The Cactus varsity football team will host Mountain View from Tucson, AZ, in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 AIA State Football Championships for Conference 5A. Both teams will compete for a spot in the next round of the tournament.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Arizona High School Football
Who: Mountain View vs Cactus
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 5A
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Cactus vs. Mountain View
The 2024 AIA State Football Championships are well underway, and one of the most anticipated matchups in the Conference 5A tournament features the Cactus (Glendale, AZ) varsity football team hosting Mountain View (Tucson, AZ) on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. Both teams are coming off solid regular seasons, and this game promises to be an exciting battle for a spot in the next round.
Team Records and Rankings
Mountain View
- Record: 6-4 overall, 4-1 in section play
- Home/Away: 3-1 at home, 3-3 away
- Ranking: 54th in Arizona, 16th in Division
- Points For (PF): 216
- Points Against (PA): 248
- Win %: .600 overall, .800 in section
Mountain View enters the playoffs with a 6-4 record and a strong 4-1 mark in section play. Despite their balanced performance at home and on the road, their 3-3 away record could be a factor as they travel to Cactus for this important playoff game. The Mountain View offense has scored 216 points this season, but their defense has allowed 248, which could be a concern against Cactus’s high-scoring attack.
Cactus
- Record: 7-3 overall, 4-1 in section play
- Home/Away: 5-0 at home, 2-3 away
- Ranking: 33rd in Arizona, 11th in Division
- Points For (PF): 321
- Points Against (PA): 255
- Win %: .700 overall, .800 in section
Cactus enters the playoffs with a strong 7-3 record, including an undefeated 5-0 mark at home. Their offense has been potent, scoring 321 points throughout the season, while their defense has allowed 255 points. Cactus has been dominant on their home field, and this playoff game provides a significant advantage with the support of their home crowd.
Scoring Averages by Quarter
Both teams have shown they can score, but they do so in different patterns throughout the game. Here’s a look at each team’s scoring averages by quarter:
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain View | 5.4 | 4.1 | 4.6 | 4.1 | 21.6 |
| Cactus | 4.4 | 12.3 | 7.4 | 6.0 | 32.1 |
Cactus has been especially strong in the second quarter, averaging 12.3 points in that period, and their total of 32.1 points per game is a testament to their offensive capabilities. In contrast, Mountain View has been more consistent across all quarters, but their scoring dips in the second and fourth quarters. This inconsistency could be a challenge against a team like Cactus, which tends to capitalize on opponents’ weak spots.
Key Matchup: Offense vs. Defense
- Offensive Firepower: Cactus has been the more potent offensive team, scoring an average of 32.1 points per game. Their strong second-quarter performances and ability to score in all areas of the game make them a dangerous team. Mountain View, on the other hand, will need to be more efficient offensively to match Cactus’s scoring ability, particularly in the second and fourth quarters.
- Defensive Concerns: While Cactus’s defense has allowed 255 points this season, it has been effective at home. Mountain View’s defense, allowing 248 points, will have to find a way to contain Cactus’s high-scoring offense. Cactus’s ability to score in the second and fourth quarters could be key if Mountain View can’t control their offensive surge.
- Home Field Advantage: Cactus’s perfect 5-0 home record highlights their strength at home, which will be crucial in this playoff setting. Mountain View will need to overcome the challenge of playing on the road and find ways to disrupt Cactus’s offensive rhythm if they are to advance.
Conclusion
The matchup between Cactus and Mountain View promises to be a hard-fought battle with plenty of offensive fireworks. Cactus’s superior scoring offense and perfect home record make them the favorite in this matchup, but Mountain View will look to capitalize on their balanced attack and solid section record. With both teams eager to continue their championship runs, this Conference 5A playoff game will certainly provide plenty of excitement and intensity as they compete for a spot in the next round of the 2024 AIA State Football Championships.
As the season draws closer to its final stretch, two competitive teams, the Mountain View Toros (6-4) and the Cactus Cobras (7-3), are preparing for a crucial matchup that could have significant implications for their playoff hopes. With both teams sitting on solid records, this clash promises to be a thrilling contest featuring strong offensive play and defensive strategies.
Team Stat Comparison
Mountain View and Cactus have posted impressive offensive numbers throughout the season. Mountain View has leaned heavily on their rushing attack, averaging 200.3 rushing yards per game, while Cactus has been effective through the air, posting 215.8 passing yards per game. Despite the difference in offensive approach, both teams are capable of moving the ball well, with Mountain View averaging 275.0 total yards per game and Cactus slightly ahead at 381.1 yards per game.
On defense, Cactus has been more consistent, with 61.4 tackles per game compared to Mountain View‘s 47.4. Cactus has also shown more ability to get to the quarterback, recording 2.4 sacks per game, while Mountain View averages just 1.3 sacks per game. Both teams are scoring at a solid pace, with Mountain View averaging 25.7 points per game and Cactus posting 31.5 points per game.
Key Players to Watch
- Mountain View:
- Nicholas Horrocks has been a standout on offense, leading the team with 81.3 rushing yards per game and 93.5 total yards per game. His ability to break big runs will be crucial as Mountain View looks to control the clock and keep Cactus‘s potent offense off the field.
- Damien Wallace, with 53.2 passing yards per game, will need to improve his efficiency to open up the passing game and take pressure off the ground attack.
- On defense, Caden Rudy has been solid with 5.9 tackles per game, and his leadership will be key in slowing down the Cactus offense.
- Cactus:
- Tayejion Player, with 93.3 rushing yards per game, is the focal point of Cactus‘s ground attack. He’ll look to exploit Mountain View‘s defense and control the pace of the game.
- Antonio Casias has been outstanding, passing for 212.0 yards per game and contributing 234.6 total yards per game. His arm will be vital in attacking Mountain View‘s defense, especially with reliable receivers like Julian Stubblefield, who averages 85.9 receiving yards per game.
- Jayson Burkhard, with 7.7 tackles per game, is a key piece for Cactus‘s defense. His ability to disrupt Mountain View‘s offense and shut down big plays will be crucial to the Cobras’ success.
Common Opponents
Both Mountain View and Cactus have faced Sunrise Mountain this season. In their respective matchups, Mountain View won a hard-fought 20-17 game, while Cactus dominated Sunrise Mountain 53-0. While both teams secured victories, Cactus’s convincing win over Sunrise Mountain might suggest a stronger defensive performance.
Record Breakdown
Mountain View enters this game with a 6-4 overall record, including a 4-1 league record. Their balanced attack has been effective, but their struggles in non-league play could make this matchup a difficult one. On the other hand, Cactus has posted a 7-3 overall record, including a 4-1 league mark. Their balanced offensive strategy, with a stronger focus on passing and an efficient running game, gives them the edge coming into this game.
At home, Cactus has been dominant, with a perfect 5-0 home record, while Mountain View has been solid at 3-1 at home but struggled with a 3-3 away record. This suggests that Cactus, with its superior home-field advantage and overall performance, enters this matchup as the favorite.
Game Outlook
Both Mountain View and Cactus have strengths on both sides of the ball, and this game promises to be a tight contest. Mountain View will need to control the clock with its strong rushing attack, led by Nicholas Horrocks, and force Cactus to play catch-up. For Cactus, getting the ball into the hands of Tayejion Player and Antonio Casias will be essential, as they look to move the ball efficiently and exploit Mountain View‘s defensive weaknesses.
Defensively, Cactus‘s ability to pressure the quarterback and stop the run will be pivotal, as Mountain View has relied heavily on its rushing game. If Cactus can shut down the run and force Mountain View into passing situations, it could tilt the game in their favor.
Ultimately, Cactus‘s more potent offense and stiffer defense give them the edge in this matchup, but Mountain View has the capability to make it a close contest if they execute well. This is sure to be an exciting game that could go down to the wire.
