The Mesa Ridge varsity football team from Colorado Springs, CO, will host a home playoff game against Monarch from Louisville, CO, on Friday, November 15, at 6:00 PM at Mesa Ridge. This game is part of the 2024 CHSAA State Football Playoffs for Class 4A.
Fossil Monarch vs Mesa Ridge High School Football Game Info:
What: Colorado High School Football
Who: Monarch vs Mesa Ridge
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 CHSAA State Football Playoffs – Class 4A
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Monarch vs Mesa Ridge
The Mesa Ridge Grizzlies (7-3) will face the Monarch Coyotes (9-2) in a highly anticipated home playoff game in Colorado Springs this Friday at 6:00 PM. As part of the 2024 CHSAA Class 4A State Football Playoffs, both teams are gearing up for an intense battle, with each hoping to advance further in the tournament.
Rankings and Records
Monarch has enjoyed an impressive season, finishing with a 9-2 overall record and an undefeated 5-0 league record. They rank 53rd in the state overall and 14th in Class 4A. Their strong season reflects in a high win percentage of .818 and a perfect league win rate of 1.000, scoring 291 points while allowing 219.
Mesa Ridge, on the other hand, holds a 7-3 record, ranking 23rd in the state and 6th in Class 4A. With a .700 win percentage and a league win rate of .600, the Grizzlies have been solid, especially at home. They’ve scored 378 points across the season and conceded 225, showcasing an offensive advantage over Monarch.
Team Scoring Averages
The Grizzlies have shown remarkable scoring consistency, averaging 37.8 points per game. They have particularly strong showings in the first and second quarters, where they average 11.2 points each, and they close out games effectively, averaging 10.6 points in the fourth quarter.
In contrast, the Coyotes average 26.5 points per game, with their highest scoring output in the final quarter, where they average 7.0 points. Their offensive rhythm is more reserved, often scoring gradually over the course of a game.
Offensive Comparison
Mesa Ridge’s offensive statistics outshine Monarch’s in several categories, particularly in total yards per game. The Grizzlies average 387.8 yards, compared to Monarch’s 264.7 yards. Mesa Ridge also excels in both rushing (160.2 yards per game) and passing (227.6 yards per game), outpacing Monarch’s 132.0 rushing yards and 132.7 passing yards per game.
Key Players to Watch
For Monarch, #2 Malakhi Payne leads the Coyotes’ rushing attack with an average of 66.9 yards per game, while quarterback #15 Riley Montemayor contributes 127.9 passing yards per game. Montemayor also averages 152 total yards per game, highlighting his dual-threat capability. On defense, #30 Wyatt Carlucci averages 7.4 tackles per game, a consistent presence for the Coyotes.
Mesa Ridge’s offense, led by quarterback #2 Bryce Riehl, is a standout in Class 4A. Riehl throws for an impressive 226.1 passing yards per game, with a total yardage of 280.7 per game, nearly double that of Monarch’s Montemayor. The Grizzlies also boast strong individual performances from #5 Trevon Salas, who averages 84.9 rushing yards per game, and #1 Sonny Rogers, who brings in 79.4 receiving yards per game. Defensively, #25 Levi Tesen is an anchor for Mesa Ridge with 12.2 tackles per game.
Defensive Edge
Both teams hold their ground defensively, averaging 65.8 tackles per game. However, Mesa Ridge gains a slight advantage in pass-rushing, averaging 1.1 sacks per game compared to Monarch’s 0.7.
Playoff Momentum
The Coyotes enter this matchup with playoff experience this season, currently sitting at 1-0. Meanwhile, this will be Mesa Ridge’s first playoff game of the year. The Grizzlies will look to make a statement on their home field, where they hold a 3-1 record, while Monarch has been strong on the road with a 5-1 record.
Game Outlook
With Monarch’s efficiency and unbeaten league record clashing against Mesa Ridge’s potent offense and defensive resilience, this game promises to be a thrilling showdown. Monarch’s steady, balanced approach will be tested by Mesa Ridge’s high-octane offense, led by standout performances from Riehl, Salas, and Rogers.
Can Mesa Ridge’s offensive firepower carry them to victory, or will Monarch’s disciplined play and experience prevail? All eyes will be on the field Friday night as these two teams fight for a chance to advance in the 2024 Class 4A playoffs.
