The Verrado (Buckeye, AZ) varsity football team will host Desert Edge (Goodyear, AZ) in a home playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the “2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 5A” tournament, where both teams aim to secure a spot in the next round of the playoffs.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arizona State High School Football Playoff
Who: Verrado (AZ) vs Desert Edge (AZ)
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 5A
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Verrado vs. Desert Edge

As the postseason draws near, Desert Edge and Verrado are two teams with impressive records and explosive offenses, making their upcoming matchup an exciting one. Desert Edge enters the game with an 8-4 overall record, while Verrado boasts a strong 10-2 mark. This article will break down the key statistics, team leaders, and performance against common opponents to give a full picture of what to expect from these two talented teams.

Offensive Comparison: Desert Edge vs. Verrado

Desert Edge:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 118.0
• Passing Yards Per Game: 216.3
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 212.7
• Total Yards Per Game: 334.3
• Points Per Game: 25.2

Desert Edge has shown a balanced offensive attack this season. With 118.0 rushing yards per game and 216.3 passing yards per game, they can threaten opponents both on the ground and through the air. Blake Roskopf, the team’s quarterback, has been a key contributor with 245.3 total yards per game. His ability to lead the passing attack, combined with running back Aryon Thomas‘s 58 rushing yards per game, provides Desert Edge with multiple avenues to move the ball. Their average of 25.2 points per game has helped them remain competitive throughout the season.

Verrado:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 178.9
• Passing Yards Per Game: 248.0
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 245.9
• Total Yards Per Game: 426.9
• Points Per Game: 38.3

Verrado’s offense has been on fire, averaging 426.9 total yards per game and 38.3 points per game. Their strength lies in a dynamic passing and rushing attack. Jack Isidore, the team’s lead rusher, averages 131.8 yards per game, providing a powerful ground game. Meanwhile, quarterback Chase Gieszler has thrown for 193.8 passing yards per game, complemented by Deriece Brown‘s 62.8 receiving yards per game. Verrado’s offense has been hard to stop, and their ability to put up points quickly makes them a dangerous opponent.

Key Players: Desert Edge vs. Verrado

Desert Edge:

• Aryon Thomas: The team’s leading rusher with 58.0 yards per game, Thomas is crucial to Desert Edge’s ground attack.
• Blake Roskopf: As the quarterback, Roskopf is a dual-threat with 245.3 total yards per game. His ability to manage the passing and rushing game will be key to Desert Edge’s success.
• Zerek Sidney: The top receiver for Desert Edge with 47.8 receiving yards per game, Sidney provides a reliable option for Roskopf in the passing game.
• Joshua Hopphaus: A standout on defense with 9.9 tackles per game, Hopphaus is a key defensive presence for Desert Edge.

Verrado:

• Jack Isidore: A dominant force on the ground with 131.8 rushing yards per game, Isidore will be critical to Verrado’s offensive attack.
• Chase Gieszler: As the quarterback, Gieszler has thrown for 193.8 passing yards per game and is a dual threat, making him one of the most dangerous players on the field.
• Deriece Brown: The team’s top receiver, Brown averages 62.8 receiving yards per game and will be a primary target for Gieszler.
• Logan Waldeck: A standout on defense with 11.5 tackles per game, Waldeck is a key player for Verrado’s defense, helping to stifle opposing offenses.

Record Breakdown

Desert Edge:

• Overall Record: 8-4
• League Record: 4-1
• Non-League Record: 2-3
• Home Record: 4-2
• Away Record: 4-2
• Playoff Record: 2-0
• In-State Record: 8-4

Desert Edge has had a strong season, particularly in league play, finishing with a 4-1 record. Their success in the playoffs (2-0) has shown that they can perform under pressure. While their non-league record was more challenging, Desert Edge has shown it can compete with top teams when needed.

Verrado:

• Overall Record: 10-2
• League Record: 4-1
• Non-League Record: 4-1
• Home Record: 4-1
• Away Record: 6-1
• Playoff Record: 2-0
• In-State Record: 10-2

Verrado has had a fantastic season, especially in non-league play with a 4-1 record. Their 6-1 record on the road demonstrates their ability to win in hostile environments. Like Desert Edge, they have shown strong playoff form with a perfect 2-0 record.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced Notre Dame Prep, Millennium, Sunrise Mountain, Canyon View, and Cactus. Desert Edge finished 4-1 against these common opponents, with a loss to Notre Dame Prep (20-14) and wins over Millennium (40-13), Sunrise Mountain (42-17), Canyon View (28-5), and Cactus (21-6). Verrado also went 4-1, with a loss to Cactus (50-41) and wins over Notre Dame Prep (17-14), Millennium (49-20), Sunrise Mountain (49-13), and Canyon View (42-7).

Conclusion

In this exciting playoff matchup, Verrado enters as the favorite with its high-powered offense and strong record. Their ability to dominate both on the ground and through the air, led by Jack Isidore and Chase Gieszler, gives them a clear edge. However, Desert Edge has the tools to make this a competitive game. Blake Roskopf and Aryon Thomas have been efficient on offense, and their defense, led by Joshua Hopphaus, has shown it can step up when needed.

This game will likely come down to which team can impose its style of play. If Verrado’s offense can hit its stride and put up points quickly, it could be tough for Desert Edge to keep up. On the other hand, if Desert Edge can control the clock and capitalize on turnovers, they might have the opportunity to pull off an upset. Regardless of the outcome, this is sure to be an exciting contest between two talented teams.