The ALA – West Foothills varsity football team from Waddell, AZ, will host Pusch Ridge Christian Academy from Tucson, AZ, in a home playoff game today at 6 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 3A tournament, promising a competitive and exciting battle.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arizona State High School Football Playoff
Who: Pusch Ridge Christian Academy vs ALA – West Foothills
When: Today, November 30, 2024
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 3A
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: ALA – West Foothills vs. Pusch Ridge Christian Academy

The 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 3A playoff brings a thrilling matchup as ALA – West Foothills from Waddell, AZ, hosts Pusch Ridge Christian Academy from Tucson, AZ, today at 6 PM. Both teams have had extraordinary seasons, and this clash between two of the top programs in the division promises to be a memorable contest.

Team Performance Overview

Pusch Ridge Christian Academy
The Lions have been dominant all season, entering the game with a stellar 12-1 record. They have been perfect in sectional play (4-0) and boast an undefeated home record of 7-0. Pusch Ridge has been equally impressive on offense and defense, scoring 500 points this season while allowing only 81, averaging 38.5 points per game. Their first quarters are particularly explosive, where they average 14.3 points, setting the tone for their games.

ALA – West Foothills
The Guardians of ALA – West Foothills are the only undefeated team in the division with a flawless 13-0 record, including 5-0 in sectional play. Their balanced and consistent performances have been a hallmark, with 492 points scored and only 68 points allowed, giving them a dominant win margin. Their scoring average of 37.8 points per game is slightly behind Pusch Ridge, but their strong second-half output, especially in the third and fourth quarters, makes them a formidable opponent.

Key Matchup Factors

1. Defense Wins Championships: ALA – West Foothills has allowed just 68 points this season, showcasing a defense capable of shutting down even the most potent offenses. Pusch Ridge’s offense will need to find ways to crack their stout defense.
2. Explosive Starts: Pusch Ridge’s dominant first quarters give them a chance to grab early momentum, but ALA – West Foothills’ ability to close strong could make the second half decisive.
3. Home-Field Advantage: Both teams are undefeated at home, but ALA – West Foothills will benefit from their home crowd, which could provide an edge in high-pressure moments.

As the Arizona high school football playoffs heat up, Pusch Ridge Christian Academy (12-1) and ALA – West Foothills (13-0) are set to face off in a highly anticipated showdown. Both teams bring impressive records, balanced offenses, and stout defenses into this matchup, making it a potential classic.

Team Comparison

Statistically, the teams are closely matched, with slight variations in offensive and defensive outputs:

• Rushing Offense: ALA – West Foothills holds a slight edge, averaging 193.2 rushing yards per game compared to Pusch Ridge’s 154.0. Kenyon Rosenthal leads the ground game for ALA, averaging 65.3 yards per game, narrowly surpassing Pusch Ridge’s Blake Reed (62.3 yards).
• Passing Offense: Pusch Ridge relies more heavily on their aerial attack, averaging 153.4 passing yards per game behind quarterback Jacob Newborn. ALA – West Foothills averages 127.6 yards through the air, with Hudson Mitton steering the offense.
• Total Offense: The total offensive output is nearly identical, with ALA – West Foothills averaging 320.8 yards per game and Pusch Ridge at 307.4. This balance suggests a closely contested game.
• Defensive Play: Pusch Ridge leads in tackles with 54.6 per game, showcasing a more active defense, while ALA – West Foothills excels in pass rushing, averaging 2.9 sacks per game compared to Pusch Ridge’s 2.5.
• Scoring: ALA – West Foothills holds a slight edge in scoring, averaging 35.9 points per game to Pusch Ridge’s 35.2.

Key Players

The outcome of the game will hinge on the performance of standout players from both teams:

• Pusch Ridge Christian Academy:
  • Blake Reed (#6): Reed is a dual-threat player, leading the team in rushing (62.3 yards per game) and scoring (8.4 points per game).
  • Jacob Newborn (#4): The quarterback is the offensive engine, averaging 147.2 passing yards and 198.0 total yards per game.
  • Tyler Shoaff (#51): Shoaff leads the defense with 10.0 tackles per game, anchoring the unit.
• ALA – West Foothills:
  • Kenyon Rosenthal (#23): Rosenthal is the top rusher, averaging 65.3 yards per game and contributing 6.0 points per game.
  • Hudson Mitton (#1): Mitton provides a steady hand at quarterback, averaging 135.9 passing yards per game.
  • JJ Brutus (#5): Brutus leads the team’s pass rush with 1.5 sacks per game, a key to disrupting opposing offenses.

Common Opponents

Both teams are undefeated against four common opponents, underscoring their dominance:

• Yuma: Pusch Ridge won decisively (51-0), while ALA – West Foothills secured a 37-7 victory.
• Sabino: Pusch Ridge triumphed 42-14, and ALA – West Foothills shut them out 28-0.
• Thatcher: Both teams earned double-digit victories, with Pusch Ridge winning 22-7 and ALA – West Foothills prevailing 34-22.
• Paradise Honors: Pusch Ridge won 38-6, while ALA – West Foothills delivered a commanding 45-0 victory.

Record Breakdown

• Pusch Ridge Christian Academy: Their lone loss came in a non-league matchup, but they boast an undefeated 4-0 record in league play and a 3-0 playoff record.
• ALA – West Foothills: With a perfect 13-0 record, including 5-0 in league play and 3-0 in the playoffs, they have been unstoppable this season.

Game Outlook

This matchup promises to be a thriller, with two evenly matched teams vying for a spot in the next round. Pusch Ridge will look to leverage their balanced offense and active defense, while ALA – West Foothills will aim to continue their unbeaten streak with a dynamic rushing attack and a disruptive pass rush.

The game’s outcome could hinge on key turnovers, special teams play, and the ability of each team’s stars to rise to the occasion. Football fans can expect a high-energy, tightly contested battle as these two powerhouse programs clash on the field.

Prediction and Impact

This game is a battle of titans, with two teams excelling in both offensive firepower and defensive discipline. While Pusch Ridge brings a high-octane offense and early-game explosiveness, ALA – West Foothills’ unblemished record and lockdown defense may prove the difference. Fans can expect a close and thrilling contest that could go down to the wire as both teams aim to advance in the Conference 3A tournament.