The St. Pius X (Albuquerque, NM) varsity football team will host Espanola Valley (Espanola, NM) in a home playoff game today at 1 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 Nusenda Credit Union State Football Championships – 4A tournament.
St. Pius X vs Espanola Valley Football Game Info:
What: New Mexico High School Football
Who: St. Pius X vs Espanola Valley
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 1 PM
Bracket: 2024 Nusenda Credit Union State Football Championships – 4A
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Game preview: St. Pius X vs Espanola Valley
As the 2024 football season progresses, fans are eagerly anticipating an exciting matchup between two high-powered teams: Espanola Valley and St. Pius X. Both squads have impressive records and are poised to make a deep run in the state playoffs, but what sets them apart are their distinct styles of play and key players. Let’s take a closer look at the rankings, statistics, and storylines that will define this upcoming clash.
Team Overview: Strong Records and Solid Performances
Espanola Valley enters the matchup with a 9-3 overall record. With a solid district mark of 4-3, they’ve demonstrated resilience in tough competition, including a 5-1 home record and a 4-2 away record. Their offense, led by standout running back Victor Parra, has averaged 20.6 points per game, showcasing a balanced attack that relies heavily on the ground game. The defense, though not as dominant as their opponent’s, has been able to limit their opponents, allowing 174 points on the season.
On the other side, St. Pius X has been nearly perfect with a 9-2 record, boasting an undefeated 6-0 mark in district play. Their offense has been explosive, averaging 35.5 points per game, and they’ve scored a total of 390 points this season. The team’s balanced attack, led by Hershul Olloway Jr. and Isaiah Carpenter, has made them one of the most potent offenses in the state. Defensively, they’ve been equally impressive, allowing only 233 points all season and recording 69 tackles per game.
Key Statistics: Comparing Strengths and Weaknesses
The contrast in the offensive styles of both teams is stark. Espanola Valley leads the rushing game with 259.8 yards per game, largely due to Victor Parra’s exceptional performance, who averages 51.1 rushing yards per game. However, their passing attack is less dominant, with only 8.3 yards per game through the air. Their total offense averages 268.0 yards per game, highlighting their strong rushing game but inability to consistently stretch the field.
St. Pius X, in contrast, boasts a more dynamic and balanced attack, with 174.2 rushing yards per game and 242.8 passing yards per game. Isaiah Carpenter has been a major contributor to the aerial attack, averaging 234.8 yards per game, while Hershul Olloway Jr. is a force in the run game, averaging 145.2 yards per game. The team’s overall offensive yardage totals 417.0 yards per game, making them one of the highest-scoring teams in the state.
Defensively, St. Pius X has the advantage in tackles per game, with 69.0, compared to Espanola Valley’s 46.3. They also have more sacks, averaging 2.4 per game, while Espanola Valley has only 0.7 sacks per game. Despite these differences, both teams have shown they can deliver in the clutch, especially in close games, with Espanola Valley allowing just 174 points and St. Pius X allowing 233.
Player Matchups: The Stars of the Show
For Espanola Valley, Victor Parra is clearly the key player. With over 50 rushing yards per game, he provides the foundation for their offense. Additionally, Anthony Mendoza has been a defensive standout, with 5.7 tackles per game, leading the team in stopping the opposition’s offense. On the offensive line, Jesus Gonzalez has been a force, contributing 35 pancake blocks.
Meanwhile, St. Pius X relies on a high-powered trio: Hershul Olloway Jr., Isaiah Carpenter, and Cayl Cox-Liggins. Olloway, with his 145.2 rushing yards per game, provides balance, while Carpenter’s 234.8 passing yards per game makes the team difficult to defend. Kolbe Padilla also stands out on defense with 8.7 tackles per game, and Michael Deller has added 15 pancake blocks to the offensive line’s prowess.
Common Opponents: Both Teams Dominate
Both teams have shown their strength against common opponents this season. Espanola Valley holds a 3-0 record against shared rivals, defeating Grants, Moriarty, and Manzano. St. Pius X has also gone undefeated against these same teams, securing victories over Grants, Moriarty, and Manzano, further highlighting their parallel paths to success this season.
The Matchup: What to Expect
The upcoming game between Espanola Valley and St. Pius X promises to be a thrilling contest. The difference in offensive styles will play a major role in the outcome. Espanola Valley will look to dominate the clock and control the game on the ground, while St. Pius X will aim to exploit their passing attack and spread the field. The key for Espanola Valley will be limiting the big plays from St. Pius X and maintaining their time of possession. For St. Pius X, a fast start and capitalizing on their passing game will be crucial to their success.
Both teams have a lot on the line, and their performance in this game could set the tone for the rest of the playoffs. With explosive playmakers on both sides, expect fireworks when these two teams meet on the field.
