The Basha (Chandler, AZ) varsity football team will host Horizon (Scottsdale, AZ) in a home playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the “2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Open Division” tournament, where both teams will battle for a chance to advance in the postseason.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arizona High School Football Playoff
Who: Horizon vs Basha
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Open Division
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Basha vs. Horizon

In the 2024 AIA State Football Championships – Open Division, the Basha (Chandler, AZ) varsity football team will face Horizon (Scottsdale, AZ) at home in a highly anticipated playoff game today at 7 p.m. Both teams enter the contest with strong records, setting the stage for an exciting postseason matchup.

Horizon: A Solid Team with Momentum

Horizon has had an impressive season, posting an 8-2 overall record and finishing 4-1 in their section. Their offense has averaged 34.8 points per game, with a strong performance in the second quarter (10.8 points) and third quarter (9.5 points). Horizon’s solid defensive play, which has allowed just 170 points this season, will be crucial as they look to upset Basha on the road.

Basha: The Dominant Force

Basha enters this playoff game with a 9-1 record, including a perfect 4-0 mark in section play. The Bears have been dominant on both sides of the ball, averaging 39.9 points per game. Their scoring is well-balanced across all quarters, with their best production coming in the second (14.1 points). Basha’s defense has allowed just 177 points this season, making them a tough opponent for any team.

The Key Matchup: Horizon’s Offense vs. Basha’s Defense

While Horizon’s offense has been productive, Basha’s defense will be a major challenge for the Huskies. Horizon will need to capitalize on their scoring opportunities, especially in the first half, where they’ve been most efficient. For Basha, stopping Horizon’s offense early will be critical in asserting their dominance.

What’s at Stake

This game is a crucial step toward the state championship for both teams. Basha’s goal will be to continue their dominance and secure a place in the next round, while Horizon will look to make a statement with an upset victory. The winner will advance further in the 2024 AIA State Football Championships – Open Division tournament.

As the Arizona high school football playoffs loom large, the matchup between Horizon and Basha has garnered significant attention. Both teams have been dominant this season, with Horizon entering the game with an 8-2 overall record and Basha boasting a 9-1 record. This game promises to showcase two of the state’s most explosive offenses, as well as a battle between tough defenses. Let’s take a closer look at the stats, key players, and team comparisons to preview this exciting showdown.

Team Stats Comparison

Offensive Performance:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Basha holds a slight edge in rushing yards, averaging 183.9 yards per game, compared to Horizon’s 179.5.
• Passing Yards Per Game: Basha also leads in the air, with 253.9 passing yards per game, while Horizon averages 186.7.
• Receiving Yards Per Game: Basha’s receiving corps has been impressive, averaging 252.6 yards per game, with Horizon posting 186.7.
• Total Yards Per Game: Basha has been the more prolific team, generating 437.8 total yards per game, while Horizon averages 366.2 yards.

Defensive Performance:

• Tackles Per Game: Basha has the upper hand in defensive intensity, averaging 83.5 tackles per game, compared to Horizon’s 59.0.
• Sacks Per Game: Horizon edges out Basha in this category, with 3.0 sacks per game, while Basha records 2.7.
• Points Per Game: Both teams can score, but Basha averages a slightly higher 39.7 points per game, with Horizon averaging 34.2.

Key Player Comparisons

Horizon’s Key Players:

• Bodie Zamorano (#7) leads the Horizon rushing attack with 62.1 rushing yards per game.
• Jase Ashley (#15) is Horizon’s offensive catalyst, passing for 181.9 yards per game and accumulating 225.3 total yards per game.
• Adem Wagner (#2) has been a reliable target in the passing game, with 54.2 receiving yards per game.
• Jayden Ridley (#44) has been a standout defender, recording 8.0 tackles per game and 1.6 sacks.
• Palmer Podwika (#23) contributes with 6.8 points per game.

Basha’s Key Players:

• Noah Roberts (#6) is Basha’s leading rusher, averaging 88.0 yards per game.
• Broderick Vehrs (#8) has been a star for Basha’s passing attack, throwing for 234.9 yards per game and accumulating 256.4 total yards per game.
• Gio Richardson (#5) leads the receiving corps with 84.4 yards per game.
• Eli Cramer-Cronin (#44) is Basha’s tackling machine, averaging 14.5 tackles per game.
• Darian (Bleu) Dantzler (#10) contributes defensively with 1.1 sacks per game.

Record Breakdown

Horizon: Horizon has posted an 8-2 record this season, with a 4-1 mark in league play and 4-1 in non-league games. The team has been strong at home, with a 5-0 record, and has a respectable 3-2 record on the road.

Basha: Basha enters the game with a 9-1 overall record, having dominated league play with a 4-0 record. The team is 5-1 in non-league games, and they have been perfect at home with a 5-0 record. Basha’s only loss came in a non-league game.

In-State and Out-of-State Records

• Horizon: Horizon has gone 8-2 in-state, with no out-of-state matchups.
• Basha: Basha has posted an 8-2 record in-state, with a 1-1 record in out-of-state games.

Head-to-Head Comparison

While the two teams have not faced each other directly this season, both squads have shown their dominance against common opponents. Both teams have faced challenging league and non-league matchups, and their performance against teams such as Desert Ridge and Chaparral suggests they can handle high-pressure situations.

Conclusion

As the playoffs approach, the Horizon vs. Basha matchup is set to be a thrilling encounter. Basha’s explosive passing game, led by Broderick Vehrs and Gio Richardson, will look to outpace Horizon’s balanced offensive attack spearheaded by Jase Ashley. Horizon, however, has shown that they can match up well with top teams, thanks to solid contributions from players like Bodie Zamorano and Jayden Ridley.

Defensively, Basha’s advantage in tackles per game could give them the upper hand in controlling Horizon’s offensive plays, but Horizon’s ability to generate sacks could disrupt Basha’s rhythm. Both teams have high-scoring offenses, and the game may very well come down to which defense can make the most critical stops.

Fans of Arizona high school football should be excited for this matchup, as it promises to be a high-energy, competitive game with plenty of playoff implications on the line. As both teams strive for playoff glory, this showdown between Horizon and Basha is sure to deliver a memorable and hard-fought battle.