The ALA – Queen Creek (Queen Creek, AZ) varsity football team is set to host Desert Mountain (Scottsdale, AZ) in a home playoff game today at 7 p.m. This game is part of the “2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Open Division” tournament, with both teams vying for a spot in the next round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arizona High School Football Playoff
Who: Desert Mountain vs ALA – Queen Creek
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Open Division
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Desert Mountain vs. ALA – Queen Creek

As the 2024-2025 Arizona high school football season unfolds, two teams—Desert Mountain and ALA – Queen Creek—are making significant waves in their respective divisions. With standout performances and impressive records, both teams are setting the stage for an exciting and competitive finish to the season. Here’s a breakdown of their rankings, records, and team performance.

Desert Mountain (24-25)

• Overall Record: 8-2
• Section Record: 3-2
• Home Record: 5-0
• Away Record: 3-2
• Win Percentage: 80%
• Section Win Percentage: 60%
• Points For (PF): 293
• Points Against (PA): 92

Desert Mountain’s impressive record shows their dominance, especially at home, where they have won all five of their home games. With a high offensive output of 293 points scored, the team has shown they can put up big numbers on the board. Their defense has been just as effective, only allowing 92 points against them. Despite a tough section record of 3-2, Desert Mountain remains a powerhouse and is poised to make an impact in the playoffs.

ALA – Queen Creek (24-25)

• Overall Record: 9-1
• Section Record: 3-1
• Home Record: 5-0
• Away Record: 4-1
• Win Percentage: 90%
• Section Win Percentage: 75%
• Points For (PF): 311
• Points Against (PA): 89

ALA – Queen Creek is having an even more dominant season, with a 9-1 overall record and an impressive 5-0 home performance. With a win percentage of 90%, they have been near flawless this season. They have managed to score 311 points while allowing just 89 points, showcasing a well-balanced attack on both offense and defense. Their section record of 3-1 places them in a strong position, and with a section win percentage of 75%, ALA – Queen Creek is a top contender this season.

Team Scoring Averages

Both teams have been exceptional on offense, but their scoring patterns reflect some interesting differences:

• Desert Mountain Scoring Breakdown:
  • Q1: 9.0 points
  • Q2: 12.1 points
  • Q3: 3.7 points
  • Q4: 3.1 points
  • Overtime: 14.0 points
  • Final Average: 29.3 points

Desert Mountain’s scoring is highest in the second quarter, with 12.1 points, while their performance drops off in the second half. The team tends to perform better in overtime, scoring 14 points, which suggests a resilience under pressure.

• ALA – Queen Creek Scoring Breakdown:
  • Q1: 9.1 points
  • Q2: 12.7 points
  • Q3: 4.9 points
  • Q4: 6.0 points
  • Final Average: 31.1 points

ALA – Queen Creek shows a more consistent offensive output throughout the game, especially in the final quarter, where they score an average of 6.0 points. Their overall scoring average is slightly higher at 31.1 points, showing they can produce significant points across all four quarters.

Key Matchup Insights

Both teams are in the hunt for playoff positioning, with ALA – Queen Creek holding a slight advantage in terms of overall performance and consistency. Desert Mountain, however, has the home-field advantage, and their ability to win in overtime could make them a dangerous opponent in tight matchups.

As the season progresses, expect both teams to continue their strong performances, with ALA – Queen Creek likely looking to maintain their near-perfect record, while Desert Mountain will aim to bounce back from any setbacks and make a strong playoff push.

In conclusion, Desert Mountain and ALA – Queen Creek are two teams to watch, with exceptional records and scoring potential. Football fans can look forward to an exciting finish to the season, with these teams positioned for success in their respective divisions.

As the Arizona high school football season moves toward its exciting conclusion, the clash between Desert Mountain and ALA – Queen Creek stands out as one to watch. With both teams boasting impressive records and balanced offenses, this game is expected to be a thrilling contest. Desert Mountain enters the game with an 8-2 overall record, while ALA – Queen Creek is riding high at 9-1. Let’s take a closer look at the key statistics, standout players, and what makes this matchup particularly intriguing.

Team Stats Comparison

Offensive Performance:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: ALA – Queen Creek holds the advantage on the ground, averaging 161.4 rushing yards per game, compared to Desert Mountain’s 93.5 yards.
• Passing Yards Per Game: The two teams are fairly evenly matched in the air, with Desert Mountain averaging 186.1 passing yards per game and ALA – Queen Creek slightly ahead at 187.3 yards.
• Receiving Yards Per Game: ALA – Queen Creek also leads in receiving yards with 192.5 yards per game, while Desert Mountain averages 182.9 yards.
• Total Yards Per Game: ALA – Queen Creek has a slight edge in total offense, averaging 348.7 yards per game, compared to Desert Mountain’s 279.6 yards.

Defensive Performance:

• Tackles Per Game: Desert Mountain has been more active defensively, averaging 47.3 tackles per game, but ALA – Queen Creek isn’t far behind with 55.5 tackles per game.
• Sacks Per Game: Both teams are tied at 3.3 sacks per game, demonstrating strong defensive pressure.
• Points Per Game: ALA – Queen Creek has been more prolific on offense, averaging 30.9 points per game, while Desert Mountain scores 23.3 points per game.

Key Player Comparisons

Desert Mountain’s Key Players:

• Cameron Terry (#2) is Desert Mountain’s top rusher, averaging 45.3 yards per game.
• Bryce Herges (#8) leads the passing game, throwing for 168.2 yards per game and adding a total of 195.8 yards per game.
• Michael Sheldrick (#18) is a key receiving threat for Desert Mountain, averaging 37.4 yards per game.
• Elijah Banquil (#19) leads the defense with 7.3 tackles per game.
• Lucas Blumling (#21) is the primary pass rusher, contributing 1.0 sack per game.

ALA – Queen Creek’s Key Players:

• Brandon Brown (#34) is ALA – Queen Creek’s leading rusher, averaging 91.2 yards per game.
• Crew Dannels (#6) has been exceptional as both a passer and playmaker, throwing for 164.6 yards per game and contributing 166.9 total yards per game.
• Kingston McCabe (#13) is a top target in the receiving game, with 74.3 yards per game.
• Brody Michael (#12) is a standout tackler, averaging 8.1 tackles per game.
• Talon Roit (#14) is a defensive force, contributing 1.1 sacks per game.

Record Breakdown

Desert Mountain: With an 8-2 overall record, Desert Mountain has had a solid season, including a 3-2 record in league play and a perfect 5-0 record in non-league games. The team has been strong at home with a 5-0 record but has a 3-2 record on the road.

ALA – Queen Creek: ALA – Queen Creek has been a dominant force this season, with a 9-1 overall record. The team has an impressive 6-0 record in non-league games and is 3-1 in league play. ALA – Queen Creek has been flawless at home with a 5-0 record and has also posted a solid 4-1 record on the road.

In-State and Out-of-State Records

• Desert Mountain: Desert Mountain has posted an 8-2 record in-state and has not played any out-of-state games.
• ALA – Queen Creek: ALA – Queen Creek has gone 9-1 in-state and also has not played any out-of-state games.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

Both teams have faced ALA – Gilbert North this season, and both secured victories. Desert Mountain defeated ALA – Gilbert North 17-7 on October 25, while ALA – Queen Creek won 21-0 on September 12. This common opponent shows that both teams have the ability to compete against tough competition.

Conclusion

The Desert Mountain vs. ALA – Queen Creek game is shaping up to be a highly competitive and exciting matchup. ALA – Queen Creek enters the game as the slightly more powerful offense, particularly with their strong rushing game and ability to stretch the field in the air. However, Desert Mountain’s solid defense and balanced offensive attack will make them a formidable opponent.

With key players like Bryce Herges and Cameron Terry for Desert Mountain, and Crew Dannels and Brandon Brown for ALA – Queen Creek, this game will feature some of the best talent in the state. ALA – Queen Creek’s ability to generate offense will face a tough test from Desert Mountain’s defensive unit, which has been effective in limiting opponent scoring.

As the two teams square off, the outcome will likely hinge on which defense can make more stops and which offense can execute under pressure. With playoff implications on the line, both teams will be looking to leave it all on the field in what promises to be an unforgettable contest.