The Centennial varsity football team from Las Cruces, NM, will host Cleveland from Rio Rancho, NM, in a home playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: New Mexico High School Football
Who: Cleveland vs Centennial
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Bracket: 2024 Nusenda Credit Union State Football Championships – 6A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Cleveland vs. Centennial
This highly anticipated playoff clash between Cleveland Storm and Centennial Hawks pits two of the top teams in New Mexico against each other. Both squads boast explosive offenses, stout defenses, and are coming off dominant seasons. Centennial narrowly edged Cleveland in their regular season matchup, winning 35-28 in August. Now Cleveland seeks redemption on the road.
Season Recap: Cleveland Storm
- Record: 10-1
- Points For/Against: 515 PF, 116 PA
- Scoring Average: 46.8 points per game
Cleveland is riding a 10-game win streak since their only loss to Centennial. Their offense is dynamic, with a balance between the run and pass, and their defense is among the best in the state, allowing just 116 points across 11 games.
Key Players:
- Juan Munoz (RB): Leads the ground game with 73.1 rushing yards per game and 10.2 points per game.
- Jordan Hatch (QB): A dual-threat quarterback, averaging 179.5 passing yards and 189.5 total yards per game.
- Jacob Maldonado (WR): Top receiving target with 71.0 receiving yards per game.
Season Recap: Centennial Hawks
- Record: 11-0
- Points For/Against: 531 PF, 236 PA
- Scoring Average: 48.3 points per game
Centennial remains unbeaten, powered by a dominant rushing attack and efficient passing. The Hawks’ high-powered offense has been complemented by a defense that has forced key turnovers in critical moments, including in their Week 1 win over Cleveland.
Key Players:
- Zaiden Davis (RB/QB): Centennial’s MVP, leading the team in 138.8 rushing yards, 104.7 passing yards, and 243.5 total yards per game.
- Jordan Lucas (WR): Reliable target with 53.1 receiving yards per game.
- Rudy Rios (RB): Offensive sparkplug with a team-high 17.8 points per game.
Team Stat Comparison
| Stat | Cleveland Storm | Centennial Hawks |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 205.8 | 296.2 |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 179.5 | 100.5 |
| Receiving Yards Per Game | 179.5 | 100.5 |
| Total Yards Per Game | 385.4 | 396.7 |
| Tackles Per Game | 44.3 | 50.4 |
| Sacks Per Game | 1.6 | 1.5 |
| Points Per Game | 47.9 | 44.5 |
Both teams excel offensively, but Centennial’s stronger rushing attack gives them an edge in controlling the clock and field position.
Record Breakdown
| Category | Cleveland Storm | Centennial Hawks |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 10-1 | 11-0 |
| League Record | 5-0 | 6-0 |
| Non-League Record | 4-1 | 4-0 |
| Common Opponent | 3-0 | 4-0 |
| Home Record | 5-1 | 5-0 |
| Away Record | 5-0 | 5-0 |
| Neutral Record | 0-0 | 1-0 |
Centennial’s undefeated record and head-to-head victory earlier in the season solidify their standing as slight favorites.
Previous Matchup: Week 1
Centennial narrowly defeated Cleveland 35-28 in a back-and-forth game. The Hawks relied on big plays in the second and third quarters, led by Zaiden Davis, while Cleveland struggled to capitalize on red zone opportunities late in the game. Centennial’s defense held Cleveland scoreless in the fourth quarter to secure the win.
Key Matchups to Watch
Cleveland’s Passing Game vs. Centennial’s Secondary
Cleveland’s QB Jordan Hatch and WR Jacob Maldonado will test Centennial’s defensive backs. If Cleveland can exploit the secondary, they could offset Centennial’s edge in the run game.
Centennial’s Ground Attack vs. Cleveland’s Front Seven
The Hawks rely on a potent rushing duo of Zaiden Davis and Rudy Rios. Cleveland’s ability to stop the run will be critical in slowing down Centennial’s offense.
Turnovers
In tight games like this, turnovers often determine the outcome. Centennial’s defense has a knack for forcing takeaways, which could shift momentum in their favor.
Prediction
Cleveland and Centennial are evenly matched, making this a thrilling playoff showdown. Cleveland has the talent to avenge their earlier loss, but Centennial’s home-field advantage and dominance in the run game give them the edge.
