The Cleveland (Rio Rancho, NM) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Los Lunas (NM) today at 7 p.m. at Cleveland High School. This game is part of the “2024 Nusenda Credit Union State Football Championships – 6A” tournament.
Los Lunas vs Cleveland Football Game Info:
What: New Mexico High School Football Playoffs
Who: Los Lunas vs Cleveland
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
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Game preview: Los Lunas vs Cleveland
As the New Mexico high school football playoffs approach, the Los Lunas Tigers (8-2) will be facing off against the Cleveland Storm (9-1) in a highly anticipated playoff game. With both teams having strong records and impressive performances throughout the season, this match is expected to be a thrilling contest. Let’s take a closer look at the teams’ stats, performances, and key players leading up to this pivotal game.
Team Records and Performance Breakdown
Los Lunas (8-2, 6-1 District) The Los Lunas Tigers have had a solid season, boasting an overall record of 8-2. They finished second in District 6-5A, with a district record of 6-1. They’ve been dominant at home, with a perfect 5-0 record, though their away performances (3-2) have been slightly less consistent. The Tigers have averaged 33.2 points per game this season, showing a balanced offensive attack. They’ll need to bring their A-game as they head into Cleveland for this playoff matchup.
Cleveland (9-1, 5-0 District) The Cleveland Storm have had a standout season, finishing with a 9-1 record and securing a perfect 5-0 record in district play. They’ve been dominant across the board, especially in their district games, where they haven’t dropped a single contest. With an impressive 47.1 points per game, Cleveland has been known for its high-powered offense, and they’ll look to keep that momentum going in the playoffs. The Storm are also undefeated at home with a 5-0 record and are heavy favorites in this matchup.
Head-to-Head History
Earlier in the season, Cleveland proved to be the dominant team in their non-conference matchup against Los Lunas. On August 30, 2024, Cleveland cruised to a 55-7 victory, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive strength. This game will be a chance for Los Lunas to redeem themselves and show their growth since that heavy defeat.
Team Scoring Averages
- Los Lunas: The Tigers have averaged 33.2 points per game with a relatively balanced attack. They score 8.3 points in the first quarter, 8.5 in the second, 8.5 in the third, and finish with 7.5 in the fourth quarter.
- Cleveland: The Storm have been much more explosive on offense, putting up an average of 45.8 points per game. They start strong with 20.7 points in the first quarter and maintain a solid scoring pace throughout the game, though they do slightly slow down in the second half (6.7 in the third quarter, 5.0 in the fourth).
Key Player Matchups
Los Lunas Key Players:
- Jordan Howard (#7) – The team’s leading rusher, averaging 72.3 yards per game. Howard has been a consistent force on the ground for Los Lunas, and the Tigers will look to lean on him in this critical matchup.
- Kaiden Reese (#4) – A dual-threat quarterback, Reese averages 93.2 passing yards per game and has been instrumental in the Tigers’ offensive scheme.
- J’den Howard (#1) – Leading receiver for Los Lunas with 58.0 yards per game. J’den will play a key role in stretching the Cleveland defense and providing a spark for the Tigers’ offense.
Cleveland Key Players:
- Juan Munoz (#2) – The Storm’s top rusher, averaging 74.0 yards per game. Munoz has been a key piece of Cleveland’s offense, contributing both on the ground and in the air.
- Jordan Hatch (#12) – The team’s leading passer with 172.8 yards per game. Hatch has been a standout at quarterback, leading Cleveland’s offense with impressive numbers.
- Jacob Maldonado (#15) – The primary target in the passing game, Maldonado has been effective with 71.2 yards per game. His ability to make big plays will be crucial for Cleveland in this matchup.
Team Stat Comparison
| Stat Category | Los Lunas | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards per Game | 258.0 | 207.4 |
| Passing Yards per Game | 101.7 | 172.8 |
| Total Yards per Game | 359.7 | 380.2 |
| Points per Game | 33.0 | 47.1 |
| Tackles per Game | 61.2 | 44.6 |
| Sacks per Game | 1.8 | 1.6 |
Common Opponents
Both Los Lunas and Cleveland have faced similar opponents this season, and both teams have remained undefeated in those matchups. For example, both teams defeated Farmington (Los Lunas with a 37-28 win, Cleveland with a 50-0 win) and Piedra Vista (Los Lunas with a 28-27 win, Cleveland with a 54-0 victory).
Game Preview and Final Thoughts
Heading into this playoff matchup, Cleveland is the clear favorite, having been dominant all season long. However, Los Lunas has shown resilience and the ability to bounce back, particularly after their early-season loss to Cleveland. The Tigers will need to play their best football, particularly on offense, to keep pace with the high-scoring Cleveland team. Look for the Storm to use their balanced attack and home-field advantage to secure a victory, but don’t count out Los Lunas just yet. It should be an exciting contest with plenty on the line as both teams battle for playoff supremacy.
The game kicks off tonight at 7 p.m. at Cleveland High School, and fans can expect an intense, hard-fought game with high stakes.
