The Haxtun (CO) varsity football team is set to play a neutral playoff game against Sanford (CO) today at 1 p.m. at Haxtun. This matchup is part of the “2024 CHSAA State Football Playoffs – Class A 8-Man” tournament.

Sanford vs Haxtun High School Football Game Info:

What: Colorado High School Football
Who: Sanford vs Haxtun
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 1:00pm.
Bracket: 2024 CHSAA State Football Playoffs – Class A 8-Man
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Sanford vs Haxtun

The stage is set for a thrilling high school football playoff game today as Sanford (CO) faces off against Haxtun (CO) in a neutral site matchup at 1:00 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 CHSAA State Football Playoffs – Class A 8-Man tournament, and both teams are coming in with strong records and plenty of momentum.

Team Records and Performance

• Sanford (24-25) has posted a 7-3 overall record this season, with a 4-1 league record, earning a win percentage of .700. Sanford’s offense has put up 320 points (averaging 31.2 points per game) while allowing 242 points.
• Haxtun (24-25), on the other hand, boasts a 9-1 overall record with a perfect 4-0 league performance. They have been dominant on both sides of the ball, averaging an impressive 46.6 points per game and allowing just 74 points throughout the season. Haxtun’s record includes a 6-0 home record and a perfect 3-0 away record.

While Sanford has had a solid season, Haxtun’s near-perfect record and superior point differential set them apart as a formidable opponent.

Previous Matchup

The two teams met earlier in the season on September 13, 2024, when Haxtun delivered a dominant performance, winning 60-0 in a non-conference game at Sanford. Haxtun’s offense ran up the score, while their defense shut out Sanford throughout the entire game. This result will undoubtedly weigh on Sanford as they look to rebound in this crucial playoff contest.

Team Scoring and Offensive Averages

In terms of offensive output, both teams have been productive, but Haxtun has been the more explosive of the two:

• Sanford averages 244.0 rushing yards per game, with Trason Gartrell leading the way with 139.1 rushing yards per game. They also average 69.1 passing yards per game and 313.1 total yards per game.
• Haxtun, with a much more balanced attack, averages 322.3 rushing yards per game, led by Grant Statz, who rushes for 113.5 yards per game. Haxtun also averages 100.6 passing yards per game and a total of 422.9 yards per game, which is significantly higher than Sanford’s total.

Haxtun’s offensive depth and ability to perform in both the running and passing games make them a serious threat, especially considering their 51.0 points per game average.

Defensive Comparison

Both teams have strong defenses, but Haxtun’s defense has been particularly dominant:

• Sanford averages 49.4 tackles per game, with Trason Gartrell also contributing defensively with 8.0 tackles per game. They have a solid defense but will need to step up their pass rush, as they average just 0.4 sacks per game.
• Haxtun, in comparison, averages 65.9 tackles per game, with Grant Statz leading the way with 13.3 tackles per game. Haxtun is also better at getting to the quarterback, averaging 1.4 sacks per game.

Haxtun’s defense, coupled with their ability to limit opposing offenses, has been a key factor in their successful season.

Key Players

The individual performances of several players will be critical to the outcome of this game:

• Sanford’s top performer is Trason Gartrell, who leads the team with 139.1 rushing yards per game and also contributes defensively with 8.0 tackles per game. His ability to control the ground game and keep Haxtun’s high-powered offense off the field will be essential.
• Haxtun will rely on the leadership of Grant Statz, who averages 113.5 rushing yards per game and 13.3 tackles per game. His all-around game has been one of the driving forces behind Haxtun’s success. Chase Goddard, another key player for Haxtun, contributes both offensively and defensively, with solid receiving yards and key tackles.

Both teams have standout players, but Haxtun’s depth across both offense and defense could give them the edge.

Record Breakdown

Here’s a closer look at how both teams have performed in various categories:

• Sanford (24-25):
  • Overall Record: 7-3
  • League Record: 4-1
  • Home Record: 4-2
  • Away Record: 3-1
  • Playoff Record: 1-0
• Haxtun (24-25):
  • Overall Record: 9-1
  • League Record: 4-0
  • Home Record: 6-0
  • Away Record: 3-0
  • Neutral Record: 0-1
  • Playoff Record: 1-0

Haxtun’s ability to dominate both at home and away this season, along with their superior total yardage, makes them the favorites in this matchup.

Conclusion

As Sanford and Haxtun face off in the 2024 CHSAA State Football Playoffs, the stakes are high for both teams. Sanford will be looking to avenge their earlier season defeat, while Haxtun will be aiming to continue their dominant run through the postseason. With a high-powered offense and a stingy defense, Haxtun has the tools to make a deep playoff run. Sanford will need a flawless performance to compete with Haxtun’s well-rounded team. Fans can expect an exciting and intense game as these two teams battle for playoff supremacy.