Date: Tonight @ 7:00 PM
Venue: Round Valley Dome, Eagar, AZ
Rankings: Safford (#12), Round Valley (#16)
Safford Bulldogs Overview (4-3, 2-0 in Section Play)
The Safford Bulldogs come into this matchup ranked 12th in the state, holding a 4-3 record. They’re riding the momentum of a gritty 13-12 win over Morenci last week. However, the team has had to adjust over the past few weeks following the loss of starting quarterback Jevyn Elliott to injury three games ago. Stepping into the quarterback role is senior Carlos Arbizo, who made his first start last week against Morenci. Arbizo showed his dual-threat ability, rushing and throwing for a touchdown in the win, but the Bulldogs’ offense is still adjusting to the change at quarterback.
Safford’s offense leans heavily on its ground game, with senior running back Jarett Jurado leading the way, averaging 53.0 rushing yards per game. Arbizo will look to find chemistry with senior wide receiver Cole Goodman, who leads the team with 52.9 receiving yards per game, providing a key target in the passing game.
Defensively, Safford’s strength lies in its ability to stop the run and get after the quarterback. Senior linebacker Jace Jameson anchors the defense, averaging 8.6 tackles per game, while defensive lineman Xavier Owens has been a force up front with 1.7 sacks per game. Safford’s defense, which has allowed just 18.3 points per game, will need to be at its best to contain Round Valley’s balanced offensive attack.
Round Valley Elks Overview (3-3, 1-1 in Section Play)
The Round Valley Elks enter this matchup ranked 16th in the state, with a 3-3 record. Despite a tough 29-25 loss to Payson last week, the Elks have proven to be a balanced and dangerous team, especially at home in the Round Valley Dome. Senior quarterback Connor Lueker has taken over following an injury to sophomore Kage Finch earlier in the season, and Lueker has provided a solid dual-threat option for the Elks, throwing for 185 yards and 2 touchdowns while rushing for 185 yards and 3 touchdowns in his four starts.
Round Valley’s offense is led by sophomore running back Brody Crick, who averages 56.4 rushing yards per game and has 5 rushing touchdowns. Crick is also a versatile weapon in the passing game, contributing 144 receiving yards and 3 touchdown receptions this season. Junior wide receiver Jeffrey Cochran (37.8 receiving yards per game) has been a consistent target for Lueker in the passing game, adding to the Elks’ balanced attack.
Defensively, Round Valley is led by linebacker Lane Hill, who averages 9.6 tackles per game. The Elks’ defense will focus on containing Safford’s ground game and applying pressure on Arbizo to force the Bulldogs into passing situations. Round Valley has been solid against the run but will need to be sharp to prevent Safford from controlling the tempo with their rushing attack.
Keys to the Game:
Safford Bulldogs:
- Lean on the Run Game: With Arbizo still getting comfortable under center, Safford will need to rely heavily on Jurado and their ground game to control the clock and keep Round Valley’s offense off the field. Sustained drives will help wear down the Elks’ defense.
- Defensive Intensity: Safford’s defense, led by Jameson and Owens, will need to shut down Crick and limit Lueker’s ability to scramble. Forcing Round Valley into third-and-long situations and preventing big plays will be key.
- Arbizo’s Efficiency: While Safford’s offense is run-heavy, Arbizo must make the most of his passing opportunities. Connecting with Goodman on key plays will be crucial to keeping the Elks’ defense honest.
Round Valley Elks:
- Balanced Attack: Round Valley’s offense must remain balanced, using both Lueker’s passing and Crick’s running ability to keep Safford’s defense off balance. If the Elks can move the chains consistently, it will wear down Safford’s defense.
- Pressure on Arbizo: Round Valley needs to focus on containing Arbizo’s mobility and pressuring him in the pocket. Forcing him into mistakes, whether through turnovers or forcing punts, will shift the game in their favor.
- Big Plays from Crick and Cochran: Round Valley has big-play potential with Crick and Cochran. A few explosive plays could stretch Safford’s defense and create separation on the scoreboard.
Matchup Overview:
| Stat | Safford | Round Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 99.6 | 140.7 |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 119.1 | 114.2 |
| Total Yards Per Game | 218.7 | 254.8 |
| Tackles Per Game | 65.3 | 81.7 |
| Sacks Per Game | 3.9 | 1.5 |
| Points Per Game | 16.6 | 22.0 |
Safford wins if:
- Dominating the Run Game: Safford’s success will depend heavily on their ability to control the clock through their ground attack. If the run game can consistently churn out yardage and Carlos Arbizo can use his dual-threat abilities to extend drives, Safford can keep Round Valley’s offense off the field and control the tempo of the game.
- Defensive Pressure and Turnovers: Safford’s defense must disrupt Connor Lueker’s rhythm and limit Round Valley’s ability to establish a balanced offense. If they can apply pressure, force turnovers, and contain Round Valley’s big-play threats, Safford’s defense can keep the game within reach for their offense.
- Efficient Passing from Arbizo: While Safford will rely on the run, Arbizo must capitalize on key passing downs. If Arbizo can make timely throws and convert in critical moments, it will keep Round Valley’s defense from stacking the box and open up more opportunities for the running game.
Round Valley wins if:
- Balanced Offensive Attack: Round Valley’s offense needs to keep Safford’s defense guessing by mixing the run and pass effectively. If Connor Lueker can manage the game well and use both his legs and his arm, combined with solid contributions from Brody Crick on the ground and Jeffrey Cochran through the air, the Elks’ offense will be hard to stop.
- Shut Down Safford’s Rushing Attack: Round Valley’s defense will focus on containing Safford’s ground game, forcing Arbizo to beat them through the air. If they can limit big gains from Jurado and bottle up Arbizo’s scrambling, it will make Safford’s offense one-dimensional and easier to control.
- Big Plays on Offense: Round Valley thrives on explosive plays from Crick and Cochran. If the Elks can generate a few big gains to shift momentum and put pressure on Safford to keep up, they will have the upper hand, especially at home in the Dome.
