage in pressuring the quarterback and limiting offensive production, especially in passing situations.
Key Players to Watch
- Cesar Chavez:
- Pharis Jenkins leads the ground game with 99.0 rushing yards per game and will be a key player in moving the ball on the ground against Mountain View.
- Mason Penrod, with 126.1 passing yards per game, will need to provide balance in the air to keep Mountain View’s defense guessing.
- Nevin Reed, the team’s leader in receiving yards (80.9 per game), will be crucial in the passing game, especially on third downs and in the red zone.
- On defense, Tyes Graves leads the team with 10.7 tackles per game and will be important in stopping Mountain View’s high-powered offense.
- Mountain View:
- Reese Bodily leads Mountain View’s rushing attack with an impressive 130.6 yards per game and will be the focal point of their offense, likely seeing a high volume of carries.
- Brady Goodman, with 207.1 passing yards per game, has been excellent at running the offense through the air. He will look to exploit Cesar Chavez‘s defense, especially through his favorite targets like Talan Arnett, who averages 87.8 receiving yards per game.
- Reign Curiel, with 6.0 tackles per game, will be instrumental in slowing down Cesar Chavez’s ground attack and helping in pass coverage.
- Caleb Larson, with 0.7 sacks per game, will need to provide pressure on Penrod and disrupt the passing game.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced off against several similar opponents this season, with Mountain View showing slightly more dominance. Cesar Chavez defeated Desert Ridge 25-12, Westwood 28-8, Mesa 41-40, and Tolleson 27-8. On the other hand, Mountain View had a commanding 54-0 win over Desert Ridge, a 50-6 victory over Westwood, a 63-30 win over Mesa, and a 57-6 victory over Tolleson. While both teams secured victories against these common opponents, Mountain View demonstrated their ability to put up more points and win by larger margins.
Record Breakdown
Cesar Chavez comes into the game with a solid 7-3 record, including a 4-1 record in league play. They have had a strong season, but their losses have come in non-league matchups, which highlights their vulnerability outside their region. Mountain View, on the other hand, enters with a 9-1 record, including a perfect 5-0 league record. Their only loss came in a non-league game, making them a formidable opponent in the playoffs.
At home, Mountain View has been perfect with a 4-0 record, while Cesar Chavez has a 4-1 record in their home games. On the road, Cesar Chavez has a 3-2 record, while Mountain View is also strong away, with a 5-1 record.
Game Outlook
This game is expected to feature a strong offensive showing, especially from Mountain View, who averages over 50 points per game. Cesar Chavez will need to control the clock with their running game, led by Pharis Jenkins, and limit Mountain View‘s big-play potential. With Brady Goodman leading the charge in the air and Reese Bodily powering through the run game, Mountain View will look to exploit any gaps in the Cesar Chavez defense.
Defensively, Cesar Chavez has shown an ability to pressure the quarterback and stop the run, but they will face their toughest test yet against a high-scoring Mountain View offense. The key to Cesar Chavez’s success will be getting off the field on third downs and creating turnovers, while Mountain View will focus on sustaining drives and wearing down the Cesar Chavez defense.
With both teams boasting impressive records, this game is shaping up to be an exciting clash between two of the best in the league. Mountain View’s explosive offense gives them the edge, but Cesar Chavez’s tough defense and ability to control the ball on the ground make them dangerous. It’s anyone’s game, and fans can expect a thrilling contest under the Friday night lights.
