The Salpointe Catholic (Tucson, AZ) varsity football team is set to host Williams Field (Gilbert, AZ) in a thrilling home playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. This 6A Conference matchup, part of the 2024 AIA State Football Championships, promises an exciting contest as both teams fight to advance deeper into the tournament. Fans can expect a competitive showdown under the lights as Salpointe Catholic aims to defend home turf against a determined Williams Field team.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Arizona High School Football
Who: Williams Field vs Salpointe Catholic
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AIA State Football Championships (Arizona) – Conference 6A
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Williams Field vs. Salpointe Catholic
As the 2024-2025 high school football season progresses, two Arizona teams stand out in stark contrast. Williams Field and Salpointe Catholic are set to face off, bringing together two teams with distinctly different records and statistical performances. Here’s a breakdown of each team’s season so far, their strengths, and what to expect from this upcoming matchup.
Team Records and Rankings
Williams Field
- Record: 4-6 overall, 0-4 in their section
- Home/Away: 2-3 at home and 2-3 away
- Ranking: Ranked 23rd in the Arizona Division
- Points For (PF): 235
- Points Against (PA): 245
- Win %: .400 overall, .000 in section
Williams Field has faced challenges this season, struggling in their section with a 0-4 record, and they currently sit with a sub-.500 win percentage. They have managed to stay competitive in close games but have fallen short in securing victories, showing a slight deficit in their scoring (235 PF to 245 PA). Their balanced home and away performance (2-3 each) shows they’re capable of competing but have struggled to close out games.
Salpointe Catholic
- Record: 7-2 overall, 4-0 in their section
- Home/Away: 3-1 at home and 4-1 away
- Ranking: Ranked 10th in the Arizona Division
- Points For (PF): 313
- Points Against (PA): 170
- Win %: .778 overall, 1.000 in section
In contrast, Salpointe Catholic has been a dominant force this season. Their impressive 7-2 record and undefeated section play demonstrate their strength both offensively and defensively. They have outscored opponents by a large margin, with 313 points scored compared to only 170 points allowed, showing a well-rounded and effective team on both ends. Salpointe Catholic’s ability to win both at home and on the road makes them a formidable opponent.
Scoring Averages by Quarter
Looking at quarter-by-quarter scoring averages, Salpointe Catholic shows strong offensive consistency, while Williams Field tends to improve as the game progresses.
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williams Field | 1.0 | 3.7 | 7.4 | 4.3 | 23.5 |
| Salpointe Catholic | 8.0 | 11.3 | 10.3 | 7.0 | 34.8 |
Williams Field starts games slow, averaging just 1.0 points in the first quarter. Their offense picks up in the second and third quarters, but by the fourth, they still fall behind the average scoring of many high-ranking teams. Salpointe Catholic, on the other hand, sets the pace early in games with a strong 8.0 first-quarter average and ramps up scoring through the second and third quarters, making them tough to keep up with. By the fourth quarter, Salpointe has often established a strong lead.
Key Takeaways
- Offensive Potential: Salpointe Catholic’s higher scoring rate per game (34.8 average) will challenge Williams Field’s defense, which has been inconsistent this season.
- Defensive Stamina: With Williams Field conceding an average of 24.5 points per game, their defense will need to make big plays early to contain Salpointe’s offense.
- Game Strategy: Williams Field may look to tighten up defensively and disrupt Salpointe’s rhythm, as allowing them to build early leads has proven challenging for their other opponents this season.
In summary, Salpointe Catholic comes into this matchup as the clear favorite, boasting a better record, stronger scoring averages, and more experience in high-stakes games. Williams Field, however, could leverage a strong defensive game plan to control the clock and keep the score close.
Team Stat Comparison
Salpointe Catholic enters the game with an edge in total offensive production, averaging 357.4 yards per game compared to Williams Field’s 324.8 yards per game. Salpointe’s balanced attack includes 183.1 rushing yards and 174.3 passing yards per game, whereas Williams Field brings 142.7 rushing yards and 182.1 passing yards per game. This balance has allowed Salpointe to score at a higher rate, with 34.8 points per game versus Williams Field’s 22.7.
On defense, Williams Field has shown their tackling efficiency, averaging 68.3 tackles per game compared to Salpointe’s 58.6. However, Salpointe has a slight advantage in applying pressure, posting 2.2 sacks per game, just ahead of Williams Field’s 1.8. Williams Field’s defense will need to be at its best to slow down Salpointe’s high-scoring offense, which has been especially effective in league play.
Key Players to Watch
- Williams Field:
- Courshawn Hill leads the Black Hawks’ ground game with 82.4 rushing yards per game and will need to provide a consistent rushing threat to help control the game’s pace.
- Kody Guy has been the primary force in the passing game, averaging 148.2 passing yards per game and often targeting Trey Foster, who leads in receiving with 66.2 yards per game.
- On defense, Adrian Dahlene (10.3 tackles per game) will be a critical presence, especially against Salpointe’s balanced attack, as he aims to disrupt their offensive flow and create opportunities for his team.
- Salpointe Catholic:
- Richard Rivera leads the Lancers on the ground with 77.7 rushing yards per game, while Rayce Alvarez contributes a steady 106.5 passing yards per game, giving Salpointe multiple offensive options.
- Morgan Quiri is a key target in the passing game, averaging 68.3 receiving yards per game, and can stretch the field and create big-play potential for Salpointe.
- Defensively, Thomas Regina is not only the leader in tackles (7.7 per game) but also contributes in the pass rush, which could be pivotal in disrupting Williams Field’s passing game.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced Brophy College Prep and Desert Vista this season. Williams Field split their results against these opponents, losing to Brophy College Prep in a close game, 35-28, but defeating Desert Vista convincingly, 55-22. Salpointe Catholic went 2-0, defeating Brophy College Prep 45-30 and handling Desert Vista with ease, 52-14. These results highlight Salpointe’s consistency, especially against mutual opponents, which could be an advantage as they go into this matchup.
Record Breakdown
- Williams Field holds a 4-6 overall record but has struggled in league play, going 0-4. The Black Hawks have been more competitive in non-league games, where they hold a 4-2 record, and their away record stands at 2-3, making them less effective on the road.
- Salpointe Catholic, with a 7-2 record, has been dominant in league games, going 4-0, and their non-league record is strong at 3-2. With an impressive 4-1 record on the road, Salpointe has shown resilience and adaptability in different settings, which will be crucial as they look to continue their league success.
Game Outlook
This matchup could hinge on whether Williams Field can contain Salpointe Catholic’s balanced offensive approach. For Williams Field, controlling possession through a combination of ground and short-yardage passing will be essential. They’ll need big performances from Hill and Guy to keep Salpointe’s offense off the field and limit scoring opportunities.
For Salpointe Catholic, Rivera and Alvarez will look to establish a rhythm early, using their balanced attack to spread the field and put pressure on Williams Field’s defense. Defensively, the Lancers will aim to disrupt Williams Field’s passing game and neutralize Hill’s rushing threat.
With both teams highly motivated, expect a competitive game. Salpointe Catholic holds the edge with their consistency and strong record against common opponents, but Williams Field will look to pull off an upset with strong defensive play and efficient ball control.
