The Heritage Academy Gateway (Queen Creek, AZ) varsity football team is set to host El Dorado (Chandler, AZ) in an exciting home playoff game tonight at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the Arizona Football State Tournament for Division 2, promising an intense battle as both teams aim for victory.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arizona High School Football
Who: El Dorado vs Heritage Academy Gateway
When: Today, November 16, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: Arizona Football State Tournament – Division 2
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Heritage Academy Gateway vs. El Dorado

The Heritage Academy Gateway (Queen Creek, AZ) varsity football team is gearing up for a pivotal home playoff game against El Dorado (Chandler, AZ). This matchup, part of the Arizona Football State Tournament for Division 2, promises to be an exciting contest as both teams battle for advancement.

Rankings & Records

Heritage Academy Gateway holds a national ranking of 1,028 and is ranked 21st in Arizona for Division 1. They have posted an impressive 7-2 overall record, including a 2-1 record in section play. At home, the team boasts a solid 4-1 record, complemented by a 3-1 performance on the road. Their winning percentage stands at .778, with a section winning rate of .667. Offensively, they have scored 299 points this season while allowing 146 points against.

El Dorado, ranked 1,175 nationally and 23rd in Arizona for Division 2, enters the game with a 6-2 overall record. Their section record mirrors Heritage Academy’s at 2-1. El Dorado has been particularly strong on the road, achieving a 5-1 record compared to 1-1 at home. Their win percentage is .750, with a section percentage of .667. They’ve accumulated 226 points for (PF) and have allowed 120 points against (PA).

Team Scoring Averages

Heritage Academy Gateway averages 33.2 points per game, highlighting their consistent offensive power throughout the season. El Dorado, meanwhile, has shown an interesting scoring pattern: they average 28.3 points per game, with noticeable bursts in overtime, averaging 14 points in extended play. Their scoring per quarter has been more varied, showing an average of 4.7 points in the second quarter and 2.7 in the fourth.

Analysis

Heritage Academy Gateway’s slightly better overall record and higher offensive scoring average position them as formidable competitors. Their home advantage adds another layer of confidence as they seek to secure a spot in the next round. On the other hand, El Dorado’s resilience on the road and ability to score effectively in crucial moments, such as overtime, should not be underestimated.

As the football season heats up, two teams that have been making noise in their respective leagues—El Dorado and Heritage Academy Gateway—are set to face off in what promises to be a thrilling contest. With both teams boasting impressive records, here’s a closer look at how they stack up across various key statistics.

Team Statistics Comparison

Rushing and Passing Game

El Dorado has proven to be a dominant force on the ground, averaging 241.6 rushing yards per game. This is a clear strength, with the team focused on a physical running attack. Heritage Academy Gateway, on the other hand, has struggled in the passing game, registering only 16.9 passing yards per game. Their offensive strategy seems more focused on running as well, with similar numbers for receiving yards per game.

In contrast, El Dorado’s rushing yards are led by standout player Tyler Lines, who averages 70.4 yards per game, and has contributed significantly to their overall offensive success. Tyler also leads in total yards, with 89.4 yards per game. Heritage Academy Gateway, while not posting standout numbers in passing, relies on an all-around balanced approach, with the team leader in total yards, #3 Tyler Lines, having 36.6 yards per game.

Defensive Strengths

On the defensive side, both teams have shown solid performances, but El Dorado’s defense appears slightly stronger overall. El Dorado averages 24.9 tackles per game, compared to Gateway’s 22.6. However, Heritage Academy Gateway has managed to put up slightly more sacks per game (0.2 vs. El Dorado’s 0.1). Both teams have managed to keep opponents’ offensive yards in check, but El Dorado’s defensive leader, Jonah Bietz, stands out with 6.1 tackles per game, far surpassing Gateway’s defensive leader, with 2.7 tackles per game.

Scoring and Points Per Game

When it comes to points, El Dorado has the edge with an impressive 33.1 points per game, led by Stratton Ellsworth, who scores an average of 10.8 points. In comparison, Heritage Academy Gateway scores fewer points per game, averaging 23.1, but their standout performers continue to show resilience despite the lower output.

Head-to-Head Record and Common Opponents

Both teams have a strong record against common opponents, making this game all the more intriguing. El Dorado holds a 6-1 record against common opponents, while Heritage Academy Gateway is just behind at 5-1.

• Both teams defeated Skyline Prep in their respective matchups, with El Dorado winning 14-0 in a home game and Gateway pulling off a convincing 36-8 win at home.
• Southwest Leadership Academy was no match for either team, as both El Dorado and Heritage Academy Gateway emerged victorious in their games against them.
• However, both teams faced AZ Compass Prep, and this proved to be a stumbling block. El Dorado was beaten 42-0, while Heritage Academy Gateway lost 30-8.

The performance against Sequoia Pathfinder Verrado Way showcases how well both teams have adjusted to varied challenges, with both securing commanding victories. El Dorado won 56-6, while Heritage Academy Gateway triumphed 54-14.

Season Breakdown

El Dorado has posted a strong overall record of 6-2, with a 2-1 record in league play and 3-1 in non-league games. Heritage Academy Gateway, on the other hand, boasts a 7-2 overall record, also with a 2-1 league mark. El Dorado’s strength at home is noteworthy (5-1), but Heritage Academy Gateway is slightly more balanced, with a 4-1 record on the road.

Conclusion: Who Will Prevail?

While both teams are formidable, El Dorado’s dominant rushing game and solid defensive performances give them the edge heading into this matchup. Heritage Academy Gateway’s balanced offense and stout defense have carried them through a successful season, and they will be looking to prove they can compete with one of the league’s top teams. With both squads showing excellent form, this game promises to be an exciting clash of styles that will certainly leave fans on the edge of their seats.

The outcome may very well depend on which team can establish control in the trenches—El Dorado’s powerful ground game or Heritage Academy Gateway’s defensive resilience. Regardless, it’s set to be a matchup that will have playoff implications for both sides.