The Thatcher (AZ) varsity football team is set to host Florence (AZ) in a high-stakes home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. Both teams will compete fiercely as they advance through the playoffs, with Thatcher looking to leverage their home-field advantage against a tough Florence opponent.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Arizona High School Football
Who: Florence vs Thatcher
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Thatcher vs. Florence
On Friday, November 15, the Thatcher (AZ) varsity football team will host Florence (AZ) in a thrilling 3A division playoff game. Both teams have excelled this season, and with only one advancing in the state tournament, this matchup is set to be an intense showdown of two high-performing squads.
Season Performance and Rankings
Florence has been dominant this season, achieving a remarkable 10-1 record and going undefeated in their section at 4-0, securing the No. 5 ranking in Arizona’s 3A division. Thatcher, with a 9-2 record, has also had a standout season, finishing 3-1 in section play and ranking No. 3 in the division. Both teams have shown consistency on the road, each boasting an impressive 5-0 away record.
| Team | Record | Section Record | Home Record | Away Record | Win % | Section % | Points For (PF) | Points Against (PA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florence | 10-1 | 4-0 | 5-1 | 5-0 | .909 | 1.000 | 337 | 141 |
| Thatcher | 9-2 | 3-1 | 4-2 | 5-0 | .818 | .750 | 341 | 129 |
Offensive and Defensive Averages
Both teams have displayed strong offensive and defensive capabilities. Florence averages 30.6 points per game, with balanced scoring across all quarters, led by a steady performance in the first and second quarters. Thatcher, meanwhile, has a slight scoring edge with a 31.0 points-per-game average. Their strongest scoring occurs in the second and fourth quarters, showing a tendency to close out games effectively.
| Quarter | Florence Average | Thatcher Average |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 7.6 | 6.8 |
| Q2 | 7.7 | 11.3 |
| Q3 | 6.9 | 1.6 |
| Q4 | 5.9 | 8.3 |
| Final | 30.6 | 31.0 |
Key Factors and Game Outlook
This playoff game will come down to Florence’s balanced approach and Thatcher’s defensive strength. Florence has shown consistency and resilience throughout the season, but Thatcher’s home-field advantage and ability to finish strong could prove decisive. Florence will likely aim for early dominance to keep Thatcher from capitalizing on their late-game strengths.
Conclusion
With two well-matched teams, this Arizona 3A division playoff game between Thatcher and Florence is expected to be a nail-biter. Thatcher’s slight scoring advantage and home-field support may tilt the scales, but Florence’s strong season and determined defense make them a formidable opponent. Football fans can look forward to a game filled with strategy, grit, and excitement.
Team Stat Comparison
Florence and Thatcher boast impressive rushing games, which have been the backbone of their offenses this season. Florence averages 247 rushing yards per game, slightly edging out Thatcher’s 221.4 yards. In the passing game, the teams are nearly even as well, with Florence averaging 92.5 passing yards compared to Thatcher’s 98.1. Overall, Florence’s offense generates slightly more yardage at 339.5 total yards per game versus Thatcher’s 319.5, highlighting their balanced attack.
Defensively, Florence has an edge in tackles, averaging 76.4 per game compared to Thatcher’s 65.4. Thatcher, however, has a slight advantage in sacks, tallying 1.4 per game to Florence’s 1.1, which could be a critical factor if they can disrupt Florence’s passing game.
Key Players to Watch
- Florence: Running back Malik Smith has been unstoppable this season, averaging 137.7 rushing yards per game and leading the Gophers’ offense. Quarterback Logan Stenson is another key player, contributing 99.7 passing yards per game and averaging a solid 171.8 total yards per game. Defensively, linebacker Zayden Cundiff stands out with a formidable 16.2 tackles per game, making him a crucial piece in slowing down Thatcher’s offense.
- Thatcher: Running back Kody Bingham leads the Eagles with an impressive 86.3 rushing yards per game and 9.5 points per game, making him the team’s main scoring threat. Quarterback Chad Johnson is also a player to watch, averaging 95.3 passing yards and 121.4 total yards per game. On defense, Ryan Jones provides strength with 9.6 tackles per game, while Joshua Nicholas is a key part of the pass rush, recording 0.5 sacks per game.
Common Opponents
Both teams faced the same four opponents this season, coming away undefeated in these games. Florence’s closest call was against Crismon, where they pulled off a narrow 21-14 win. Thatcher also defeated Crismon, though by a more modest 15-0 margin. Both teams have shown they can handle mutual opponents effectively, with Thatcher’s offense recently surging in a 56-14 win over Gilbert Christian, compared to Florence’s 38-28 victory over the same team earlier in the season.
Record Breakdown
Florence holds a strong 10-1 overall record and is undefeated in league play (4-0), while Thatcher sits at 9-2 with a 3-1 league record. Florence’s only loss came in a non-league game, underscoring their consistency in critical matchups. Thatcher has proven to be resilient, especially in away games, where they’re undefeated at 5-0. Both teams enter this game with playoff wins, heightening the stakes in this clash of powerhouse programs.
Game Outlook
This game has all the ingredients of a classic, with both Florence and Thatcher bringing top-notch rushing offenses and strong defenses. The Gophers’ slight edge in overall yardage and their standout tackling from Cundiff could give them an advantage, especially if they can contain Bingham and keep Thatcher from finding a rhythm. Thatcher, however, has proven its resilience on the road and boasts a balanced offensive lineup that can make them a tough opponent in any environment.
Expect this game to be a test of defensive endurance and rushing proficiency. Whoever controls the line of scrimmage and wins the turnover battle will likely emerge victorious in what promises to be a hard-fought contest.
