The Mountain View (Mesa, AZ) varsity football team will host Salpointe Catholic (Tucson, AZ) in an exciting playoff showdown today at 7 p.m. This game is part of the “2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 6A” tournament, with both teams vying for a crucial win to advance further.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arizona High School Football Playoff
Who: Salpointe Catholic vs Mountain View
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 6A
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Mountain View vs. Salpointe Catholic

The 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 6A playoff bracket brings an exciting clash between Mountain View (Mesa, AZ) and Salpointe Catholic (Tucson, AZ). These two top-tier teams, with impressive records and high-powered offenses, will meet at Mountain View’s home field tonight at 7 p.m. in a battle to advance deeper into the postseason.

Mountain View: A Dominant Force

Mountain View enters the playoffs with a stellar 10-1 record and a perfect 5-0 mark in section play. Undefeated at home, the Toros have consistently demonstrated their strength, scoring 553 points over the season while allowing just 209. They boast an impressive average of 50.3 points per game, showcasing a dynamic offense that is explosive early, averaging 14.6 points in the first quarter and 17.1 in the second. Their balanced attack and resilient defense make Mountain View a formidable opponent.

Salpointe Catholic: A Well-Rounded Contender

Salpointe Catholic has also had a strong season, finishing 8-2 overall and an unbeaten 4-0 in section play. They have been equally effective at home and on the road, with a 4-1 record in both settings. The Lancers average 34.4 points per game, with their highest production in the second and third quarters, scoring 10.3 and 11.3 points, respectively. While not as high-scoring as Mountain View, Salpointe Catholic’s ability to capitalize on key moments and maintain consistency has been vital to their success.

Key Matchup: Offensive Firepower vs. Defensive Resilience

Mountain View’s offensive dominance will face a stern test against Salpointe Catholic’s balanced approach. With Mountain View averaging 50.3 points per game compared to Salpointe’s 34.4, the Lancers will need to slow the Toros’ explosive starts to keep the game within reach. On the other hand, Mountain View will look to maintain their fast-paced scoring tempo and wear down Salpointe’s defense.

What’s at Stake

This game is more than just a playoff match—it’s a chance for both teams to solidify their status as top contenders in Conference 6A. For Mountain View, it’s an opportunity to continue their dominant season and make a statement in their quest for the championship. Salpointe Catholic, however, will look to leverage their consistency and capitalize on any opportunities to upset the home team.

As the high school football season heats up, the matchup between Salpointe Catholic and Mountain View promises to be an exciting one. Both teams have had impressive seasons and will look to build on their successes in this head-to-head clash. Here’s a closer look at the stats, key players, and their common opponents.

Team Stat Comparison

Both Salpointe Catholic and Mountain View are formidable teams with strong offensive and defensive units, though they each have their own strengths and weaknesses.

Salpointe Catholic averages 180.7 rushing yards per game, while Mountain View leads in this category with 218.3 yards per game. However, Salpointe’s 186.8 passing yards per game is slightly better than Mountain View’s 209.9 yards per game. Both teams show impressive balance in their offenses, with total yard averages near 370 for Salpointe (367.5 yards per game) and 428 for Mountain View (428.2 yards per game).

In terms of scoring, Mountain View outpaces Salpointe by a significant margin, averaging 50.6 points per game, while Salpointe puts up 34.4 points per game. Despite the offensive disparity, both teams show strong defensive performances with Salpointe Catholic recording 60.2 tackles per game, and Mountain View slightly behind at 59.1 tackles per game.

When it comes to pressuring the quarterback, Salpointe has the advantage in sacks per game, with 2.6 sacks compared to Mountain View’s 2.0.

Key Players to Watch

Both teams boast standout athletes who have been critical to their success this season.

For Salpointe Catholic, the offensive leader is Richard Rivera, who has accumulated an impressive 86.4 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Rayce Alvarez leads the passing attack with 117.1 passing yards per game and is also among the leaders in total yards, racking up 118.2 yards per game. On defense, Thomas Regina has been solid, averaging 9.5 tackles per game and contributing 0.6 sacks per game.

Meanwhile, Mountain View’s standout player is Reese Bodily, who leads the team with a remarkable 131.8 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Brady Goodman is another key player, with 202.9 passing yards per game, while Talan Arnett has been a reliable target, averaging 80.7 receiving yards per game. Defensively, Reign Curiel and Caleb Larson stand out, with Curiel contributing 6.0 tackles per game and Larson adding 0.8 sacks per game.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced some common opponents this season, providing insight into how they measure up against similar competition.

• Liberty: Salpointe lost to Liberty 34-24 on October 18, while Mountain View also fell short, losing 49-20 on September 13.
• Saguaro: Salpointe earned a 28-16 victory over Saguaro on November 1, while Mountain View won 57-27 against the same team on September 6.

These results show that both teams are competitive but have had their challenges against top-tier opponents.

Record Breakdown

In terms of overall performance, Mountain View has a slightly better record, standing at 10-1, compared to Salpointe Catholic’s 8-2. Both teams have been dominant in their respective leagues, with Salpointe Catholic going 4-0 in league play and Mountain View finishing 5-0 in theirs. In non-league games, Salpointe has a 3-2 record, while Mountain View is 4-1.

Both teams have excelled at home, with Mountain View going 5-0 at home and Salpointe Catholic posting a 4-1 home record. On the road, both teams have been strong, with Mountain View going 5-1 away from home, while Salpointe is 4-1 in away games.

The Bottom Line

The matchup between Salpointe Catholic and Mountain View will be a battle of high-powered offenses and solid defenses. While Mountain View holds the edge in scoring and offensive yardage, Salpointe Catholic has a more well-rounded defensive game and a strong running attack led by Richard Rivera. With both teams posting similar records and facing off in what promises to be an exciting contest, it will be interesting to see which squad can capitalize on their strengths and secure a crucial victory. Fans can expect an intense game filled with thrilling plays from both sides.

Conclusion

The Mountain View vs. Salpointe Catholic playoff matchup promises to be a thrilling contest between two elite teams. With Mountain View’s high-octane offense and Salpointe’s balanced strategy, fans can expect a game full of intensity, big plays, and postseason drama. The winner will move one step closer to the coveted state championship.