The Cactus (Glendale, AZ) varsity football team will host Desert Edge (Goodyear, AZ) in a home playoff game tonight at 8 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 5A tournament, where both teams will battle for a chance to advance further.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arizona State Football Championship
Who: Desert Edge vs Cactus
When: Today, December 06, 2024
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 5A
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Desert Edge vs. Cactus

The 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 5A tournament is heating up, and tonight’s home playoff game between Desert Edge (Goodyear, AZ) and Cactus (Glendale, AZ) promises to be a thrilling matchup. With both teams coming off strong seasons, this game is set to showcase some of the best high school football talent in Arizona.

Desert Edge: Consistent and Resilient

Desert Edge enters this game with a solid 9-4 overall record, having performed well both at home (4-2) and away (5-2). Their regional performance has been impressive too, finishing with a 4-1 record in conference play. The Scorpions have demonstrated resilience throughout the season, overcoming challenges and positioning themselves as a team to watch.

Offensively, Desert Edge has averaged 25.4 points per game. They have shown a tendency to start games slow, scoring an average of just 3.4 points in the first quarter. However, their offense picks up as the game progresses, particularly in the second quarter (8.8 points) and fourth quarter (7.8 points). If Desert Edge is able to find more consistency early on, they will certainly pose a challenge for Cactus.

Cactus: Dominant and Dynamic

Cactus, with a 10-3 overall record, has been an incredibly dynamic team this season. The Coyotes have been nearly unbeatable at home, going 7-0, but have faced a more challenging road schedule, finishing 3-3 away from home. Their regional performance mirrors that of Desert Edge, with a 4-1 record in conference play, making them evenly matched in that regard.

The Coyotes have been a high-scoring team throughout the season, averaging 32.5 points per game. Their offensive game is well-balanced, with strong performances in both the first (5.6 points) and second quarters (12.2 points). Cactus also scores effectively in the third quarter (7.5 points) but has occasionally struggled to maintain momentum in the fourth quarter, scoring just 5.6 points. However, their overall scoring power and consistency have made them a formidable force.

Key Matchup: Offense vs. Defense

While both teams have shown strong offensive capabilities, the key to this matchup could come down to which team can maintain control of the game. Desert Edge has shown a tendency to start slow but can rally later, while Cactus’s explosive second-quarter offense could give them an early lead. Desert Edge’s defense, having allowed 206 points this season, will need to step up and limit the high-scoring Coyotes if they hope to pull off the upset.

Cactus, on the other hand, will have to capitalize on their strong first half to put Desert Edge at a disadvantage early. Their balanced offense and defensive consistency will be crucial if they aim to keep the Scorpions from building momentum late in the game.

As the Arizona high school football season unfolds, the matchup between Desert Edge and Cactus is shaping up to be an exciting clash between two powerhouse teams. Both squads have enjoyed successful seasons and possess explosive offenses, strong defenses, and remarkable individual performances. Let’s dive into the statistics, team leaders, and overall records to get a better understanding of what to expect from this thrilling contest.

Team Stat Comparison

Rushing Yards:
Cactus holds the advantage in rushing yards, averaging 159.1 per game compared to Desert Edge’s 119.4. This difference highlights Cactus’s ability to dominate on the ground, which could be key in controlling the tempo of the game. Desert Edge will need to find a way to slow down Cactus’s rushing attack to have a shot at winning.

Passing Yards:
Desert Edge and Cactus are closely matched when it comes to passing yards. Desert Edge averages 216.8 yards per game, while Cactus edges them out with 220.8 yards per game. Both teams have strong passing games, and their quarterbacks will play pivotal roles in moving the ball downfield. Expect a high-powered aerial attack from both sides.

Receiving Yards:
Cactus once again has the edge in receiving yards, with 225.0 per game, while Desert Edge averages 213.5. Both teams are capable of making big plays through the air, and Cactus’s slightly higher average may give them a marginal advantage in pass coverage and big-play potential.

Total Yards:
Cactus leads in total yards per game with 379.8, while Desert Edge averages 336.2. This difference suggests that Cactus has a more balanced offense, combining both a strong rushing game and a potent passing attack. Desert Edge will need to limit Cactus’s offensive output to stay competitive in this matchup.

Team Leaders

Desert Edge:

• Aryon Thomas leads the rushing attack with 56.7 yards per game.
• Blake Roskopf is the standout passer, averaging 242.6 yards per game and contributing to a total of 251.9 yards per game.
• Zerek Sidney is the top receiver with 50.0 yards per game and also contributes 6.2 points per game.
• Joshua Hopphaus leads the defense with 9.7 tackles per game.
• Jerry Washington has contributed 1.4 sacks per game, helping to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Cactus:

• Tayejion Player leads the rushing attack with 90.3 yards per game.
• Antonio Casias is the primary passer, averaging 217.9 yards per game and 240.8 total yards per game.
• Julian (Juju) Stubblefield leads in receiving yards with 94.8 per game, and Tristan Varga contributes 7.7 points per game.
• Jayson Burkhard leads the defense with 7.4 tackles per game.
• Talon Staggs has contributed 0.6 sacks per game, playing a key role in the pass rush.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced similar opponents throughout the season, and their records against these common teams are telling. Desert Edge holds a 5-1 record against common opponents, while Cactus is undefeated at 5-0.

Here’s a breakdown of their results against mutual opponents:

• Sunnyslope: Desert Edge won 38-14, while Cactus won 52-14.
• Millennium: Desert Edge won 40-13, and Cactus won 40-37.
• Sunrise Mountain: Desert Edge won 42-17, while Cactus won 53-0.
• Canyon View: Desert Edge won 28-5, and Cactus won 30-23.
• Verrado: Desert Edge lost 17-10, while Cactus won 50-41.

Both teams have shown their dominance over common opponents, with Desert Edge having a slightly tougher time against Verrado, but their overall performances suggest that they both have the capability to compete at the highest level.

Record Breakdown

Desert Edge (9-4):
Desert Edge has posted a solid 9-4 overall record. Their season includes strong league and non-league performances, including a 4-1 record in the league. The team has been effective at home, going 4-2, but struggled on the road with a 5-1 record.

Cactus (10-3):
Cactus has been slightly more successful, posting a 10-3 record overall. They have been perfect at home with a 7-0 record and have also performed well in the playoffs, with a 3-0 record. Cactus has been particularly strong on the road, going 5-2 away from home.

Conclusion

Both Desert Edge and Cactus have been exceptional teams this season, with explosive offenses and solid defenses. Cactus’s ability to put up points and dominate in all areas of the game gives them an edge, but Desert Edge’s aggressive defense, particularly in sacks and tackles, could prove to be a significant factor. Both teams have been dominant in their league play, and their meeting is set to be a true test of which team can impose its will.

This matchup is likely to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams capable of making big plays. Cactus will look to leverage their balanced attack to outscore Desert Edge, while Desert Edge will rely on their aggressive defense to stifle Cactus’s potent offense. The outcome of this game will come down to which team can execute their game plan most effectively, making this one of the most exciting matchups of the season.