The Volcano Vista (Albuquerque, NM) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Las Cruces (NM) today at 7 p.m. at Nusenda Stadium. This game is part of the 2024 Nusenda Credit Union State Football Championships – 6A tournament.

Las Cruces vs Volcano Vista Football Game Info:

What: New Mexico High School Football Playoffs
Who: Las Cruces vs Volcano Vista
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
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Game preview: Las Cruces vs Volcano Vista

As the high school football season heats up, the Las Cruces (NM) varsity team faces a crucial playoff game against Volcano Vista (Albuquerque, NM) tonight at 7 p.m. After a dramatic non-conference loss to Volcano Vista earlier this season, Las Cruces is looking to even the score in this highly anticipated neutral-site matchup.

Team Records & Performance

Las Cruces enters this game with an 8-3 overall record and a strong 5-1 district record. Their high-powered offense has averaged 40.8 points per game, with standout performances from quarterback Gunnar Guardiola, who has racked up 178 passing yards per game. The Las Cruces offense has been effective both through the air and on the ground, averaging 155.2 rushing yards per game. Their defense, though, has been more of a challenge, allowing 189 points across the season.

Volcano Vista, with an 8-2 record, brings its own impressive stats to the table. The team finished 4-1 in district play, showing resilience on both offense and defense. They average 29.2 points per game, led by quarterback Ilijah Hansen, who has thrown for 147.7 yards per game. Volcano Vista excels at rushing, averaging 172.2 yards per game, with star running back Mason Gurule contributing significantly to the ground game. Defensively, they have recorded 50.6 tackles per game, with Justin Martinez leading the charge with 1.0 sacks per game.

Head-to-Head

In their previous encounter on August 30, 2024, Volcano Vista triumphed over Las Cruces with a 27-24 victory. Las Cruces came out strong in the first half, leading 14-7 at the end of the first quarter, but Volcano Vista mounted a powerful comeback in the second half. The Falcons scored 20 points in the final two quarters, while Las Cruces managed only 3, securing the win. The stage is now set for this highly anticipated rematch, with both teams eager for a chance to advance in the playoffs.

Scoring Averages & Key Stats

When comparing the teams’ scoring averages, Las Cruces outpaces Volcano Vista in the first half, with 12.9 points per game in the first quarter and 15.0 points in the second quarter. However, Volcano Vista has been more consistent in the second half, averaging 18.9 points in the third and fourth quarters. This late-game surge could be a decisive factor in tonight’s game.

Las Cruces has been effective at controlling the clock with their balanced offense, racking up 343.3 total yards per game. In contrast, Volcano Vista averages 326.1 total yards per game but has been more efficient on the ground, as shown by their superior rushing yards per game.

Key Players to Watch

For Las Cruces, look out for Daniel Amaro, who leads the team with 120.7 rushing yards per game. Amaro has been a key playmaker throughout the season and will be integral to the team’s offensive strategy. Gunnar Guardiola, with 178.0 passing yards per game, will also need to have a strong performance to break through Volcano Vista’s defense.

For Volcano Vista, Mason Gurule is a key figure, with 70.2 rushing yards per game, and will play a crucial role in controlling the tempo of the game. Ilijah Hansen, who averages 147.7 passing yards per game, will need to keep Las Cruces’ defense guessing with a mix of passing and rushing plays. Defensively, Daniel Rios has been the standout with 8.1 tackles per game, making him a player to watch.

Common Opponents & Outcomes

Both teams have had similar results against common opponents this season. Both Las Cruces and Volcano Vista defeated Rio Rancho, with Las Cruces winning 34-21 and Volcano Vista dominating 33-0. However, when facing Cleveland, Las Cruces suffered a 35-25 loss, while Volcano Vista also faced a tough loss to Cleveland (38-3). Against West Mesa, both teams triumphed, with Las Cruces winning 49-7 and Volcano Vista securing a 35-7 victory.

Final Thoughts

With both teams coming into this playoff matchup with strong records and potent offenses, the game promises to be an exciting and hard-fought battle. Las Cruces will look to avenge their earlier loss and use their explosive offense to dominate, while Volcano Vista will seek to continue their momentum from the first encounter and build on their well-rounded team performance. With both teams bringing their best to the field, this game could be one for the ages.

The action kicks off at 7 p.m., and fans of high school football won’t want to miss what is sure to be a thrilling playoff showdown.