The Mica Mountain varsity football team will host Thunderbird today at 7 p.m. in a home playoff game. This matchup is part of the 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 4A tournament, where both teams will compete for a chance to advance to the next stage of the playoffs.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arizona High School Football Playoff
Who: Thunderbird vs Mica Mountain
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 4A
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Thunderbird vs. Mica Mountain

As the 2024 AIA State Football Championships heat up, one of the most intriguing matchups in the Conference 4A tournament pits the 10-1 Thunderbird High School football team against the undefeated 11-0 Mica Mountain team. With both teams posting impressive records this season, this game promises to be an exciting contest as they battle for a spot in the next round of the playoffs.

Thunderbird: A Strong Season with an Explosive Offense

Thunderbird enters this playoff matchup with a solid 10-1 record and a .909 win percentage. Their only loss this season came in section play, where they finished with a 4-1 record. Despite this, Thunderbird has been one of the top teams in their division, with a high-scoring offense that has averaged 38.1 points per game. Their offense is balanced, with 8.8 points in the first quarter, 10.3 in the second, and 9.9 in the third, finishing strong with 8.4 points in the fourth quarter. Thunderbird’s ability to score consistently throughout the game will be crucial as they face the undefeated Mica Mountain team.

The team’s defense has also been impressive, allowing only 120 points all season. This has allowed Thunderbird to maintain a solid point differential and stay competitive throughout the season.

Mica Mountain: Perfect Record and Dominant Performance

On the other hand, Mica Mountain has had a perfect season, finishing 11-0 and dominating both at home and on the road. The Thunderbolts posted an undefeated 6-0 record at home and also managed a perfect 5-0 record away from home. With a 1.000 win percentage and a perfect 5-0 section record, Mica Mountain has demonstrated exceptional consistency and dominance throughout the year.

Mica Mountain’s offense has been equally impressive, averaging 39.1 points per game. The Thunderbolts have been especially strong in the first half, with 15.7 points in the first quarter and 17.0 points in the second quarter. However, their second-half scoring has slowed down somewhat, with 3.8 points in the third quarter and 2.4 points in the fourth. Despite this, Mica Mountain’s early-game dominance and strong record make them a formidable opponent in the playoffs.

Key Matchup Factors

The key factor in this matchup will likely be Mica Mountain’s ability to maintain their early-game dominance while Thunderbird looks to match their offensive output. Thunderbird’s explosive offense, particularly in the second and third quarters, will need to match Mica Mountain’s powerful first-half performance.

Additionally, Mica Mountain will need to improve their second-half scoring if they hope to maintain their undefeated record. Thunderbird’s strong offense and balanced scoring could capitalize on Mica Mountain’s slight dip in production after halftime.

As the season progresses, two teams in Arizona have emerged as heavy hitters—Thunderbird and Mica Mountain. With exceptional records and high-performing players, both teams have proven themselves as top contenders. Thunderbird is currently 10-1, while Mica Mountain remains undefeated at 11-0. This article compares their statistics, key players, and records, giving insight into what makes each team so successful.

Team Stat Comparison

Both Thunderbird and Mica Mountain boast impressive offensive and defensive numbers, but there are several key differences that set them apart.

Offensive Comparison:

• Rushing: Thunderbird dominates on the ground, averaging 260.5 rushing yards per game, significantly more than Mica Mountain’s 150.4. Elijah Little has been a standout, contributing 195.1 rushing yards per game for Thunderbird. In contrast, Mica Mountain’s leading rusher, Josiah Thornwell, averages 67.7 yards per game, showcasing a more balanced offensive approach.
• Passing: Thunderbird also holds an edge in passing, with 138.1 passing yards per game compared to Mica Mountain’s 128.4. Andrew Cohill leads the passing offense for Thunderbird, averaging 137.5 yards per game, while Jayden Thoreson leads Mica Mountain with 109.5 passing yards per game.
• Receiving: In terms of receiving yards, Thunderbird also outperforms Mica Mountain, averaging 132.6 receiving yards per game compared to Mica Mountain’s 128.7. Daryl Little II is the primary receiving threat for Thunderbird, with 47.6 receiving yards per game, while Jimmy Leon leads Mica Mountain with 27.3 yards per game.
• Total Yards: Thunderbird leads in total yardage with 398.6 yards per game, compared to Mica Mountain’s 278.7. This discrepancy is largely due to Thunderbird’s dominant rushing attack and well-rounded offensive game.

Defensive Comparison:

• Tackles: Thunderbird averages 56.3 tackles per game, slightly ahead of Mica Mountain’s 53.7. Both teams are active defensively, though Thunderbird’s higher tackles per game may suggest a slightly more aggressive defense.
• Sacks: Thunderbird also leads in sacks with 2.6 sacks per game compared to Mica Mountain’s 2.2. Talan Flores of Thunderbird is their primary sack specialist with 0.8 sacks per game, while Mica Mountain’s Jimmy Leon leads the team with 1.2 sacks per game, providing a critical defensive presence.
• Points Per Game: Both teams are capable of putting up high scores, with Thunderbird averaging 38.6 points per game and Mica Mountain just behind at 38.0. This shows that both teams have efficient offenses that can score at will, making them tough opponents.

Key Players to Watch

• Thunderbird:
  • Elijah Little: With an outstanding 195.1 rushing yards per game, Little is the focal point of Thunderbird’s offense, also contributing 18.9 points per game.
  • Andrew Cohill: Cohill leads the passing game with 137.5 yards per game, showing that Thunderbird has a balanced offensive attack.
  • Talan Flores: Flores plays a key role on defense, averaging 6.1 tackles per game and 0.8 sacks, helping anchor the defensive line.
• Mica Mountain:
  • Jimmy Leon: A dual-threat for Mica Mountain, Leon contributes both on offense and defense. He averages 7.8 points per game, is the team leader in sacks with 1.2 per game, and has shown strong defensive play with 7.6 tackles per game.
  • Jayden Thoreson: Thoreson leads the passing game for Mica Mountain with 109.5 passing yards per game, providing a strong offensive presence alongside the running backs.
  • Josiah Thornwell: While his rushing yards are not as high as Little’s, Thornwell still manages 67.7 rushing yards per game and is a vital part of the offensive strategy.

Record Breakdown

Both teams have excelled throughout the season, with only slight differences in their records.

• Thunderbird (10-1):
  • 4-1 in league play
  • 5-0 in non-league play
  • 5-1 at home, 5-0 away
  • 1-0 in playoff games
  • 10-1 in-state
• Mica Mountain (11-0):
  • 5-0 in league play
  • 5-0 in non-league play
  • 6-0 at home, 5-0 away
  • 1-0 in playoff games
  • 11-0 in-state

Mica Mountain’s perfect 11-0 record showcases their consistency and dominance, especially in league play. Thunderbird’s only loss came in a non-league game, and their ability to perform at home and on the road speaks to their versatility and competitiveness.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced several common opponents this season, with both teams handling most of these games with success. The ability of both teams to maintain strong records against similar competition shows the high level of play they are achieving.

Conclusion

As the season moves forward, both Thunderbird and Mica Mountain stand as elite teams in Arizona high school football. Thunderbird’s powerful running game, led by Elijah Little, and its balanced offensive attack give them an edge in total yardage and points per game. However, Mica Mountain remains undefeated with a strong defense and a well-rounded offense, featuring players like Jayden Thoreson and Jimmy Leon.

With both teams displaying great depth and talent, a future matchup between these two could be a thrilling contest. Thunderbird will rely on their superior rushing game, while Mica Mountain’s defense and balanced offense will look to disrupt Thunderbird’s momentum. Regardless of the outcome, these teams are poised for deep runs in the postseason and will be exciting to watch as they continue their campaigns toward a potential championship.