The Florence (AZ) varsity football team will face Thatcher (AZ) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) in the Conference 3A tournament, as both teams aim to advance in the postseason.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Arizona High School Football
Who: Thatcher vs Florence
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 3A
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Thatcher vs. Florence
As the 2024 AIA State Football Championships in Arizona reach the playoff stage, the matchup between Thatcher and Florence promises to be an exciting and intense battle. With both teams having strong records and impressive seasons, this game will be crucial for both squads as they look to advance further in the Conference 3A tournament.
Thatcher: A Team with Strong Road Performance and a Balanced Attack
Thatcher enters the game with a solid 9-2 overall record, including a 3-1 mark in section play. They’ve been a dominant force on the road, finishing with a perfect 5-0 record away from home, which will give them confidence heading into this neutral-site playoff matchup. The team has been impressive offensively, averaging 31.0 points per game. While they have been solid throughout the game, Thatcher has shown a tendency to score heavily in the second quarter, averaging 11.3 points in that period. Their first-quarter scoring is also strong, averaging 6.8 points, though they tend to struggle in the third quarter, averaging just 1.6 points. However, Thatcher finishes games strong with 8.3 points in the fourth quarter, reflecting their resilience in high-pressure moments.
Defensively, Thatcher has been effective, allowing only 129 points throughout the season. With such a strong defensive record, they’ve been able to limit their opponents and control the flow of the game, which will be key in facing a talented Florence team.
Florence: Dominant Throughout the Season with an Unbeaten Section Record
Florence enters the playoff game with an impressive 10-1 overall record and a perfect 4-0 section record, demonstrating their dominance in their section. They’ve been strong both at home (5-1) and on the road (5-0), showing that they can perform in various environments. Florence has been an offensive powerhouse, averaging 30.6 points per game. Their scoring is well-distributed throughout the game, averaging 7.6 points in the first quarter, 7.7 in the second quarter, and 6.9 in the third quarter. However, their fourth-quarter scoring dips slightly to 5.9 points, which could be a potential area for improvement.
Florence’s defense has also been solid, allowing 141 points on the season. While they have been effective at limiting their opponents, they’ll face a tough challenge in containing Thatcher’s high-scoring offense. Florence’s ability to adjust and maintain their strong play throughout the entire game will be crucial in securing a victory.
Key Differences and What to Expect
This matchup presents several key contrasts between the two teams:
- Offensive Firepower: Both teams are capable of putting up significant points, with Thatcher averaging 31.0 points per game and Florence averaging 30.6. However, Florence has a more consistent scoring spread throughout the game, while Thatcher tends to rely on big second-quarter performances. Thatcher will need to find ways to score in the third quarter to maintain their momentum.
- Defensive Strength: Thatcher has been more dominant on the defensive side, allowing just 129 points all season. In comparison, Florence has allowed 141 points. However, both teams have proven capable of stopping opponents when needed, so this could be a close defensive battle.
- Momentum in the Second Half: Thatcher has been effective in the second quarter and has a strong finish in the fourth, whereas Florence has been more consistent throughout the game, especially in the first three quarters. The team that can maintain or build upon their lead in the second half will likely come out on top.
Conclusion: A Hard-Fought Battle for Advancement
This playoff game between Thatcher and Florence will be a highly competitive matchup with significant stakes. Both teams have been impressive all season, with Thatcher boasting an excellent road record and Florence showing dominance in their section. The game will likely come down to which team can maintain their offensive rhythm and capitalize on key moments in the second half. Thatcher’s ability to adjust after a slow third quarter will be crucial, while Florence will need to improve their fourth-quarter scoring to close out the game strong.
Overall, this game promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams look to continue their journey toward the 2024 AIA State Football Championships – Conference 3A title.
As the football season heads into its final stretch, the matchup between Thatcher and Florence stands as one of the most eagerly anticipated games of the year. With both teams boasting impressive records and similar styles of play, this game promises to be a thrilling encounter that could have major playoff implications. Here’s a closer look at both teams, their key stats, and what to expect from this high-stakes matchup.
Team Performance Overview
Overall Record Comparison:
- Thatcher: Thatcher enters the game with a 9-2 overall record, including a solid 3-1 record in league play. Their impressive performance has been built on a well-rounded offense and defense.
- Florence: Florence has posted a 10-1 overall record, with a perfect 4-0 record in league play. Their strong non-league performance and ability to win key games has positioned them as one of the top teams in the state.
Though both teams have enjoyed successful seasons, Florence’s slightly better overall record and perfect league standing make them the favorites heading into this contest.
Offensive and Defensive Stats
Rushing and Passing:
- Thatcher: The Eagles have averaged 221.4 rushing yards per game, making their running game a central focus of their offense. Chad Johnson has also been efficient in the passing game, contributing 98.1 passing yards per game.
- Florence: Florence has been slightly better in the running game, averaging 247.0 rushing yards per game. Malik Smith leads the way with an impressive 137.7 rushing yards per game. In the passing game, Logan Stenson has helped balance the offense with 92.5 passing yards per game.
Receiving and Total Yards:
- Thatcher: While Thatcher relies heavily on the run, their passing game also plays a key role. With 96.4 receiving yards per game and Chad Johnson contributing 121.4 total yards per game, they have the offensive balance to keep opponents guessing.
- Florence: Florence’s offense is also well-rounded, with 92.3 receiving yards per game and Logan Stenson adding to the team’s total yardage with 171.8 total yards per game.
Points Per Game:
- Thatcher: Thatcher averages 31.0 points per game, demonstrating a potent offense capable of putting up numbers when needed.
- Florence: Florence averages just slightly more, with 31.5 points per game, showcasing their offensive depth and ability to score efficiently.
Defensive Strengths
Both teams excel defensively, though Florence’s defense has been slightly more dominant, averaging 76.4 tackles per game, compared to Thatcher’s 65.4 tackles per game. Florence also has a slight advantage in the sack department, with 1.1 sacks per game versus Thatcher’s 1.4 sacks per game. While Thatcher’s defense is strong, Florence’s ability to stifle opponents may give them the edge in this matchup.
Team Leaders
Thatcher:
- Kody Bingham: The team’s leading rusher with 86.3 yards per game.
- Chad Johnson: A versatile player contributing both as a quarterback and as a passer, with 95.3 passing yards per game.
- Wyatt Nicholas: The Eagles’ top receiver with 54.8 yards per game.
Florence:
- Malik Smith: Florence’s star running back, averaging 137.7 rushing yards per game.
- Logan Stenson: The quarterback for Florence, leading the team with 99.7 passing yards per game and 171.8 total yards per game.
- Zayden Cundiff: A standout defensive player, averaging 16.2 tackles per game.
Common Opponents Breakdown
Both teams have faced similar opponents this season, and their performances against these teams provide an interesting point of comparison:
- Crismon:
- Thatcher: Defeated Crismon 15-0 on August 30, 2024.
- Florence: Defeated Crismon 21-14 on October 25, 2024.
- Analysis: Both teams handled Crismon, but Florence’s win was slightly closer, indicating Thatcher’s stronger defensive showing in this matchup.
- Valley Christian:
- Thatcher: Beat Valley Christian 31-13 on September 6, 2024.
- Florence: Defeated Valley Christian 27-20 on August 30, 2024.
- Analysis: Thatcher had a more convincing win over Valley Christian, showing their ability to dominate games when needed.
- Safford:
- Thatcher: Defeated Safford 28-0 on October 18, 2024.
- Florence: Won against Safford 34-13 on September 6, 2024.
- Analysis: Both teams showed their strength against Safford, but Thatcher’s shutout victory suggests a stronger defensive effort.
- Gilbert Christian:
- Thatcher: Dominated Gilbert Christian 56-14 on November 8, 2024.
- Florence: Defeated Gilbert Christian 38-28 on August 23, 2024.
- Analysis: Thatcher’s large-margin victory against Gilbert Christian is a clear indication of their offensive and defensive dominance.
Home and Away Performance
- Thatcher: Thatcher has been strong at home with a 4-2 record, but they have been equally competitive away, with a 5-1 road record.
- Florence: Florence has been nearly perfect both at home (5-1) and on the road (5-0), showcasing their ability to perform in any setting.
Record Breakdown
-
Thatcher:
- Overall: 9-2
- League: 3-1
- Non-League: 5-1
- Home: 4-2
- Away: 5-1
-
Florence:
- Overall: 10-1
- League: 4-0
- Non-League: 5-1
- Home: 5-1
- Away: 5-0
Conclusion
With both teams showing impressive seasons and similar styles of play, the game between Thatcher and Florence is poised to be a thrilling contest. Thatcher will lean on its solid rushing attack and balanced offense, while Florence will rely on its potent running game and strong defense to secure the victory. The outcome will likely hinge on which team can impose its will both offensively and defensively, and how they handle the pressure of this crucial matchup.
As both teams gear up for this exciting game, fans can expect a hard-fought battle, with playoff hopes and bragging rights on the line. With similar records and a shared history of success, this is one matchup that promises to be a showcase of football excellence.
