The San Tan Charter (Gilbert, AZ) varsity football team will face off against Scottsdale Christian Academy (Phoenix, AZ) today at 6 p.m. in a neutral playoff game as part of the 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 2A tournament. Both teams will battle for a spot in the next round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arizona High School Football Playoff
Who: Scottsdale Christian Academy vs San Tan Charter
When: Today, November 23, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Scottsdale Christian Academy vs. San Tan Charter

As the 2024-2025 high school football season concludes, two teams stand out with impressive records in Arizona’s Division 2 rankings—Scottsdale Christian Academy and San Tan Charter. Both teams have showcased tremendous talent and resilience, but they have achieved success in different ways.

Scottsdale Christian Academy: A Dominant Section Leader

Scottsdale Christian Academy (SCA) has displayed a solid performance with an overall record of 8-4, including a perfect 6-0 record in their section. Their success in the regular season has placed them as a significant contender in the division. At home, SCA posted a 5-2 record, showing their ability to defend their turf. However, on the road, they experienced a more balanced record of 3-2.

In terms of scoring, SCA averaged 35.1 points per game, showcasing a steady offensive output throughout the season. The team’s scoring was most potent in the second quarter, where they averaged 12.6 points, demonstrating their ability to make adjustments as the game progressed. Despite their offensive prowess, the team allowed 188 points over the course of the season, which translates to an average of 15.7 points per game allowed.

San Tan Charter: An Unbeaten Force

San Tan Charter, on the other hand, was the team to beat this season. With a perfect 12-0 record, they dominated both their section and their overall schedule. The team’s defensive and offensive balance was exceptional, with a 6-0 record in section play and an undefeated mark in both home (7-0) and away games (5-0). This perfect run was powered by a high-scoring offense that averaged 40.7 points per game, including an impressive 15.0 points per game in the second quarter alone.

San Tan Charter’s defense was also a force to be reckoned with. The team only allowed 141 points across the entire season, an average of just 11.8 points per game. This strong defensive performance played a crucial role in maintaining their flawless record. Their efficiency in all phases of the game—offense, defense, and special teams—was a key factor in their dominance this season.

Scoring Breakdown: The Difference Makers

Both teams demonstrated their ability to put up points, but San Tan Charter’s offense was particularly efficient. In each quarter, they averaged higher points than Scottsdale Christian Academy, especially in the first and second quarters. San Tan Charter’s ability to start strong (averaging 9.3 points in the first quarter and 15.0 in the second) set the tone for many of their victories.

In contrast, SCA’s offense was more balanced, with solid second and fourth-quarter performances (12.6 and 6.9 points, respectively). However, their third-quarter scoring output was notably lower, averaging just 5.9 points per game. If they are to compete at a higher level in future seasons, improving their consistency across all four quarters could be crucial.

Looking Ahead

For Scottsdale Christian Academy, a strong finish to the season with an undefeated section record has solidified their position as a top contender, but to match up with teams like San Tan Charter, they will need to find ways to improve their defense and increase their offensive output, particularly in the third quarter.

San Tan Charter, meanwhile, will be looking to maintain their undefeated streak and build on the chemistry that made them so dominant this season. Their complete dominance, both offensively and defensively, makes them a team to watch for the next season, as they look to prove that this undefeated run was no fluke.

As both teams head into the off-season, their contrasting styles of play will continue to spark interest in Arizona high school football, with fans eagerly anticipating their future matchups and potential playoff runs.

As the season enters its final stretch, the matchup between Scottsdale Christian Academy (SCA) and San Tan Charter promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams have been dominant, with San Tan Charter boasting an undefeated 12-0 record and Scottsdale Christian Academy standing at 8-4. With a solid foundation in both offense and defense, this game will test each team’s resilience and execution under pressure.

Team Records and Performance

• Scottsdale Christian Academy has posted a respectable 8-4 overall record, including a 6-0 record in league play, showing their dominance within their conference. Their 5-2 home record has been crucial, proving they are tough to beat on their home turf.
• San Tan Charter, on the other hand, has been perfect all season long, going 12-0 with a flawless 6-0 league record. Their 7-0 road record speaks volumes about their ability to perform in any environment, and they enter the game as clear favorites.

Offensive Breakdown

1. Rushing Attack:
   • Scottsdale Christian Academy averages 187.0 rushing yards per game, with Caleb Randall leading the charge with 79.0 yards per game.
   • San Tan Charter has been even more potent on the ground, averaging 211.3 rushing yards per game, with Uriah Neloms running for 68.7 yards per game. Their balanced attack allows them to break off big runs when needed.
2. Passing Game:
   • Scottsdale Christian Academy features Sean Helgeson, who averages 154.6 passing yards per game. This solid passing game complements their strong rushing attack and makes them a dual-threat offense.
   • San Tan Charter has a slightly more prolific passing attack, averaging 181.5 passing yards per game. Uriah Neloms, who also leads the team in rushing, contributes 150.8 passing yards per game, adding an extra dimension to their offense.
3. Receiving Game:
   • Scottsdale Christian Academy‘s Ethan Davidson leads the receiving corps with 57.5 yards per game. As a team, they average 152.5 receiving yards per game.
   • San Tan Charter‘s receiving leader is Timi Akinyoyenu, who averages 38.9 receiving yards per game. Collectively, the team totals 179.2 receiving yards per game, showcasing their versatility in both the run and pass games.
4. Total Yards:
   • Scottsdale Christian Academy averages 338.8 total yards per game, a balanced output from their rushing, passing, and receiving units.
   • San Tan Charter has been more explosive, with an average of 392.8 total yards per game, driven by their dynamic offense and efficient playmaking.
5. Scoring:
   • Scottsdale Christian Academy averages 35.1 points per game, with Harrison Gurash contributing 9.0 points per game to their scoring attack.
   • San Tan Charter is even more prolific, averaging 40.7 points per game, with Uriah Neloms putting up 5.7 points per game. Their ability to score from multiple positions makes them a constant threat.

Defensive Breakdown

1. Tackles:
   • Scottsdale Christian Academy averages 85.6 tackles per game, with Caleb Randall leading the team with 10.0 tackles per game.
   • San Tan Charter has a slightly lighter defensive presence, averaging 46.0 tackles per game, but Samuel Sharpe leads the team with 6.7 tackles per game.
2. Sacks:
   • Scottsdale Christian Academy averages 2.8 sacks per game, with London Olsen contributing 0.8 sacks per game.
   • San Tan Charter has been slightly more effective in terms of sacks, averaging 1.9 per game, with Bairyk Schulte adding 0.5 sacks per game.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced a number of similar opponents this season. Scottsdale Christian Academy and San Tan Charter each played Scottsdale Preparatory Academy, with both teams coming away with victories. SCA defeated Scottsdale Prep 49-19 in their season opener, while San Tan Charter won 30-12 at home.

In addition, both teams faced Veritas Prep with Scottsdale Christian Academy winning 27-13 and San Tan Charter taking the victory 34-14. These results highlight the teams’ ability to take care of business against similar competition.

Key Players

• Scottsdale Christian Academy:
  • Caleb Randall is the standout running back, leading the team with 79.0 rushing yards per game.
  • Sean Helgeson has been the team’s passing leader, averaging 154.6 yards per game, and is crucial to their offensive success.
  • Harrison Gurash has been effective in scoring, contributing 9.0 points per game.
• San Tan Charter:
  • Uriah Neloms is the driving force behind both the rushing and passing attacks, leading the team with 68.7 rushing yards and 150.8 passing yards per game.
  • Timi Akinyoyenu has been a reliable target in the passing game, leading the team with 38.9 receiving yards per game.
  • Samuel Sharpe has been the key defensive presence, leading the team with 6.7 tackles per game.

Conclusion

Both Scottsdale Christian Academy and San Tan Charter bring impressive records and powerful offensive units into this game. San Tan Charter has the advantage in total yards and points per game, thanks to a dynamic rushing and passing attack led by Uriah Neloms. However, Scottsdale Christian Academy is no slouch, with strong performances from Caleb Randall and Sean Helgeson, giving them the potential to keep up with San Tan’s explosive offense.

This matchup promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams looking to prove their dominance. San Tan Charter will look to continue their undefeated streak, while Scottsdale Christian Academy hopes to make a statement with a signature win. Expect a high-energy game, where every possession will count as both teams battle for supremacy.