The Roswell (NM) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Highland (Albuquerque, NM) today at 7 p.m. at the Wool Bowl. This game is part of the 2024 Nusenda Credit Union State Football Championships – 5A tournament.

Highland vs Roswell Football Game Info:

What: New Mexico High School Football Playoffs
Who: Highland vs Roswell
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Watch here:Watch here

Game preview: Highland vs Roswell

In an exciting matchup for New Mexico high school football fans, Highland (7-4) will face off against Roswell (8-1) in what promises to be an action-packed game. Both teams come into the contest with impressive records, but they each have distinct strengths that could determine the outcome of the game.

Team Overview

Highland enters the game with a solid overall record of 7-4, finishing 5-2 in district play. The team has shown resilience, especially at home where they’ve posted a 4-2 record. Highland has been a strong offensive team this season, averaging 30.5 points per game. The team is led by senior running back Amiri Mumba, who has been a dominant force on the field, averaging an impressive 189.4 rushing yards per game. His contribution, along with standout performances from his teammates, has made Highland a tough competitor this season.

On the other hand, Roswell is having a stellar season, with an 8-1 record overall and a 6-1 mark in district play. Roswell has been nearly unbeatable, especially at home, where they are a perfect 5-0. The team’s offense is explosive, averaging 38.2 points per game, and they boast a well-rounded attack, led by a high-powered rushing game and strong defensive play. The team’s defense has been tough, with a solid 1.6 sacks per game average, making them a formidable opponent in all phases of the game.

Offensive & Defensive Comparison

When it comes to offense, Highland’s strength lies in the running game. They are averaging 274.4 rushing yards per game, and Amiri Mumba has been central to their success. In contrast, Roswell has a more balanced attack, with no specific stats for rushing or passing yards listed, but their overall offensive production remains formidable at 327.8 total yards per game.

On defense, both teams have been strong. Highland has averaged 48.5 tackles per game, while Roswell’s defense has been consistent, holding their opponents to just 178 points on the season. Highland’s defensive standout, Alex Lopez, has recorded an average of 7.8 tackles per game, while Roswell’s defense is built on its pressure, with Miles Obregon leading in sacks at 0.6 per game.

Key Players to Watch

• Amiri Mumba (Highland) – A key player for Highland, Mumba’s 189.4 rushing yards per game make him a top threat on the field. His performance will be critical to Highland’s success.
• Alex Lopez (Highland) – On the defensive side, Lopez has been a standout with 7.8 tackles per game, and his ability to disrupt plays will be key to containing Roswell’s offense.
• Miles Obregon (Roswell) – Obregon’s ability to generate pressure with 0.6 sacks per game could play a crucial role in limiting Highland’s offensive output.

Game Predictions & Outlook

Roswell enters the game as the favorite, given their superior overall record and high-scoring offense. Their ability to dominate both at home and away gives them a slight edge over Highland. However, Highland’s offensive capabilities, especially with Mumba’s running game, could keep things close if they control the clock and establish the ground game early.

Roswell’s defense will need to be at its best, particularly in stopping Mumba and forcing Highland into passing situations, where the team has been less effective. Highland, meanwhile, will need to rely on its defense to slow down Roswell’s high-scoring offense.

This matchup is shaping up to be a battle of contrasting styles: Highland’s ground game versus Roswell’s balanced, high-scoring attack. Football fans can expect an exciting, competitive game as both teams aim to make a statement in this crucial matchup.

Final Thoughts

Highland and Roswell bring distinct strengths to the table, making this an intriguing contest. Roswell’s high win percentage and impressive scoring averages make them the team to watch, but Highland’s ability to control the game on the ground could make for a competitive showdown. As both teams enter the game with something to prove, fans are in for a thrilling football experience.