The Pinnacle (Phoenix, AZ) varsity football team will host Mountain Pointe (Phoenix, AZ) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) in the Conference 6A tournament, with both teams vying for a spot in the next round.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Arizona High School Football
Who: Mountain Pointe vs Pinnacle
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 6A
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Mountain Pointe vs. Pinnacle
As the 2024 AIA State Football Championships in Arizona heat up, one of the most anticipated matchups features Mountain Pointe and Pinnacle. These two powerhouse teams will face off in a crucial playoff game, each hoping to advance further in the highly competitive Conference 6A tournament. Let’s take a closer look at both teams’ rankings, records, and scoring averages to see what might unfold when they meet on the field.
Mountain Pointe: A Mixed Record with Potential for Upset
Mountain Pointe enters the game with an overall record of 6-4, showing a fairly balanced performance throughout the season. In section play, the team finished with a 2-2 record, reflecting a middle-of-the-road performance in their competitive section. With a home record of 3-1 and an away record of 3-3, Mountain Pointe has demonstrated the ability to win in various environments, though they’ve struggled a bit on the road.
When it comes to scoring, Mountain Pointe averages 24.4 points per game, with their highest-scoring quarter being the fourth, averaging 5.4 points. They’ve struggled to start fast, scoring only 4.2 points in the first quarter and 4.8 in the second. The team’s third-quarter performance is particularly concerning, as they average just 2.0 points in that period. Despite these challenges, Mountain Pointe has managed to find ways to put points on the board, with a total of 244 points for the season and 195 points allowed.
Pinnacle: A High-Powered Offense and Strong Overall Record
Pinnacle, on the other hand, has had a standout season, finishing with a 7-3 record. Their section performance was solid, securing a 3-1 record, and they’ve been especially strong on the road, posting a 4-1 record away from home. Pinnacle’s offense has been their key strength, averaging a remarkable 42.8 points per game, far surpassing Mountain Pointe’s scoring average.
Pinnacle’s offense has been explosive, averaging 11.6 points in the first quarter alone, signaling a strong start to most games. Their scoring does dip slightly in the second and third quarters, averaging 9.7 and 6.7 points, but they still maintain a solid output in these periods. The team finishes strong, averaging 9.3 points in the fourth quarter and an impressive 7.0 in overtime, if needed. Pinnacle has accumulated 428 points on the season while allowing 248, showcasing both offensive potency and defensive resilience.
Key Differences and What to Expect
The game between Mountain Pointe and Pinnacle promises to be a high-stakes affair, with each team bringing different strengths to the table:
- Offensive Firepower: Pinnacle clearly holds the edge in scoring, averaging 42.8 points per game compared to Mountain Pointe’s 24.4. Pinnacle’s ability to score quickly, especially in the first quarter, could put pressure on Mountain Pointe early.
- First Half vs. Second Half: Mountain Pointe has had issues with scoring consistency, particularly in the third quarter. If Pinnacle can build a solid lead early on, Mountain Pointe may struggle to catch up. However, Mountain Pointe has shown resilience in the fourth quarter, which could make for an exciting finish.
- Defensive Play: Pinnacle’s defense has been more effective overall, allowing 248 points compared to Mountain Pointe’s 195. While Pinnacle’s offense will likely be the primary focus, their defense will need to limit Mountain Pointe’s scoring opportunities, especially in the later stages of the game.
Conclusion: A Game of Speed and Strategy
In this playoff matchup, Pinnacle enters as the favorite with their explosive offense and solid all-around play. However, Mountain Pointe will not be an easy opponent. Their ability to grind out victories and remain competitive in the second half could give them a fighting chance, especially if they can exploit any defensive gaps Pinnacle may have. The game is sure to be an exciting clash of styles, with Pinnacle’s high-powered offense going up against Mountain Pointe’s tenacity and determination. Only time will tell who will come out on top in this crucial playoff showdown.
The upcoming football matchup between Mountain Pointe and Pinnacle is set to be an exciting battle between two talented teams, each with impressive individual players and a lot on the line. As the season moves toward its climax, these teams will aim to secure crucial victories, hoping to build momentum for a potential playoff push. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the teams’ statistics, key players, and the significance of this contest.
Team Performance Comparison
Offensive Stats:
- Rushing Yards: Pinnacle holds a notable advantage in rushing, averaging 164.6 yards per game, while Mountain Pointe trails with 134.5 yards per game. Pinnacle’s ground game is a key element of their offense, often helping control the tempo of the game.
- Passing Yards: Pinnacle also excels in the air, averaging 259.0 passing yards per game compared to Mountain Pointe’s 147.1. This significant gap in passing yards reflects Pinnacle’s more pass-heavy offensive strategy.
- Total Yards: Pinnacle’s high-powered offense leads in total yards per game, averaging 423.6 yards compared to Mountain Pointe’s 281.6 yards. Pinnacle’s ability to move the ball through both the air and on the ground makes them a versatile and potent offensive team.
Defensive Stats:
- Tackles: Mountain Pointe has a slight edge in tackles, averaging 61.9 tackles per game compared to Pinnacle’s 59.3. This shows that Mountain Pointe is generally more active on defense and capable of staying around the ball.
- Sacks: Pinnacle leads in sacks, averaging 2.8 sacks per game, which suggests a stronger pass rush and the ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. Mountain Pointe averages 1.7 sacks per game, indicating that they may struggle to generate consistent pressure.
Scoring:
- Points Per Game: Pinnacle is far more explosive offensively, scoring an average of 43.6 points per game, compared to Mountain Pointe’s 24.5 points per game. Pinnacle’s ability to score at a high clip makes them one of the more dangerous teams in the state, while Mountain Pointe will need to find ways to score consistently to keep up.
Key Players to Watch
Mountain Pointe:
- Jamarlon “Bobo” Otis (#23) leads the team in rushing, averaging 72.6 yards per game. His ability to break tackles and pick up yards will be crucial for Mountain Pointe’s offense.
- Robert Knorr (#12) has been solid under center, with 131.9 passing yards per game. While not as prolific as Pinnacle’s quarterback, Knorr’s ability to manage the game and make key throws will be vital.
- Michael “Butter” Tollefson (#0) leads the team with 143.4 total yards per game, providing both a rushing and receiving threat for Mountain Pointe.
- Jaylyn Colter (#17) anchors the defense with 12.4 tackles per game, and his ability to read the offense and make stops will be key to limiting Pinnacle’s explosive playmakers.
Pinnacle:
- Xavier Valdivia (#26) leads Pinnacle’s rushing attack, averaging 57.5 yards per game. While not the focal point of the offense, he contributes solidly to the running game.
- Wyatt Horton (#15) is the star quarterback for Pinnacle, with an impressive 250.0 passing yards per game. Horton’s arm and ability to read defenses make him a significant threat, and he will likely be the catalyst for Pinnacle’s offense.
- Keenan Johnson (#12) is Pinnacle’s top receiver, averaging 63.8 receiving yards per game. He and Horton have developed a strong connection, making Johnson a key piece in Pinnacle’s high-flying passing attack.
- Dean Vincent (#6) plays a key role on defense, contributing 0.8 sacks per game and helping the defense disrupt opposing quarterbacks.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Both Mountain Pointe and Pinnacle have faced similar opponents this season, with each team boasting a 1-1 record in those matchups. The common opponents provide insight into how each team has performed against teams of comparable strength:
- Mountain Pointe vs. ALA – Queen Creek: Mountain Pointe lost 17-0 in their matchup on October 4, 2024, showing some struggles on offense in this contest.
- Pinnacle vs. ALA – Queen Creek: Pinnacle also faced ALA – Queen Creek on September 27, 2024, and suffered a 34-19 defeat, showing that both teams encountered challenges against similar competition.
- Mountain Pointe vs. Corona del Sol: Mountain Pointe won a thrilling contest 42-37 on October 18, 2024.
- Pinnacle vs. Corona del Sol: Pinnacle defeated Corona del Sol 44-12 on September 13, 2024, in an impressive showing.
Record Breakdown
As the season heads into its final stretch, both teams have solid records but are still vying for playoff positioning. Mountain Pointe holds a 6-4 record overall, while Pinnacle is slightly ahead at 7-3. Pinnacle has a stronger league performance with a 3-1 record, while Mountain Pointe is 2-2 in league play. Both teams have had success at home, with Mountain Pointe posting a 3-1 home record, while Pinnacle is 3-2 away from home.
Neither team has yet entered the playoff picture, but both will be looking to make a deep run with a strong finish to the season.
Conclusion
The Mountain Pointe vs. Pinnacle matchup is poised to be an intense, high-stakes contest. Pinnacle’s potent offense, led by Wyatt Horton, and their superior passing game could be the difference-maker, while Mountain Pointe will look to counter with their balanced attack and solid defensive play. With both teams having similar records and facing off in a crucial league contest, this game will likely play a major role in determining playoff seeding. Fans can expect a thrilling game that showcases the skill and determination of both squads.
