The Tucson High Magnet School (Tucson, AZ) varsity football team will host Cienega (Vail, AZ) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 AIA State Football Championships in the 5A Conference, with both teams competing for a spot in the next round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arizona High School Football
Who: Cienega vs Tucson High Magnet School
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: Tucson High Magnet School vs. Cienega

On Friday, November 15, the Tucson High Magnet School (Tucson, AZ) varsity football team will host Cienega (Vail, AZ) in a critical 5A Conference playoff game as part of the 2024 AIA State Football Championships. With both teams having solid seasons, this matchup promises to be a thrilling contest with significant playoff implications.

Season Records and Rankings

Tucson High Magnet School enters the game with an 8-2 overall record and a strong 4-1 record in section play, securing the No. 14 spot in Arizona’s 5A division. Their solid performance, especially in away games (5-0), has positioned them as one of the stronger teams in the conference. Cienega, with a 5-5 overall record and a 3-2 section mark, comes in as the No. 19 seed. While they have had an up-and-down season, their playoff berth reflects their competitive nature and ability to challenge tough opponents.

Offensive and Defensive Averages

Tucson High Magnet School has been a high-scoring team this season, averaging 37.3 points per game. Their offense has been particularly effective in the first quarter, where they average 13.0 points per game. Cienega, on the other hand, has averaged 23.1 points per game, with their strongest performance occurring in the second quarter (7.9 points per game). While Cienega has shown the ability to score, Tucson High’s high-powered offense and consistent defense (allowing just 235 points) make them a formidable opponent in this matchup.

Key Factors and Game Outlook

For Cienega to pull off the upset, they will need to improve their performance in the second half, as their scoring drops off in the third quarter. A strong start will be crucial to keep pace with Tucson High, who can dominate if given an early lead. Tucson High, with their solid defense and efficient offense, will look to capitalize on their home-field advantage and early-game explosiveness.

Conclusion

This 5A playoff matchup between Tucson High Magnet School and Cienega will be a battle of offense versus defense, with Tucson High favored due to their consistent scoring and strong defensive play. However, Cienega’s ability to fight through adversity and capitalize on scoring opportunities could make for an exciting game. Both teams will be looking to advance and keep their state title hopes alive in this crucial playoff contest.

Team Stat Comparison

Offensively, both teams are relatively balanced, though Tucson High Magnet School holds a slight edge in passing offense. The Badgers average 179.6 passing yards per game, while Cienega’s offense generates 157.1 passing yards per game. In contrast, Cienega excels on the ground, averaging 154.9 rushing yards per game, led by Ledainean Moore, while Tucson High Magnet School averages 129.1 rushing yards per game.

When it comes to total yardage, the two teams are very close. Cienega averages 312.0 total yards per game, while Tucson High Magnet School averages 308.7. Both teams have proven they can generate significant yardage, but they will need to execute efficiently to outpace the other.

Defensively, Tucson High Magnet School slightly leads in tackles per game, averaging 52.6, compared to Cienega’s 48.2. However, Cienega has a small advantage in sacks, averaging 1.9 per game versus Tucson’s 1.7. Both teams will need to tighten up their defenses to control the game’s tempo and limit big plays.

Key Players to Watch

• Cienega:
  • Ledainean Moore has been the driving force for Cienega’s rushing attack, averaging 83.4 yards per game. His performance on the ground will be crucial for setting up manageable third downs and keeping Tucson’s offense off the field.
  • Julian Hainley has been a dual threat, contributing 157.1 passing yards and 171.1 total yards per game. Hainley’s ability to both pass and run will be a key factor in keeping Tucson’s defense guessing.
  • Jaden Rodgers leads the team with 49.9 receiving yards per game and will be a key target for Hainley in the passing game.
• Tucson High Magnet School:
  • Derek Mesa, the Badgers’ quarterback, is the key to the offense, averaging 179.6 passing yards per game. His connection with receivers like Jonathon Diaz (56.9 receiving yards per game) will be pivotal in moving the chains and making big plays.
  • Noah Chanez has been solid in the running game, averaging 75.9 rushing yards per game. His ability to establish a strong running game will help open up the passing game and keep Cienega’s defense on its heels.
  • Dominick Drow has been a leader on defense with 8.7 tackles per game. His ability to make stops and disrupt Cienega’s offensive rhythm will be critical in keeping the game in Tucson’s favor.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced some of the same opponents this season, but their outcomes have been different. Cienega has struggled against common opponents, going 0-2, including losses to Marana and Buena. Tucson High Magnet School, however, has been more successful, posting a 1-1 record with a win over Buena and a loss to Marana. This slight edge in performance against shared opponents gives Tucson the mental advantage heading into this game.

Record Breakdown

• Cienega enters the game with a 5-5 record, including a 3-2 mark in league play. While the Bobcats have had a competitive season, they’ve been inconsistent in non-league games, going 2-3.
• Tucson High Magnet School has a stronger record at 8-2, with a 4-1 record in league play. The Badgers have been dominant at home and will look to continue their strong performances as they head into the postseason.

Game Outlook

This game could come down to which offense can execute better, especially in terms of sustaining drives and scoring. Cienega’s balanced offense, led by Moore and Hainley, will be up against Tucson’s potent passing attack, led by Mesa. Defensively, Tucson will need to stop Cienega’s ground game while also containing Hainley’s dual-threat ability. On the other hand, Cienega’s defense will have to get pressure on Mesa and disrupt Tucson’s high-scoring offense.

With Tucson High Magnet School having the upper hand in both record and performance against common opponents, they will likely enter the game as slight favorites. However, Cienega’s ability to control the clock with their run game and mix in the pass could make for a tight contest. This game promises to be a thrilling battle, and both teams will be hungry for a victory to end the regular season strong.

Expect a competitive, hard-fought matchup as both teams look to gain momentum heading into the postseason.