The Mica Mountain (Tucson, AZ) varsity football team will host Coconino (Flagstaff, 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 in the 4A Conference, as both teams compete for a spot in the next round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arizona High School Football
Who: Coconino vs Mica Mountain
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 4A
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Mica Mountain vs. Coconino

As the 2024 AIA State Football Championships heat up, the matchup between Mica Mountain and Coconino promises to be a thrilling contest. Set for Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m., Mica Mountain will host Coconino in a highly anticipated game in the 4A Conference. Both teams have shown impressive records this season, and with a spot in the next round of the playoffs on the line, this game will undoubtedly be one to watch.

Coconino’s Season Overview

Coconino enters the game with a solid 6-4 record and a 3-2 mark in their section. They have been stronger at home, with a 4-1 record, but have struggled on the road, finishing 2-3 in away games. Despite their uneven performance away from home, Coconino has still managed to score 334 points while allowing 197. Their offense has been effective, but the defense will need to step up if they are to challenge Mica Mountain in this playoff matchup.

• Overall Record: 6-4
• Section Record: 3-2
• Home Record: 4-1
• Away Record: 2-3
• Win Percentage: .600
• Section Win Percentage: .600
• Points For (PF): 334
• Points Against (PA): 197

Coconino’s scoring averages reflect their ability to start strong, with 8.4 points in the first quarter and 16.1 points in the second. However, their scoring drops off in the second half, with just 6.2 points in the third quarter and 2.7 points in the fourth. This drop-off could be a critical factor in their playoff chances against a strong opponent like Mica Mountain.

Mica Mountain’s Perfect Season

On the other hand, Mica Mountain has been dominant throughout the season, finishing with a perfect 10-0 record. They have been flawless both at home and on the road, boasting a 5-0 record in both categories, and their performance in section play has been equally impressive with a 5-0 section record. With a win percentage of 1.000 and an impressive 385 points scored, Mica Mountain has been a force to be reckoned with, allowing only 40 points all season.

• Overall Record: 10-0
• Section Record: 5-0
• Home Record: 5-0
• Away Record: 5-0
• Win Percentage: 1.000
• Section Win Percentage: 1.000
• Points For (PF): 385
• Points Against (PA): 40

Mica Mountain’s scoring averages reflect their dominance, with a solid 15.9 points in the first quarter and 17.0 points in the second quarter. Their offense continues to churn out production, though their scoring drops to 3.4 points in the third quarter and 1.9 points in the fourth. Despite the slight drop in the second half, Mica Mountain’s early lead often proves insurmountable for their opponents, making them one of the most dangerous teams in the 4A Conference.

Team Scoring Comparison

In comparing the two teams’ scoring averages, Mica Mountain’s first-half performance stands out. They average 32.9 points in the first half, while Coconino averages 24.5 points. However, Coconino’s ability to score in the second quarter, with 16.1 points, suggests they can keep up with Mica Mountain for a half. Mica Mountain, though, has the advantage in consistency and overall scoring, averaging 38.5 points per game compared to Coconino’s 33.4.

Team Stat Comparison

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Coconino averages 152.6 rushing yards per game, led by Fernando Ramirez with 106.4 yards per game. Mica Mountain, while slightly behind with 140.0 rushing yards per game, features Josiah Thornwell, who adds significant value to their ground game.
• Passing Yards Per Game: Coconino boasts 184.2 passing yards per game, with quarterback Colton Buckingham leading the way. Mica Mountain’s passing game, led by Jayden Thoreson, produces 132.1 yards per game, but they rely more heavily on their rushing attack.
• Receiving Yards Per Game: Coconino also leads in receiving yards, averaging 183.6 per game, with standout receiver Noble Young-Blackgoat recording 59.1 yards per game. Mica Mountain’s receiving game is slightly less productive, with Jimmy Leon contributing just 26.5 yards per game.
• Total Yards Per Game: Coconino averages 336.8 total yards per game, a well-rounded offensive unit. Mica Mountain records 272.1 total yards per game, which may be enough to challenge teams with solid offensive play but might struggle against more explosive offenses.
• Tackles Per Game: Coconino averages 81.2 tackles per game, showing a strong defensive presence. Mica Mountain, while not as dominant, records 54.6 tackles per game. Coconino’s defensive efforts, led by Max Estrella with 8.0 tackles per game, will be critical in containing Mica Mountain’s attack.
• Sacks Per Game: Mica Mountain holds a slight edge with 2.2 sacks per game, with Jimmy Leon contributing 1.1 sacks. Coconino averages 1.5 sacks per game, with Gabriel Ulibarri leading in this category with 1.0 sack per game.
• Points Per Game: Mica Mountain leads with 37.3 points per game, showcasing their high-powered offense. Coconino averages 31.6 points per game, which could make them a dangerous team if they can get their offense firing on all cylinders.

Team Leaders

• Rushing: Fernando Ramirez is the star rusher for Coconino, averaging 106.4 yards per game. For Mica Mountain, Josiah Thornwell leads with 61.0 rushing yards per game, but their overall ground game is spread out more evenly.
• Passing: Colton Buckingham leads Coconino in the passing game with 184.2 yards per game, and he also contributes to the total offensive yardage. Mica Mountain’s Jayden Thoreson, with 132.1 passing yards per game, is a capable quarterback but doesn’t rely as much on the air attack.
• Receiving: Noble Young-Blackgoat is Coconino’s top receiver, recording 59.1 yards per game, contributing heavily to their passing game. Jimmy Leon leads Mica Mountain’s receiving unit, though with just 26.5 yards per game, their offensive strategy is likely more run-heavy.
• Total Yards: Buckingham leads Coconino in total yards with 215.2 yards per game, making him the primary offensive weapon. Thoreson leads Mica Mountain with 114.0 total yards per game.
• Tackles: Coconino’s defense is anchored by Max Estrella, who leads the team with 8.0 tackles per game. Mica Mountain’s Broden Schmidt adds 7.8 tackles per game, a key contributor to their defensive efforts.
• Sacks: Gabriel Ulibarri leads Coconino with 1.0 sack per game, while Mica Mountain’s Jimmy Leon contributes with 1.1 sacks per game.
• Points: Fernando Ramirez also leads Coconino in scoring, contributing 10.2 points per game. For Mica Mountain, Jimmy Leon contributes 6.8 points per game, but they may rely more on their overall team effort to rack up points.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced similar opponents this season, with each team winning their respective games:

• Poston Butte: Coconino won 31-20 on September 28, 2024, while Mica Mountain triumphed 17-8 on August 30, 2024.

Both teams have shown strong results in their common matchups, indicating they are well-matched heading into their head-to-head game.

Record Breakdown

• Coconino: With a 6-4 overall record and a 3-2 league record, Coconino has had a solid season. They are 4-1 at home and 2-3 on the road, with a 6-4 in-state record.
• Mica Mountain: Mica Mountain has had an undefeated season thus far, with a perfect 10-0 record. They have been dominant in both league play (5-0) and non-league play (5-0). Mica Mountain has proven to be a tough team to beat, particularly with a 5-0 record at home and a 5-0 record away.

Conclusion

While Coconino has shown a well-rounded team with impressive offensive and defensive performances, Mica Mountain’s undefeated record speaks to their effectiveness in both areas. Coconino’s ability to move the ball through the air and on the ground will be tested against Mica Mountain’s strong defense, but their defensive unit has the capability to disrupt Mica Mountain’s high-scoring attack. The game between these two teams promises to be a hard-fought battle, and with both squads having shown strong performances against common opponents, this matchup could be one to watch as the season progresses.