The St. Pius X varsity football team (Albuquerque, NM) will play a home playoff game against Grants (NM) today at 1:00 PM at Milne Stadium. This matchup is part of the 2024 Nusenda Credit Union State Football Championships – 4A tournament.

Grants vs St. Pius X Football Game Info:

What: New Mexico High School Football Playoffs
Who: Grants vs St. Pius X
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m.
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Game preview: Grants vs St. Pius X

The Grants (NM) varsity football team is preparing for a high-stakes playoff game today at 1 p.m. against St. Pius X in Albuquerque. This marks the second matchup of the season between these two teams, with St. Pius X having won their first encounter 40-7 back on August 29, 2024.

Season Performance and Records

• Grants enters the game with a 6-5 overall record, finishing 4-3 in district play. Their team has been solid at home with a 5-2 record, but their away performance has been a struggle, standing at 1-3. The team’s average of 17.8 points per game reflects their challenges on offense. However, Grants has managed to stay competitive, particularly in their last two games, which they won decisively. Notably, they defeated Moriarty 19-6 on October 19 and beat Silver 22-16 on November 9.
• St. Pius X, on the other hand, has had a dominant season, with an impressive 8-2 overall record and a perfect 6-0 record in district play. Their offensive firepower has been evident throughout the season, averaging 34.4 points per game. They defeated Grants handily earlier in the season, and with their 5-0 home record, they are a formidable opponent on their home field.

Head-to-Head Breakdown

In their previous matchup, St. Pius X showcased their strength with a 40-7 win. The game was dominated by their high-powered offense, scoring in all four quarters, including a 19-point fourth quarter to put the game out of reach. Grants, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm offensively, only managing one touchdown in the third quarter.

This time, Grants will need to overcome their previous struggles and bring a stronger offensive game to the field. Their defense, which averages 72.6 tackles per game, will need to step up to contain the explosive playmakers from St. Pius X.

Key Players to Watch

• Grants: Rushing leader Andres Lazos (72.5 yards per game) and quarterback Tristin Fernandez (119.5 passing yards per game) are key contributors. Fernandez, who also leads the team with 146.5 total yards per game, will be essential in moving the ball downfield. On defense, Joe Clawson (1 sack per game) and Juaquine Rivera (3 pancake blocks) will be crucial in containing St. Pius X’s offense.
• St. Pius X: The team’s offense revolves around Hershul Olloway Jr., who averages 146.2 rushing yards per game, and Isaiah Carpenter, who leads with 231.0 passing yards per game. Cayl Cox-Liggins (103.3 receiving yards per game) is a threat in the passing game. Defensively, Kolbe Padilla (8.8 tackles per game) and Michael Deller (0.6 sacks per game) are key playmakers.

Team Stats Comparison

Grants

• Rushing Yards: 138.5 per game
• Passing Yards: 126.3 per game
• Total Yards: 264.8 per game
• Points Per Game: 17.3

St. Pius X

• Rushing Yards: 176.0 per game
• Passing Yards: 236.9 per game
• Total Yards: 412.9 per game
• Points Per Game: 32.2

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced off against Moriarty and Silver, with both squads securing victories against these opponents. Grants beat Moriarty 19-6 and Silver 22-16, while St. Pius X defeated Moriarty 38-29 and Silver 16-6. These results show that both teams can dominate their common opponents, but St. Pius X has managed more convincing wins overall.

The Road Ahead

As the game kicks off at 1 p.m. today, Grants will look to avenge their earlier loss to St. Pius X and continue their playoff run. For St. Pius X, it’s another step toward a potential state championship, but they will need to stay sharp to avoid an upset. With both teams coming off solid wins in their previous games, expect a hard-fought contest that will likely come down to which team can execute under pressure.

Will Grants be able to turn the tide, or will St. Pius X continue their dominant run? The playoff atmosphere is sure to add even more intensity to this already high-stakes matchup.