The Scottsdale Christian Academy (Phoenix, AZ) varsity football team will host Veritas Prep (Phoenix, AZ) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 AIA State Football Championships in the 2A Conference, with both teams competing for a spot in the next round.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Arizona High School Football
Who: Veritas Prep vs Scottsdale Christian Academy
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 2A
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Scottsdale Christian Academy vs. Veritas Prep: 2A Playoff Showdown
On Friday, November 15, Scottsdale Christian Academy (Phoenix, AZ) will host Veritas Prep (Phoenix, AZ) in a much-anticipated 2A Conference playoff game in the 2024 AIA State Football Championships. Both teams have had strong seasons, and this in-town rivalry promises an exciting matchup as each vies for a spot in the next round.
Season Recap and Rankings
Scottsdale Christian Academy (7-4) has shown its strength in section play with an undefeated 6-0 record, establishing a perfect section win percentage and securing the No. 4 ranking in their division. Veritas Prep (8-3) has also impressed, finishing 4-2 in section play and earning the No. 9 division ranking. Notably, Veritas Prep has thrived at home with a 5-0 record but has been less consistent on the road at 3-3.
| Team | Overall | Section | Home | Away | Win % | Section % | PF | PA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veritas Prep | 8-3 | 4-2 | 5-0 | 3-3 | .727 | .667 | 319 | 189 |
| Scottsdale Christian Academy | 7-4 | 6-0 | 4-2 | 3-2 | .636 | 1.000 | 395 | 164 |
Scoring Averages and Key Stats
Scottsdale Christian Academy has a clear edge in scoring, averaging 35.9 points per game and outscoring Veritas Prep by nearly seven points. Their scoring distribution shows a steady performance across all quarters, peaking in the second quarter at 12.6 points. Veritas Prep, while strong, averages 29 points per game, with their scoring highest in the second quarter as well, at 9.2 points. Defensively, Scottsdale Christian has been more effective, allowing just 164 points compared to Veritas Prep’s 189.
| Quarter | Veritas Prep | Scottsdale Christian Academy |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 5.2 | 8.0 |
| Q2 | 9.2 | 12.6 |
| Q3 | 1.2 | 5.9 |
| Q4 | 5.7 | 6.9 |
| Final | 29.0 | 35.9 |
Home Advantage and Keys to Victory
With home-field advantage, Scottsdale Christian Academy has the upper hand, especially given their stronger offensive and defensive stats. Their balanced scoring could pose a challenge for Veritas Prep, who may need to counter with a fast start and a strong defensive showing to keep pace. Veritas Prep’s 5-0 home record demonstrates their resilience, but they will need to translate that energy on the road to secure an upset.
Conclusion
This playoff showdown between Scottsdale Christian Academy and Veritas Prep is expected to be an intense battle. Both teams bring unique strengths to the field, and with a ticket to the next round on the line, fans can anticipate an exciting, hard-fought game. Scottsdale Christian Academy’s balanced attack and defensive edge make them the favorites, but Veritas Prep’s determination and competitive spirit could make this a close contest.
Team Stat Comparison
Scottsdale Christian Academy has shown a dynamic offensive and defensive front, averaging 336.8 total yards per game compared to Veritas Prep’s 124.0 yards. The running game is one of the biggest disparities, with Scottsdale Christian racking up an average of 177.7 rushing yards per game, well above Veritas Prep’s 42.9. Scottsdale Christian’s passing game is also robust, contributing 159.1 yards per game versus Veritas Prep’s 81.1. With 35.9 points per game, Scottsdale Christian’s high-powered offense could be a major factor.
Veritas Prep, on the other hand, is entering the matchup with solid stats, particularly in passing. Quarterback Rocco Guido has proven reliable in the air, passing for an average of 178.4 yards per game. Their leading receiver, Baylor Arnold, adds another layer of threat with his 67 receiving yards per game. While their overall yardage and scoring (12.3 points per game) are lower than Scottsdale Christian’s, their recent performances suggest they may be prepared to challenge their opponent.
Key Players to Watch
- Veritas Prep: Quarterback Rocco Guido will be a central figure, with a strong 178.4 passing yards per game average. Tico Lentz is a standout in both rushing (61.8 yards per game) and points scored (11.2 points per game), bringing an all-around threat that Scottsdale Christian will need to contain. Defensively, Anthony Sanfratello leads Veritas Prep with 4.3 tackles per game, while James Seoane is a key figure on the pass rush with 1.3 sacks per game.
- Scottsdale Christian Academy: Quarterback Sean Helgeson has a well-balanced style, averaging 154.6 passing yards and 174.2 total yards per game. Caleb Randall is crucial in the running game, averaging 79.0 rushing yards per game and also contributing 10 tackles per game on defense. Another key player is Harrison Gurash, whose 8 points per game make him a reliable scoring option.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced a similar set of opponents, with Scottsdale Christian Academy showing a slightly better record (5-1) against these common teams than Veritas Prep’s 4-2. Notable games include Scottsdale Christian’s 50-7 win over Shadow Mountain and Veritas Prep’s 35-13 victory over the same opponent. These common opponents demonstrate Scottsdale Christian’s high-scoring ability, while Veritas Prep has also shown resilience and capability to win by substantial margins.
Record Breakdown
Veritas Prep holds an 8-3 overall record and is undefeated at home with a 5-0 record, making them a formidable opponent on their turf. Scottsdale Christian Academy stands at 7-4 overall, with a strong 4-2 record in away games, showing they can perform under pressure outside their home field. Both teams are riding high after recent playoff wins, setting the stage for a competitive clash.
Game Outlook
The contrasting styles between Veritas Prep and Scottsdale Christian Academy make this an intriguing matchup. Scottsdale Christian’s high-powered, balanced offense could give them an edge, especially if Veritas Prep’s defense struggles to contain their running and passing options. However, Veritas Prep has proven they can rise to the occasion, especially when playing at home. If they can find ways to limit Scottsdale Christian’s yardage and capitalize on Guido’s passing efficiency, they have a good chance of turning this into a close game.
In a game featuring strong quarterbacks, powerful rushing, and defensive standouts, expect an exciting, strategic battle that could come down to who controls the tempo and wins key possessions.
