The Roswell (NM) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Gadsden (Anthony, NM) today at 1 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 Nusenda Credit Union State Football Championships – 5A tournament.
Roswell vs Gadsden Football Game Info:
What: New Mexico High School Football
Who: Roswell vs Gadsden
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 1 PM
Bracket: 2024 Nusenda Credit Union State Football Championships – 5A
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Game preview: Roswell vs Gadsden
The 2024 football season is coming to a thrilling conclusion, with the Gadsden Panthers (8-3) preparing to take on the Roswell Coyotes (9-1) in a pivotal neutral-site playoff game. Both teams have had standout seasons, but Roswell enters this matchup as the clear favorite after a dominant regular-season performance and a decisive victory over Gadsden earlier in October.
Season Records & Head-to-Head
Gadsden, representing Anthony, NM, had a solid campaign with an 8-3 overall record and a 4-3 mark in district play. The Panthers were especially dominant at home, going 6-0, but struggled on the road with a 2-3 away record. Despite this, Gadsden’s offense has been prolific, averaging 31.5 points per game, with standout performances from running back Alfredo Andrade, who leads the team with 143.9 rushing yards per game, and quarterback Adrian Munoz, who is responsible for 147.3 passing yards per game.
On the other side, Roswell, led by Coach Jeff Lynn, has been nearly flawless this season, finishing with a 9-1 overall record and a 6-1 district mark. The Coyotes have dominated opponents, averaging 38.6 points per game. Their offense is equally impressive, with balanced yardage totals on the ground and through the air. The standout player for Roswell has been running back Alfredo Andrade, who has delivered explosive performances this season, although Roswell’s strength comes from a balanced offensive attack and strong team defense.
The two teams met earlier in the season on October 4, where Roswell delivered a commanding 48-7 victory on their home field. This defeat, however, hasn’t slowed Gadsden’s momentum, and they are coming into the playoff matchup with a renewed sense of purpose.
Team Statistics
Here’s a quick look at some key statistics for both teams:
| Category | Gadsden | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards per Game | 213.1 | – |
| Passing Yards per Game | 137.7 | – |
| Receiving Yards per Game | 137.6 | – |
| Total Yards per Game | 350.8 | – |
| Points per Game | 27.4 | 38.6 |
| Tackles per Game | 47.1 | – |
| Sacks per Game | 1.0 | – |
Both teams excel in scoring and accumulating yardage, but Roswell’s defense has been more formidable, allowing just 178 points on the season, compared to Gadsden’s 188. Despite the statistical differences, Gadsden’s resilience and ability to score at key moments will be critical to their chances in this contest.
Key Players to Watch
- Gadsden:
- Alfredo Andrade (RB): The offensive leader with 143.9 rushing yards per game, Andrade will be crucial to Gadsden’s offensive success.
- Adrian Munoz (QB): A dual-threat quarterback with 147.3 passing yards per game, Munoz will need to find success through the air to complement the running game.
- Zakk Minjares (WR): Leading the team with 41.4 receiving yards per game, Minjares could be the X-factor in Gadsden’s passing attack.
- Roswell:
- Alex Lopez (DL): A key player on the defensive line, Lopez’s ability to disrupt Gadsden’s offense will be essential in limiting their scoring opportunities.
- Adrian Munoz (QB): A versatile player for Roswell, Munoz has shown strong leadership and will need to keep his team balanced in all phases of the game.
- Daan Cano (LB): A leader on defense, Cano will need to continue his consistent tackle production (11.7 per game) to keep Gadsden’s offense in check.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced several of the same opponents this season. While Gadsden posted a 4-2 record against common opponents, Roswell fared better with a 5-1 record. Both teams defeated Mayfield, Artesia, and Santa Teresa, but Roswell edged out Gadsden with narrow victories over teams like Deming and Lovington.
Playoff Outlook
As Gadsden looks to avenge their earlier loss to Roswell, they will need to clean up mistakes and capitalize on scoring opportunities. The Panthers have shown the ability to dominate at home, but this neutral-site game will be a true test of their adaptability and resilience.
Roswell, on the other hand, is riding high after a 9-1 season and will look to continue their dominance in the postseason. Their offensive balance and solid defensive play make them one of the most formidable teams in the state, and they will aim to replicate their earlier success against Gadsden.
As both teams prepare for this highly anticipated playoff matchup, fans can expect an exciting and hard-fought contest. Will Gadsden manage to pull off the upset, or will Roswell’s stellar season continue with a trip to the next round? Only time will tell.
