The Berean Academy (Sierra Vista, AZ) varsity football team will face Heritage Academy (Mesa, AZ) today at 5 p.m. in a neutral-site playoff game. This matchup is part of the 2024 Arizona Football State Tournament – Division 3, where both teams will compete for a chance to advance in the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arizona High School Football Playoff
Who: Heritage Academy vs Berean Academy
When: Today, November 23, 2024
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Heritage Academy vs. Berean Academy

In a highly anticipated neutral-site playoff game, the undefeated Heritage Academy (Mesa, AZ) will take on Berean Academy (Sierra Vista, AZ) today in the 2024 Arizona Football State Tournament – Division 3. This game marks a critical juncture for both teams, with Heritage Academy looking to extend their perfect season, while Berean Academy aims to pull off a surprise in the postseason.

Heritage Academy: Dominating the Field

Season Overview: Heritage Academy enters the game with an impressive 9-0 record, showcasing an undefeated season. The team has been dominant in both section play and on the road, posting a perfect 8-0 record in section games and 4-0 in away games. Their high-powered offense and stout defense have made them one of the top contenders in Division 3.

Offensive Power: Heritage Academy’s offense has been exceptional, averaging an astounding 57.8 points per game. The team’s scoring is well-balanced, with an average of 16 points in both the first and second quarters. They are able to maintain offensive pressure throughout the game, with a steady 8 points in the third quarter and 6 points in the final frame. Their ability to score quickly and consistently will be a key factor in this game.

Defensive Strength: Defensively, Heritage Academy has been nearly flawless, allowing only 57 points all season. This equates to an average of just 6.3 points per game, which is a testament to their suffocating defense. With such a dominant defense to complement their high-scoring offense, Heritage Academy is a tough team to beat.

Berean Academy: Resilient and Hungry for a Challenge

Season Overview: Berean Academy, with a solid 7-2 record, has shown resilience despite a tough section schedule. They have a winning record in both home (4-1) and away (3-1) games, though they are still searching for their first section win. Despite a rough start in section play, their overall performance has been impressive.

Offensive Outlook: Berean Academy’s offense averages 23.6 points per game, but most of their scoring comes in the second half, averaging 6 points in the third quarter. They will need to find a way to score early against a Heritage Academy team that has consistently dominated from the first whistle. The ability to maintain momentum and convert in key moments will be essential for Berean Academy to stay competitive.

Defensive Performance: On the defensive side, Berean Academy has given up 133 points this season, which averages to about 14.8 points per game. While their defense has been adequate, they will need to step up to the challenge against a Heritage Academy team that has shown they can put up big numbers in every quarter.

Key Factors in the Game

• Offensive vs. Defensive Strength: Heritage Academy’s offensive firepower will be the main challenge for Berean Academy’s defense. With an average of nearly 58 points per game, Heritage Academy has the ability to overwhelm opponents quickly. Berean Academy will need to contain Heritage Academy’s scoring and find ways to break through with their own offensive plays.
• Momentum and Timing: Berean Academy has been a second-half team, and to challenge Heritage Academy, they will need to start strong. The key to their success will be minimizing mistakes early in the game and executing their game plan when opportunities arise.
• Big Play Ability: Heritage Academy’s big-play capability, along with their ability to consistently score in all four quarters, gives them a clear advantage. Berean Academy, however, has a history of bouncing back and will need to find a way to disrupt the rhythm of Heritage Academy’s offense.

As the season nears its climax, Heritage Academy and Berean Academy have both emerged as formidable forces in the league. While Heritage Academy remains undefeated, boasting an impressive 9-0 overall record, Berean Academy has proven itself with a strong 7-2 record, including a perfect 5-0 record in non-league games. The upcoming match between these two teams promises to be a thrilling contest with both sides bringing high-scoring offenses and solid defenses to the table.

Team Records and Overview

• Heritage Academy has been dominant this season, showing no signs of slowing down with a perfect 8-0 league record and a remarkable 9-0 overall standing. The team has been exceptional both at home (5-0) and on the road (4-0).
• Berean Academy, while not unbeaten, has performed admirably with a 7-2 overall record. The team has been especially strong in non-league play, where they are undefeated with a 5-0 mark. However, Berean has faced challenges in league games, holding a 0-2 record.

Offensive Comparison

1. Rushing Attack:
   • Heritage Academy has a balanced offense, with Ryan Nelson leading the rushing attack and averaging 63.0 yards per game. As a team, they average 206.8 rushing yards per game.
   • Berean Academy, led by Jeremiah Bethea, averages 159.3 rushing yards per game. Bethea is also the team’s primary rusher, with 69.5 yards per game.
2. Passing Game:
   • Heritage Academy has been more balanced in their passing attack, with Mattson Young leading the charge, averaging 206.1 passing yards per game. Their passing offense complements their strong rushing game, creating a multi-faceted offensive threat.
   • Berean Academy relies more heavily on the ground game, but Bethea also contributes through the air, throwing for 102.4 yards per game. Despite this, their overall passing attack averages only 96.6 yards per game.
3. Receiving Game:
   • Heritage Academy has a potent receiving corps, with Kaden Bergman leading the way with 85.0 receiving yards per game. As a team, they average 206.7 receiving yards per game.
   • Berean Academy, however, has a less explosive receiving game, with Isaac Merill leading the way with 31.4 yards per game. The team’s total receiving yards per game also stand at 96.6.
4. Total Yards:
   • Heritage Academy averages a strong 412.9 total yards per game, showcasing their ability to move the ball effectively both through the air and on the ground.
   • Berean Academy, with a more conservative offensive style, averages 255.9 total yards per game. They rely more on defense and ball control to stay competitive.
5. Scoring:
   • Heritage Academy has one of the most potent offenses in the league, averaging an impressive 58.7 points per game. Ryan Nelson plays a major role in the team’s success, contributing 17.6 points per game.
   • Berean Academy has a more modest scoring average of 23.4 points per game, with Logan Sealey contributing 11.3 points per game.

Defensive Comparison

1. Tackles:
   • Heritage Academy averages 53.4 tackles per game, with Ryan Nelson leading the team with 10.3 tackles per game, helping to anchor their defense.
   • Berean Academy has a solid defensive unit, averaging 33.8 tackles per game, with Logan Sealey leading the team with 9.4 tackles per game.
2. Sacks:
   • Heritage Academy has been exceptional at applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks, averaging 5.2 sacks per game, with Varis Carling contributing 1.7 sacks per game.
   • Berean Academy, by comparison, averages just 0.9 sacks per game, with Mason Meske contributing 0.4 sacks per game.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced off against common opponents this season:

• Heritage Academy defeated Western SciTech 56-7 on September 13, while Berean Academy defeated the same team 27-12 on November 1.
• Both teams had victories over Imagine Prep Superstition, with Heritage Academy winning 62-6 on October 25, and Berean Academy winning 51-8 on October 18.
• Heritage Academy also won 70-14 against Mission Heights Prep on November 1, while Berean Academy defeated them 52-8 on September 5.

Key Players

• Heritage Academy:
  • Ryan Nelson is the focal point of the offense, contributing heavily in both rushing and scoring, with 63.0 rushing yards per game and 17.6 points per game.
  • Mattson Young is also a key player, leading the passing attack with 206.1 passing yards per game.
• Berean Academy:
  • Jeremiah Bethea is the driving force behind both the rushing and passing game, with 69.5 rushing yards per game and 102.4 passing yards per game.
  • Logan Sealey is a key defensive player, leading the team with 9.4 tackles per game and contributing 11.3 points per game.

Conclusion

The upcoming game between Heritage Academy and Berean Academy presents an intriguing matchup between a high-scoring powerhouse and a scrappy team that has managed to stay competitive all season. Heritage Academy’s potent offense and aggressive defense make them the favorites heading into this game, but Berean Academy’s resilience and strong individual performances could make for an exciting contest. As the season wraps up, this game will be a crucial test for both teams as they prepare for the playoffs.