The Centennial (Las Cruces, NM) varsity football team will face Rio Rancho (NM) in a neutral playoff game today at 7 PM at Field of Dreams. This matchup is part of the 2024 Nusenda Credit Union State Football Championships – 6A tournament.

Rio Rancho vs Centennial Football Game Info:

What: New Mexico High School Football Playoffs
Who: Rio Rancho vs Centennial
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
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Game preview: Rio Rancho vs Centennial

As the high school football season draws closer to its thrilling conclusion, one matchup that is sure to excite fans is the upcoming playoff game between the Rio Rancho Rams and the Centennial Hawks. Both teams have had impressive seasons, and this neutral-site game, scheduled for 7 p.m., will determine who moves forward in the postseason.

Team Records and Rankings

Rio Rancho Rams (7-4, 3-2 District)
The Rio Rancho Rams enter the playoff game with a solid 7-4 record. They have shown resilience throughout the season, finishing with a 3-2 record in their district. While their overall performance has been strong, they face a tough opponent in Centennial. On average, the Rams have scored 30.5 points per game, led by key contributors on offense, including Micah Takahashi and Jace Pitt.

Centennial Hawks (10-0, 6-0 District)
On the other hand, the Centennial Hawks have had an outstanding season, finishing undefeated at 10-0. Their dominance in district play has been evident, with a perfect 6-0 district record. The Hawks have been an offensive juggernaut, averaging 48.9 points per game. Led by Zaiden Davis, who excels in both rushing and passing, Centennial has made a statement as one of the top teams in the state.

Previous Matchup: Centennial Wins 43-27

These two teams previously met on September 13, 2024, where Centennial came out on top with a decisive 43-27 victory. Despite a valiant effort by Rio Rancho, they couldn’t overcome Centennial’s powerful offense. The game saw Centennial build an early lead, with scores of 6-0, 12-7, and 12-14 in the first three quarters, before sealing the deal with a 13-point final frame. Rio Rancho, however, has shown improvement since that loss, and they’ll be looking to avenge the defeat in this critical playoff contest.

Team Scoring Averages

The scoring trends of these two teams tell a lot about their offensive strategies:

• Rio Rancho: The Rams are a balanced team, scoring an average of 8.8 points in the first quarter and maintaining consistency throughout the game with 8.9 points in the second quarter, 4.4 in the third, and 6.7 in the fourth. With a total of 30.5 points per game, Rio Rancho will need to step up its offensive game to keep pace with Centennial’s high-scoring attack.
• Centennial: The Hawks have been explosive, particularly in the early stages of the game. They average 12.5 points in the first quarter and 16.5 in the second. They remain strong throughout, scoring 13.4 points in the third and finishing with 6.5 in the fourth. Averaging nearly 49 points per game, Centennial’s offense will be a major challenge for Rio Rancho to stop.

Team Stat Comparison

When comparing the overall team stats, Centennial holds a significant edge in total yardage. The Hawks average 436.4 total yards per game, with 325.8 rushing yards and 110.6 passing yards. In contrast, Rio Rancho averages 368.4 total yards per game, relying more heavily on the passing game with 214.4 passing yards compared to just 154.0 rushing yards.

The defensive stats are also notable, with both teams averaging around 54 tackles per game. Centennial, however, has been slightly more effective with 1.6 sacks per game, while Rio Rancho averages 2.5. Points per game further emphasize Centennial’s dominance, with 48.9 points scored on average, compared to Rio Rancho’s 27.8.

Key Players to Watch

Rio Rancho:

• Micah Takahashi – The Rams’ leading rusher with 65.8 yards per game.
• Jace Pitt – A key offensive player, leading in receiving yards and contributing significantly to the team’s total yards per game.
• Jj Arellano – The Rams’ quarterback, contributing both in passing and rushing, with 144.8 passing yards and 181.9 total yards per game.

Centennial:

• Zaiden Davis – Arguably the best all-around player on the field, Davis has rushed for 138.8 yards per game while also being a dual threat in the passing game.
• Jordan Lucas – A reliable receiver, Lucas has contributed 53.1 receiving yards per game.
• Joseph Bitar – A standout defender, Bitar has been crucial in the Hawks’ defensive efforts, averaging 6.9 tackles per game.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced a few common opponents this season, and their records against them provide insight into how they’ve handled similar challenges. Rio Rancho has a 2-2 record against common opponents, while Centennial boasts a perfect 4-0 record. Centennial has defeated teams like Atrisco Heritage Academy, Clovis, Las Cruces, and Cleveland, while Rio Rancho had losses to Las Cruces and Cleveland but defeated Atrisco Heritage Academy and Clovis.

Final Thoughts

This playoff matchup promises to be a thrilling contest between two highly competitive teams. Centennial’s high-powered offense, led by Davis, will test Rio Rancho’s defense, while the Rams will look to establish a balanced attack through Takahashi and Pitt. The game will be a battle of styles, with Rio Rancho’s passing game trying to keep pace with Centennial’s running game, making it a must-watch for football fans in New Mexico. Will Rio Rancho’s underdog spirit prevail, or will Centennial continue its unbeaten run?

Stay tuned for what’s sure to be an exciting football game tonight at 7 p.m.