The ALA – Gilbert North (Gilbert, AZ) varsity football team will face Goldwater (Phoenix, AZ) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 AIA State Football Championships in the 5A Conference, with both teams aiming to advance in the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arizona High School Football
Who: Goldwater vs ALA – Gilbert North
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 5A
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Goldwater vs. ALA – Gilbert North

On Friday, November 15, the Goldwater (Phoenix, AZ) varsity football team will travel to ALA – Gilbert North (Gilbert, AZ) for a highly anticipated playoff game at 7 p.m. in the 2024 AIA State Football Championships, 5A Conference. Both teams enter the contest with identical 7-3 records, making this a critical matchup for their postseason ambitions.

Team Overview

Goldwater comes into this game with a strong 7-3 record, having dominated their section with a perfect 4-0 record. Their balanced offense has been impressive, averaging 36.5 points per game, with their highest-scoring period in the first quarter (14.2 points). Goldwater’s ability to put up big numbers early in games has been a key factor in their success this season. However, their defense has been less consistent, giving up 355 points, and will need to step up if they hope to advance in the playoffs.

On the other side, ALA – Gilbert North also boasts a 7-3 record. While they haven’t been as explosive offensively as Goldwater, averaging 30.6 points per game, they’ve been effective in the fourth quarter, scoring 11.4 points on average in the final period. Their defense has been much stronger, allowing just 189 points over the course of the season. This combination of strong defense and timely offense will make them a tough opponent for Goldwater.

Scoring Breakdown

Both teams have their strengths when it comes to scoring. Goldwater’s ability to score early gives them an advantage in setting the tone for games, while ALA – Gilbert North excels in closing out games strong, especially in the fourth quarter. With both teams averaging over 30 points per game, expect an exciting contest filled with offensive fireworks, but also crucial moments where defense will play a pivotal role.

Keys to the Game

For Goldwater, the key to victory will be maintaining their high-scoring pace in the first half and keeping ALA – Gilbert North’s offense in check. They’ll need to shore up their defense and find a way to contain ALA – Gilbert North’s strong closing game in the fourth quarter.

For ALA – Gilbert North, taking advantage of their strong defense and closing out the game in the fourth quarter will be crucial. Their ability to stay composed and capitalize on late-game opportunities could be the difference-maker in a tightly contested matchup.

Conclusion

This playoff game between Goldwater and ALA – Gilbert North is set to be a thrilling, high-energy matchup. With both teams sharing similar records and impressive scoring capabilities, fans can expect an exciting contest. The winner will continue their playoff journey, while the loser’s season will come to a close.

Team Stat Comparison

Goldwater has been a powerhouse in the rushing game, averaging a remarkable 344.5 rushing yards per game, led by dynamic running back Dylan Hayhurst, who contributes 223.8 rushing yards per game and 237.5 total yards per game. Their offense is predominantly ground-based, and they’ll likely look to dominate time of possession and wear down ALA – Gilbert North’s defense with a strong running attack.

In contrast, ALA – Gilbert North has been more balanced offensively, with 126.0 rushing yards per game and 224.1 passing yards per game. The Eagles rely heavily on their passing attack, where Conner White has been the key playmaker, accumulating 145.3 passing yards per game. ALA – Gilbert North also boasts solid receiving numbers, with Isaac Massey averaging 74.0 receiving yards per game and White accounting for 171.6 total yards per game. Expect ALA – Gilbert North to test Goldwater’s secondary through the air while using a solid rushing attack to complement their passing game.

Defensively, Goldwater has been solid, averaging 57.6 tackles per game but has struggled to get to the quarterback, with just 0.5 sacks per game. On the other hand, ALA – Gilbert North has been more effective at applying pressure, averaging 2.9 sacks per game. The defensive line and linebackers of ALA – Gilbert North will need to step up and stop Goldwater’s powerful ground game while trying to disrupt their offensive rhythm.

Key Players to Watch

• Goldwater:
  • Dylan Hayhurst is the engine of the Goldwater offense. His explosive running ability and strong performance in the backfield will be critical for Goldwater’s chances of controlling the game. Expect him to be the focal point of the offense.
  • Nathaniel Galaviz has been steady in the passing game, although Goldwater’s passing numbers aren’t as robust as their rushing attack. He will need to make key throws to keep ALA – Gilbert North’s defense honest and prevent them from stacking the box to stop Hayhurst.
• ALA – Gilbert North:
  • Conner White, the quarterback, is the key to ALA – Gilbert North’s offense. His ability to throw the ball effectively and create big plays will be crucial in keeping Goldwater’s defense off balance.
  • Kody Thorley has been a force both as a rusher and a tackler, with 9.7 tackles per game and 51.7 rushing yards per game. Thorley’s versatility could prove pivotal, especially in helping control the line of scrimmage.
  • Isaac Massey is another key weapon for the Eagles, contributing 74.0 receiving yards per game. His ability to stretch the field will be key in helping ALA – Gilbert North’s passing attack succeed.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced Notre Dame Prep, with Goldwater suffering a tough 49-0 loss on August 30, while ALA – Gilbert North gave a much stronger showing, nearly pulling off a victory, losing 51-48 in a high-scoring thriller. While neither team was able to defeat Notre Dame Prep, ALA – Gilbert North’s near-upset suggests they could have the firepower to compete at a high level against Goldwater.

Record Breakdown

• Goldwater enters the game with a 7-3 overall record, including a perfect 4-0 in league play. Their strong rushing attack has been the backbone of their success this season, but they will need to improve their defense and passing game if they hope to make a deep run in the playoffs.
• ALA – Gilbert North also holds a 7-3 record, but with a slightly more balanced offense and a 3-2 record in league play. Their passing game has been explosive, and they will need to lean on that aspect of their offense to outscore Goldwater and control the tempo of the game.

Game Outlook

This matchup between Goldwater and ALA – Gilbert North will likely come down to whether Goldwater can control the clock with their dominant rushing attack or if ALA – Gilbert North can strike quickly through the air with White and his receiving corps. Goldwater’s defense will need to limit big plays in the passing game and avoid allowing ALA – Gilbert North to get into a rhythm. On the flip side, ALA – Gilbert North will need to stop Hayhurst and make sure they don’t get worn down by Goldwater’s relentless ground game.

With both teams having similar records and balanced but contrasting offensive styles, this should be an exciting, closely contested game. Goldwater’s strength lies in their running game, while ALA – Gilbert North’s aerial attack could prove to be the difference. Look for this game to be a battle of wills as each team seeks to impose their style of play and gain an edge heading into the playoffs.