The St. Michael’s (Santa Fe, NM) varsity football team is hosting Dexter (NM) in a home playoff game today, November 30, at 1 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: New Mexico High School Football
Who: Dexter (NM) vs St. Michael’s (NM)
When: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Time: 1 PM. ET
Bracket: 2024 Nusenda Credit Union State Football Championships – 3A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Dexter (NM) vs. St. Michael’s (NM)
Both Dexter and St. Michael’s enter this playoff matchup undefeated with perfect 12-0 records. Dexter’s dynamic offense has been leading them throughout the season, while St. Michael’s has also proven to be a tough team, with impressive victories over several strong opponents. This game will likely be a showdown of two of the best teams in New Mexico, both aiming for a state title.
Season Recap: Dexter
- Record: 12-0
- League Record: 6-0
- Points For/Against: 517 PF, 93 PA
- Scoring Average: 43.1 points per game
Dexter has dominated the competition, outscoring their opponents by a large margin. Their offense has been explosive, averaging over 43 points per game, while their defense has been almost impenetrable, allowing only 93 points all season. Dexter’s well-rounded team, with strengths in both rushing and passing, has been a force to reckon with.
Key Strengths:
- High-Scoring Offense: Averaging 43.1 points per game.
- Balanced Attack: Over 260 rushing yards per game and strong passing numbers as well.
- Stout Defense: Allowing just 93 points all season, Dexter’s defense has been incredibly tough.
Season Recap: St. Michael’s
- Record: 12-0
- League Record: 4-0
- Points For/Against: 527 PF, 66 PA
- Scoring Average: 43.9 points per game
St. Michael’s has also been dominant, scoring 43.9 points per game and only allowing 66 points over the course of the season. Their defense has been solid, and they have been able to produce significant offensive performances. Like Dexter, St. Michael’s has been a balanced team with strengths in both the running and passing game.
Key Strengths:
- Balanced Offense: Strong rushing and passing yards per game.
- Elite Defense: Only 66 points allowed this season.
- Explosive Scoring: Averaging nearly 44 points per game.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Dexter | St. Michael’s |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 12-0 | 12-0 |
| League Record | 6-0 | 4-0 |
| Points For | 517 | 527 |
| Points Against | 93 | 66 |
| Scoring Average | 43.1 | 43.9 |
| Rushing Yards per Game | 260.8 | 152.6 |
| Passing Yards per Game | 130.3 | 108.6 |
| Receiving Yards per Game | 133.8 | 103.0 |
| Total Yards per Game | 391.1 | 261.3 |
| Tackles per Game | 46.5 | 32.0 |
| Sacks per Game | 3.2 | 1.5 |
| Points per Game | 37.9 | 28.1 |
Key Matchups
- Dexter’s Offense vs. St. Michael’s Defense
Dexter’s offense has been a scoring machine, averaging over 43 points per game. However, St. Michael’s defense has been just as strong, allowing only 66 points all season. This battle will come down to whether Dexter can continue their high-scoring ways or whether St. Michael’s defense can slow them down. - St. Michael’s Offense vs. Dexter’s Defense
While St. Michael’s offense has been potent, Dexter’s defense has been dominant, allowing less than 8 points per game. St. Michael’s will need to find creative ways to move the ball against a defense that has stifled most teams. - Turnovers and Field Position
With both teams boasting excellent defenses, turnovers could be a deciding factor. Whoever wins the turnover battle may gain a crucial edge, as both teams thrive on capitalizing on mistakes.
Key Players to Watch
Dexter
- Julian Manzanares (Running Back): Leading the team with 69.3 rushing yards per game, Manzanares is Dexter’s primary weapon in the run game.
- Cj Granados (Quarterback): With 130.3 passing yards per game, Granados can stretch the field both through the air and on the ground. His playmaking ability will be crucial for Dexter’s offense.
- Fernando Prieto (Defensive Leader): With 6.9 tackles per game and 0.9 sacks per game, Prieto is a key part of Dexter’s stifling defense.
St. Michael’s
- Soren Annon (Running Back/Defensive Leader): Annon is the main offensive weapon for St. Michael’s, leading the team with 104.6 rushing yards per game. He also contributes on defense with 8.7 tackles per game.
- Reed Bass (Quarterback): Bass has passed for 129.3 yards per game and is a key part of the offense. His ability to move the ball through the air will be crucial in keeping Dexter’s defense off balance.
- Brandon Meyer (Receiver): Meyer has been a solid receiving target, with 34.6 yards per game, and he will need to make big plays for St. Michael’s to succeed.
Prediction
This game is expected to be a close and exciting matchup between two undefeated teams. Dexter has had the edge in both scoring and defense, but St. Michael’s will put up a tough challenge. Both teams are balanced, with high-scoring offenses and tough defenses, but Dexter’s overall depth and experience might give them a slight edge.
