The Prescott varsity football team will host Vista Grande from Casa Grande, 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 for Conference 4A, as both teams compete for a chance to advance in the tournament.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Arizona High School Football
Who: Vista Grande vs Prescott
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 4A
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Vista Grande vs. Prescott
The 2024 AIA State Football Championships are heating up, and the first-round matchup between Vista Grande (Casa Grande, AZ) and Prescott (AZ) is set to deliver an exciting playoff battle. Both teams enter the game with impressive records and are looking to prove they can handle the pressure in the highly competitive Conference 4A tournament. This game, taking place on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m., will be crucial for both squads as they fight for a spot in the next round.
Team Records and Rankings
Vista Grande
- Record: 8-2 overall, 4-1 in section play
- Home/Away: 4-1 at home, 4-1 away
- Ranking: 47th in Arizona, 8th in Division
- Points For (PF): 329
- Points Against (PA): 141
- Win %: .800 overall, .800 in section
Vista Grande has had a strong season, finishing with an 8-2 record and a solid 4-1 record in section play. They have been an offensive force, scoring 329 points while allowing just 141, showcasing a balanced team that can dominate both at home and on the road. Their ability to execute on both sides of the ball will be tested in this playoff matchup, especially on the road against a high-powered team like Prescott.
Prescott
- Record: 9-1 overall, 5-0 in section play
- Home/Away: 5-0 at home, 4-1 away
- Ranking: 43rd in Arizona, 6th in Division
- Points For (PF): 343
- Points Against (PA): 193
- Win %: .900 overall, 1.000 in section
Prescott enters the playoffs with a dominant 9-1 record and an undefeated section record, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. Their offensive unit has been prolific, scoring 343 points, while their defense has allowed 193, making them a well-rounded team with few weaknesses. Prescott’s perfect 5-0 home record adds another layer of confidence as they look to defend their turf in this critical playoff game.
Scoring Averages by Quarter
Both teams have shown the ability to score throughout the game, but they do so at different paces. Here’s a closer look at how both teams perform by quarter:
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vista Grande | 4.0 | 9.6 | 10.6 | 6.8 | 32.9 |
| Prescott | 14.0 | 9.8 | 5.7 | 4.7 | 34.3 |
Prescott starts strong, averaging 14.0 points in the first quarter, which could set the tone for their home playoff game. In contrast, Vista Grande has a more balanced attack, especially in the middle quarters, where they average 10.6 points in the third quarter. Prescott will need to build on their early momentum, while Vista Grande will look to find their rhythm after the first quarter.
Key Matchup: Defense vs. Offense
- Vista Grande’s Offensive Efficiency: Vista Grande has proven they can score consistently throughout the game, particularly in the second and third quarters. Their offense will need to be at its best to keep pace with Prescott’s high-scoring attack.
- Prescott’s Early Surge: Prescott’s strong first-quarter performance gives them an early advantage, and they will look to capitalize on this momentum to put pressure on Vista Grande. If they can establish a commanding lead early, Vista Grande may find it difficult to mount a comeback.
- Defensive Strategy: While both teams have potent offenses, Prescott’s defense has been slightly more susceptible, allowing 193 points compared to Vista Grande’s 141. If Vista Grande can exploit any defensive lapses, they might be able to stay competitive.
Conclusion
The game between Vista Grande and Prescott on November 15 will be a thrilling matchup between two high-performing teams. Prescott’s strong start to games, combined with their perfect home record, gives them the edge, but Vista Grande’s offensive balance and ability to execute in the middle quarters will keep them in the hunt. With both teams looking to advance deep into the 2024 AIA State Football Championships, this Conference 4A showdown is one to watch.
The highly anticipated matchup between Vista Grande and Prescott is set to take place with both teams boasting impressive records. Vista Grande, with an 8-2 overall record, faces Prescott, who enters the game with a 9-1 record. Both teams have had standout seasons, and this game will be crucial as they both look to finish their regular seasons strong.
Team Stat Comparison
The statistical breakdown between Vista Grande and Prescott reveals two teams with comparable offensive outputs. Vista Grande averages 441.8 total yards per game, while Prescott has 374.4 total yards per game. The difference primarily comes in the rushing game, where Vista Grande excels, averaging 252.2 rushing yards per game compared to Prescott’s 188.3. Vista Grande’s strong rushing attack, led by Fernando Moya, will look to control the tempo of the game and keep Prescott’s offense off the field.
Both teams are balanced offensively, with Vista Grande also showing significant passing ability (189.6 passing yards per game). Prescott isn’t far behind, averaging 186.1 passing yards per game. With both teams capable of moving the ball efficiently, this matchup will likely feature a back-and-forth battle.
Defensively, Prescott holds the advantage in tackles per game, averaging 68.5, compared to Vista Grande’s 40.8. Prescott’s defense, led by Brody Hanna (10.3 tackles per game), will be key in trying to slow down Vista Grande’s offensive attack. However, Vista Grande will rely on its ability to control the ball and limit Prescott’s opportunities.
Key Players to Watch
- Vista Grande:
- Fernando Moya, the team’s standout rusher, has been a dominant force with 113.9 rushing yards per game. His ability to break off big runs will be crucial in setting the tone for Vista Grande’s offense.
- Eltorna Gant provides balance with a solid passing attack, contributing 157.6 passing yards per game. His ability to connect with playmakers like Thomas Ortega Jr. (85.1 receiving yards per game) will keep Prescott’s defense on its toes.
- Jason Villegas is a leader on defense, recording 7.1 tackles per game. His performance will be vital in trying to contain Prescott’s offense.
- Prescott:
- Uriah Tenette, who leads Prescott in both rushing (75.6 yards per game) and passing (182.1 yards per game), is the focal point of their offense. His dual-threat capability will be key to Prescott’s chances in this game.
- Josiah Peoples and Ian Slater are key targets in the passing game, with Peoples averaging 60.2 receiving yards per game. Their ability to make plays in the air will be crucial for Prescott’s offensive balance.
- Brody Hanna, who leads the team with 10.3 tackles per game, will need to step up on defense to help contain the Vista Grande running game and pressure Eltorna Gant in the passing attack.
Record Breakdown
Both teams come into the game with strong records, but Prescott holds a slight edge with a 9-1 record compared to Vista Grande’s 8-2. Vista Grande has been dominant in non-league play, posting a 4-1 record, while Prescott has been perfect in non-league games, with a 4-1 mark.
The teams are equally competitive in league play, with Vista Grande sporting a 4-1 record and Prescott an undefeated 5-0 record. This will be an important matchup for both teams, as they look to solidify their playoff positioning.
Common Opponents
Both teams share a perfect record against their common opponents this season, with Vista Grande and Prescott both securing wins against Coconino and Combs. These victories suggest that both teams have similar levels of competition and are evenly matched going into this game.
Game Outlook
As both teams have been able to generate substantial offense, this game will likely come down to which defense can make the key stops. Vista Grande’s ability to run the football effectively and control the clock could give them an edge, but Prescott’s well-rounded offense and strong defensive play, led by Brody Hanna, will challenge Vista Grande’s attack.
Vista Grande will need to exploit its rushing game and try to limit Prescott’s explosive plays through the air. On the other hand, Prescott will rely on the dual-threat ability of Uriah Tenette to keep Vista Grande’s defense off balance and create opportunities for big plays.
With both teams highly motivated and evenly matched, this promises to be an exciting and hard-fought game. The winner will have the advantage heading into the postseason, so expect both teams to leave it all on the field.
