The Gadsden (Anthony, NM) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Los Alamos (NM) today at 1 p.m. at Gadsden HS. This matchup is part of the 2024 Nusenda Credit Union State Football Championships – 5A tournament.

Los Alamos vs Gadsden Football Game Info:

What: New Mexico High School Football Playoffs
Who: Los Alamos vs Gadsden
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m.
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Game preview: Los Alamos vs Gadsden

In what promises to be an exciting match-up, the Los Alamos Hilltoppers and the Gadsden Panthers are set to square off on the football field. With both teams boasting strong records this season, this game could play a pivotal role in determining playoff standings.

Team Overview

Los Alamos has had an impressive season with an 8-3 overall record and a perfect 7-0 district record. The Hilltoppers have been dominant in their district, outscoring their opponents with a strong 459 points for (PF) to 238 points against (PA). Their overall performance has been solid, with a 4-1 record at home, 3-2 on the road, and 1-0 at neutral sites. Los Alamos boasts a win percentage of .727, which reflects their consistency throughout the season.

Gadsden, on the other hand, has been equally competitive with a 7-3 overall record. Although their district record stands at 4-3, they have been perfect at home, securing all five of their home games. Their offense has put up 303 points (PF) while allowing 174 points (PA). With a win percentage of .700, Gadsden’s record is reflective of a team that has been strong at home but faced some challenges on the road.

Team Scoring Averages

When it comes to scoring, Los Alamos has been putting up an average of 41.7 points per game, led by an explosive offense that has been consistent throughout the four quarters. They average 10.5 points in the first quarter, 15.5 in the second, 6.9 in the third, and 8.7 in the fourth quarter. In comparison, Gadsden has been scoring 30.3 points per game, with a steady increase in scoring as the game progresses. Their first-quarter scoring is lower at 5.2 points, but they make up for it with 9.9 points in the fourth quarter.

Offensive and Defensive Comparisons

Both teams bring diverse offensive and defensive capabilities to the field. Los Alamos averages 164.8 rushing yards per game, a bit behind Gadsden’s 234.4 rushing yards. Their passing game is strong, however, with 204.3 passing yards per game, compared to Gadsden’s 151.5.

In terms of total yardage, Los Alamos averages 369.1 yards per game, slightly behind Gadsden’s 385.9. On defense, Los Alamos averages 55.4 tackles per game, while Gadsden is close behind with 51.8. However, Gadsden has been more aggressive in the sack department, averaging 1.2 sacks per game compared to Los Alamos’ 0.6 sacks per game.

Key Players to Watch

Both teams feature standout athletes that could make the difference in this crucial game.

• Jordan Herrera (#20) of Los Alamos is a key player to watch. He leads the team with 119.2 rushing yards per game and also contributes defensively with 11.3 points per game.
• Kyle Evenhus (#8) has been solid in both the air and on the ground, throwing for 189.8 yards per game while also adding 214.1 total yards per game.
• For Gadsden, Alfredo Andrade (#6) has been a force on offense, with 143.9 rushing yards per game and 12.6 points per game.
• Adrian Munoz (#1) leads the passing attack with 147.3 passing yards per game, and Zakk Minjarez (#15) has been a consistent receiver, adding 41.4 receiving yards per game.

Records and Head-to-Head Breakdown

Both teams have enjoyed successful seasons, but their records tell an interesting story:

• Los Alamos has been perfect at home with a 4-1 record and a dominant 7-0 district record. Their performance in-state (8-3) has been strong, with a solid playoff-bound look.
• Gadsden has a mixed record on the road (2-3) but has been nearly flawless at home, boasting a perfect 5-0 record.

The head-to-head matchup between these two teams could provide a glimpse of how they will perform under pressure as both look to secure a playoff spot.

Conclusion

The Los Alamos Hilltoppers and Gadsden Panthers are both formidable opponents with high-scoring offenses and aggressive defenses. While Los Alamos has the edge in overall team performance and has been dominant in their district, Gadsden will be looking to capitalize on their strong home-field advantage and explosive rushing game.

This game promises to be a hard-fought battle that could have major playoff implications. Fans on both sides are eagerly anticipating what could be a thrilling contest between two well-matched teams.