The Ironwood Ridge (Tucson, AZ) varsity football team will face off against Kellis (Glendale, AZ) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 AIA State Football Championships in the 5A Conference, as both teams compete to advance in the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arizona High School Football
Who: Kellis vs Ironwood Ridge
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: Kellis vs. Ironwood Ridge

As the Arizona high school football season heats up, the matchup between Kellis and Ironwood Ridge promises to be an intense game. Both teams have had impressive seasons, showcasing strong performances both at home and on the road, and will be looking to finish with a statement win.

Rankings and Records

Kellis currently holds a 9-1 record, which ranks them 53rd in the state and 15th in their division. They’ve been a dominant force in section play, going undefeated with a 5-0 record and an impressive .900 overall winning percentage. Playing at home has been particularly advantageous for Kellis, where they also maintain a perfect 5-0 record. Their season point totals reflect their offensive power, scoring 443 points while allowing only 105 — a testament to their high-scoring offense and solid defense.

Ironwood Ridge, with an 8-2 record, ranks 56th in the state and 18th in their division. Although their win percentage is slightly lower at .800, they have also demonstrated strength in section play with a 4-1 record. Ironwood Ridge has been solid at home, going 5-0, but they have faced some challenges on the road, recording a 3-2 away record. They’ve scored a total of 331 points this season while allowing 183, a respectable margin that highlights their balanced approach on both sides of the ball.

Team Scoring Averages by Quarter

Looking at how each team performs by quarter offers insights into their game strategies and potential strengths heading into this matchup:

• Kellis: Known for explosive starts, Kellis averages an impressive 16.6 points in the first quarter, setting a strong tone early in games. Their scoring dips slightly in the second quarter, averaging 10.7 points, and then levels out to 8.7 and 8.6 points in the third and fourth quarters, respectively. Their 44.3-point average final score reflects their ability to capitalize on early leads and maintain momentum through the game.
• Ironwood Ridge: This team has a steadier scoring pattern, typically picking up momentum in the second and third quarters. They average 4.6 points in the first quarter but increase their scoring to 11.3 in the second and 11.0 in the third. Ironwood Ridge’s scoring tapers off in the final quarter, where they average 4.9 points. With an average final score of 33.1, Ironwood Ridge often relies on a mid-game surge to establish their lead.

Key Takeaways

Kellis’s strong first-quarter performances have allowed them to build early leads, which they sustain through consistent scoring in each quarter. Their high-scoring offense and stout defense make them formidable in closing games once they’ve established an advantage.

Ironwood Ridge, on the other hand, will likely focus on tightening their defense in the first quarter to prevent Kellis from pulling ahead early. With their strengths lying in the second and third quarters, Ironwood Ridge could rely on a mid-game rally to close the gap or even take the lead.

Conclusion

This matchup between Kellis and Ironwood Ridge pits two highly skilled teams against each other in what is sure to be a well-contested game. Kellis’s ability to start fast and maintain a lead will be challenged by Ironwood Ridge’s resilient scoring in the middle quarters. If Ironwood Ridge can stay within reach during the first quarter, their mid-game strength could give them a fighting chance against the powerful Kellis squad.

Offensive Powerhouses

Offensively, both teams showcase unique strengths. Kellis is a ground-focused team, averaging 223.2 rushing yards per game, significantly surpassing Ironwood Ridge’s 134.9. Quarterback Ronald Coty III is central to Kellis’s offensive strategy, leading in both rushing and passing yards with an impressive 185.1 total yards per game. However, Ironwood Ridge counters with a strong passing game, averaging 198.7 yards per game, with quarterback Jaiden Martinez leading the way with 186.4 passing yards per game and an average of 268.6 total yards. Receiver Matthew Kroner has also been a standout player for Ironwood Ridge, averaging 96.9 receiving yards per game, giving them a dynamic air attack that could test Kellis’s defense.

Defensive Matchup

Defensively, Ironwood Ridge has a slight edge in tackling, averaging 58 tackles per game compared to Kellis’s 59.5. David Baba of Ironwood Ridge leads with 8.0 tackles per game and 1.0 sack per game, giving Ironwood Ridge a key defensive playmaker. Kellis, meanwhile, has relied on defensive leaders like Elias Sinsun, who averages 7.8 tackles per game, and Rocky Warner, who contributes with 0.4 sacks per game.

Scoring Comparison

Kellis boasts a powerful offense, scoring 44.2 points per game compared to Ironwood Ridge’s 33.1. Tristan Bacon leads Kellis’s scoring efforts, averaging 8.4 points per game. However, Ironwood Ridge counters with reliable scoring from Colby Rountree, who averages 8.0 points per game.

Home-Field Advantage and Record Breakdown

Both teams have a strong home-field presence, with each holding an undefeated 5-0 record at home. Kellis, however, has been more successful on the road, with a 4-1 away record compared to Ironwood Ridge’s 3-2. Both teams went undefeated in their respective league play, with Kellis finishing 5-0 and Ironwood Ridge at 4-1.

Conclusion

The clash between Kellis and Ironwood Ridge is set to be a battle of contrasting styles: Kellis’s strong rushing game against Ironwood Ridge’s potent passing attack. Ironwood Ridge will look to capitalize on its home-field advantage and its balanced defense, while Kellis aims to unleash its high-scoring offense. The outcome may hinge on which team can impose its style of play and control the game tempo. With both teams fighting for advancement in the 5A State Championships, this is bound to be an exciting playoff matchup.