The Melrose (NM) varsity football team is facing Gateway Christian (Roswell, NM) in a neutral playoff game today at 1 p.m. at Gateway Christian. This game is part of the “2024 Nusenda Credit Union State Football Championships – 8-Man” tournament.

Gateway Christian vs Melrose Football Game Info:

What: New Mexico High School Football Playoffs
Who: Gateway Christian vs Melrose
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m.
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Game preview: Gateway Christian vs Melrose

As the high school football playoffs heat up, one matchup that has football fans buzzing is the clash between Gateway Christian and Melrose. Both teams have had impressive seasons, but with different journeys leading them to this point, the game promises to be a thrilling contest. Here’s a closer look at the teams, their performance, and what to expect in this exciting showdown.

Team Overview

• Gateway Christian (7-2)
  Gateway Christian has had a solid season with a 7-2 overall record. They’ve shown strength in both their offensive and defensive strategies, scoring an average of 51.3 points per game. The team has been especially strong at home, with a 4-1 record on their home turf. Their standout players include Jaxon Odom, who leads in rushing yards with an average of 92.5 per game, and Josiah Roybal, who has been instrumental in the passing game, with 161.2 passing yards per game and 211.7 total yards per game. Gateway Christian’s ability to score, especially in the first half, will be key to keeping up with the high-flying Melrose team.
• Melrose (11-0)
  Melrose enters the playoffs undefeated with a perfect 11-0 record, dominating opponents both at home and on the road. They are averaging 52.7 points per game, with a particularly strong second-half performance (16.0 points in Q2 and 14.0 in Q4). Melrose’s offense has been explosive, with the team’s rushing yards per game leading at 199.1, and they have a balanced attack that’s hard to stop. Notable players include Jaxon Odom (though with a different ranking here) and Josiah Roybal, who lead the way in total yards and points per game. Their overall record and dominant performances suggest they are a formidable force heading into this neutral-site game.

Previous Meeting: A Melrose Victory

The most recent meeting between these two teams took place on October 4, 2024, when Melrose handed Gateway Christian a tough 62-16 loss. Melrose has demonstrated their offensive prowess throughout the season, and this game was no different. With a 62-16 victory, Melrose showed their dominance, and the challenge for Gateway Christian will be to overcome Melrose’s high-octane offense and put together a more competitive performance in this playoff rematch.

Scoring Breakdown

• Gateway Christian Scoring Average:
  • Q1: 38.0
  • Q2: 17.5
  • Q3: 0
  • Q4: 0
  • Final: 51.3 points per game
• Melrose Scoring Average:
  • Q1: 8.0
  • Q2: 16.0
  • Q3: 6.0
  • Q4: 14.0
  • Final: 52.7 points per game

Although Gateway Christian starts strong in the first quarter, their second-half performances have been a concern, as they’ve scored no points in the third and fourth quarters in some games. Melrose, on the other hand, has been able to control games, especially in the second half, which could be a deciding factor in this matchup.

Common Opponents: Melrose Has the Edge

Both teams have faced some common opponents this season, but Melrose has managed to remain undefeated against them, while Gateway Christian has had a loss. Here’s a look at how the teams have fared against mutual opponents:

• Escalante:
  • Gateway Christian defeated them 54-0
  • Melrose defeated them 52-0
• Lordsburg:
  • Gateway Christian won 58-20
  • Melrose won 52-0
• Mesilla Valley Christian School:
  • Gateway Christian lost 50-48
  • Melrose won 56-12
• Mescalero Apache:
  • Gateway Christian won 56-20
  • Melrose won 52-0
• Tatum:
  • Gateway Christian won 54-0
  • Melrose won 50-0

Despite Gateway Christian’s strong record, Melrose has been flawless against these same teams, highlighting their overall dominance this season.

What to Expect in the Playoff Game

With a neutral-site game ahead, both teams will need to adjust to the playoff atmosphere. Melrose’s undefeated record, strong offense, and balanced team will likely make them the favorites, but Gateway Christian’s high-powered offense could provide the surprise needed to keep the game close. If Gateway Christian can improve on their second-half scoring and find a way to match Melrose’s offensive pressure, they could pull off an upset. However, Melrose’s proven ability to dominate late in games and their undefeated record make them a tough opponent.

This game will be one for the books as both teams look to move on to the next round and continue their playoff journeys. Fans can expect a hard-fought, high-scoring contest when these two teams meet today at 1:00 p.m..