The Santa Rosa (NM) varsity football team is hosting Texico (NM) in a home playoff game today, November 30, at 1 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: New Mexico High School Football
Who: Texico (NM) vs Santa Rosa (NM)
When: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Time: 1 PM. ET
Bracket: 2024 Nusenda Credit Union State Football Championships – 2A
Live Stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Texico (NM) vs. Santa Rosa (NM)
The Texico Wolverines (11-0) will take on the Santa Rosa Lions (9-3) in a highly anticipated playoff game. Texico has been dominant all season, finishing undefeated and showing their power on both sides of the ball. Santa Rosa, with only three losses, will look to get revenge after a tough 50-0 loss to Texico earlier this season. This will be an exciting matchup with the Wolverines trying to maintain their perfect season, while the Lions will attempt to challenge the top-ranked team.
Season Recap: Texico
- Record: 11-0
- League Record: 4-0
- Points For/Against: 452 PF, 113 PA
- Scoring Average: 41.1 points per game
Texico has had an incredible season, not allowing more than 14 points in any game. They dominate both offensively and defensively, with their defense only allowing 113 points on the season. They’ve been explosive on offense, scoring 41.1 points per game, and their defense has helped them secure easy wins over their opponents. Their victory over Santa Rosa earlier in the season by a 50-0 margin shows how dominant they’ve been.
Key Strengths:
- Undefeated Record: Texico has been flawless, securing an undefeated season so far.
- Strong Defense: Only 113 points allowed shows their ability to shut down opponents.
- Explosive Offense: Averaging 41.1 points per game, they can score in a variety of ways.
Season Recap: Santa Rosa
- Record: 9-3
- League Record: 5-0
- Points For/Against: 382 PF, 252 PA
- Scoring Average: 31.8 points per game
Santa Rosa has had a strong season but faces a tall challenge in their playoff game against Texico. Their defense has allowed a higher average of points per game (252 points against), which could be a concern against a high-scoring team like Texico. On offense, Santa Rosa has averaged 31.8 points per game, which is respectable but likely won’t be enough to keep up with Texico’s explosive attack.
Key Strengths:
- Balanced Attack: Santa Rosa has a capable offense, but they will need to improve defensively to compete with Texico.
- Strong Defense Against Lesser Teams: In their wins, Santa Rosa’s defense has been effective, but they struggled against teams with strong offenses like Texico.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Texico | Santa Rosa |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 11-0 | 9-3 |
| League Record | 4-0 | 5-0 |
| Points For | 452 | 382 |
| Points Against | 113 | 252 |
| Scoring Average | 41.1 | 31.8 |
| Rushing Yards per Game | – | 269.8 |
| Passing Yards per Game | – | 29.5 |
| Receiving Yards per Game | – | 29.2 |
| Total Yards per Game | 299.3 | 299.3 |
| Tackles per Game | 45.9 | 45.9 |
| Sacks per Game | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| Points per Game | 28.9 | 31.8 |
Key Matchups
- Texico’s Offense vs. Santa Rosa’s Defense
Texico’s high-powered offense has been averaging over 41 points per game, and Santa Rosa will need to find a way to slow them down. Santa Rosa’s defense has allowed 252 points this season, and stopping Texico will be a difficult task, especially after their 50-0 loss earlier in the season. - Santa Rosa’s Offense vs. Texico’s Defense
While Santa Rosa has been effective offensively, they will be up against one of the best defenses in the state. Texico’s defense has been nearly impenetrable, giving up an average of just 10.3 points per game. Santa Rosa’s offense will need to be on its best form to have any chance of keeping up with Texico. - Turnover Battle
Both teams will need to protect the ball and create turnovers. Texico’s defense is known for forcing mistakes, and Santa Rosa cannot afford to give up possessions in a high-stakes playoff game.
Key Players to Watch
Texico
- Josh Cordova (Running Back/Quarterback): Cordova is the leader on both offense and defense, accounting for 126.3 rushing yards per game and playing a key role in the passing game. His dual-threat ability will be crucial for Texico’s success.
- David Chavez (Defensive Leader): Chavez is Texico’s leader on defense with 9.0 tackles per game, and he will be looking to disrupt Santa Rosa’s offensive rhythm.
- Jared Chico (Defensive Playmaker): Chico is a force on the defensive line, and his pressure could be a difference-maker against Santa Rosa’s offense.
Santa Rosa
- Josh Cordova (Rushing Leader): The same player as Texico’s offensive leader, Cordova leads Santa Rosa in both rushing and passing. His performance on both sides of the ball will be key for the Lions to stay competitive.
- Daryn Pacheco (Receiver): Pacheco leads the team with 18.1 receiving yards per game. He will be a crucial target in the passing game for Santa Rosa.
- Defensive Line: Santa Rosa’s defense, led by David Chavez, will have to stop Texico’s potent offense and try to get pressure on Texico’s playmakers.
Prediction
Texico enters this matchup as the clear favorite after dominating Santa Rosa earlier in the season. Their undefeated record, strong offense, and stout defense make them difficult to beat. Santa Rosa will have a tough task ahead of them, and while they have a solid team, they are up against one of the best teams in the state.
