High school football in Arizona takes center stage this Friday night as the Sabino Sabercats travel to face the Empire Ravens in a pivotal contest on October 4, 2024, at 5:00 AM GMT+6. Both teams enter this matchup with a strong drive to win as they look to solidify their standing in the region and make their push towards the playoffs.
This game is especially significant because both programs are having promising seasons and will need every win they can get to boost their playoff chances. With two well-coached teams, talented players, and a strong rivalry feel, this game is poised to be an exciting and closely contested matchup.
In this in-depth article, we will break down everything you need to know about the Sabino vs. Empire game, including how to watch it, a detailed preview of both teams, key matchups, predictions, and much more. As both teams gear up for this must-watch event, we’ll dive deep into the players to keep an eye on and what each team needs to do to come out on top.
How to Watch Sabino vs. Empire
If you can’t make it to the game in person but want to catch all the action, you can watch the game live on NFHS Network. The platform is the official streaming service for high school sports across the country, and it provides live and on-demand access to games all season long.
Here’s how you can tune in to the game:
- Subscribe to NFHS Network:
Head over to NFHS Network and sign up for a subscription. The network offers both monthly and annual packages, which give you access to not only this game but hundreds of high school games across multiple sports. - Search for the Sabino vs. Empire Game:
Once you have a subscription, you can easily search for the game by entering “Sabino vs. Empire” in the search bar. You can also search by the date (October 4, 2024) or by school name to find the matchup. - Watch Live or On-Demand:
The game will air live at 5:00 AM GMT+6, but if you can’t watch it live, NFHS Network also offers the option to view the game on-demand at your convenience.
Sabino Sabercats Team Preview
Season Recap
The Sabino Sabercats are entering the 2024 season with high expectations, and so far, they’ve lived up to the hype. Led by head coach Ryan McBrayer, the Sabercats have shown tremendous balance on both sides of the ball and are a force to be reckoned with in the Arizona high school football scene.
Sabino has a strong football tradition, and their 2024 squad is continuing that legacy. With an explosive offense and a stingy defense, the Sabercats have had a season filled with dominant wins. However, facing a tough rival like Empire means they’ll need to bring their A-game to keep their season rolling smoothly.
Offensive Overview
The heart of Sabino’s offensive attack is senior quarterback Nate Smith, who is having an impressive season. Smith is a dual-threat quarterback with the ability to hurt opposing defenses both through the air and on the ground. His leadership and poise have been key factors in Sabino’s offensive success this season.
- Passing Yards: 2,100
- Touchdowns: 24
- Interceptions: 5
- Rushing Yards: 550
- Rushing Touchdowns: 7
Smith’s ability to extend plays with his feet while keeping his eyes downfield makes him a dangerous weapon. He’s particularly effective when the Sabercats run read-option plays, which force defenses to choose between defending his passing or rushing abilities.
Backing him up is a talented backfield, led by junior running back Elijah Davis, who has emerged as a major playmaker for Sabino this season. Davis is a bruising back with speed, capable of grinding out tough yards between the tackles and breaking big plays on the outside.
- Rushing Yards: 1,150
- Touchdowns: 15
- Yards per Carry: 6.8
Davis is a reliable workhorse who can wear down opposing defenses over the course of a game. His vision and patience at the line of scrimmage allow him to find gaps in the defense, and his burst of speed makes him a home-run threat every time he touches the ball.
The receiving corps is anchored by senior wide receiver Jackson Moore, who has been Nate Smith’s favorite target this season. Moore has the speed to stretch the field and the ability to make contested catches in traffic, making him a difficult matchup for opposing cornerbacks.
- Receiving Yards: 950
- Touchdowns: 12
Moore’s chemistry with Smith has been evident all season, as the two have connected for several big plays in key moments. Moore’s ability to win one-on-one battles on the outside opens up the field for the rest of the Sabino offense.
Defensive Overview
On defense, the Sabercats are led by senior linebacker Tyler Jacobs, who has been the heart and soul of the Sabino defense. Jacobs is a hard-hitting, high-motor player who excels in both run defense and pass coverage.
- Tackles: 105
- Sacks: 8
- Tackles for Loss: 14
Jacobs’ leadership and football IQ make him a key part of the Sabino defensive unit. His ability to read plays and get into the backfield has disrupted many opposing offenses this season.
In the secondary, junior cornerback Alex Williams has been a lockdown defender all year. Williams’ speed and ball-hawking ability have made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, as he’s been responsible for multiple turnovers this season.
- Interceptions: 5
- Passes Defended: 13
Williams’ ability to take away an entire side of the field has allowed Sabino to be more aggressive in its blitz packages, knowing that they can rely on him in coverage.
The Sabino defensive line is anchored by senior defensive end Marcus Green, who has been a dominant force in the trenches. Green’s ability to get after the quarterback and stop the run has been key to the Sabercats’ defensive success.
- Sacks: 10
- Tackles for Loss: 17
With a combination of speed, power, and technique, Green has consistently won his matchups against offensive linemen this season. His ability to pressure the quarterback has forced many opponents into making mistakes.
Empire Ravens Team Preview
Season Recap
The Empire Ravens have also had a strong 2024 season under the leadership of head coach Jon Austin. Known for their hard-nosed, physical style of play, the Ravens have built a reputation as a tough team that never backs down from a challenge.
Empire’s season has been highlighted by several close games, where their resilience and ability to execute in crunch time have been the difference. While they’ve had a few setbacks, the Ravens have shown they have the talent and determination to compete with any team, and a win against a powerhouse like Sabino would be a huge statement for the program.
Offensive Overview
Empire’s offense is built around a balanced attack, with senior quarterback Ryan Thompson leading the way. Thompson is a traditional pocket passer with excellent arm strength and accuracy, but he’s also capable of using his legs to extend plays when needed.
- Passing Yards: 1,750
- Touchdowns: 18
- Interceptions: 6
- Rushing Yards: 400
- Rushing Touchdowns: 5
Thompson’s ability to read defenses and make quick decisions has been a key part of Empire’s success this season. He has a strong connection with his receivers, particularly senior wide receiver Kyle Anderson, who has been the Ravens’ top target all season.
- Receiving Yards: 850
- Touchdowns: 10
Anderson’s speed and route-running ability have made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defensive backs. He’s capable of making big plays in the open field, and his ability to win one-on-one battles in the red zone has been crucial for the Ravens’ offense.
In the backfield, junior running back Isaiah Walker has been a breakout star for Empire this season. Walker is a physical runner who excels at breaking tackles and gaining yards after contact.
- Rushing Yards: 1,050
- Touchdowns: 13
- Yards per Carry: 5.7
Walker’s ability to consistently gain positive yardage on the ground has helped the Ravens control the clock and wear down opposing defenses. He’s also been a reliable pass-catcher out of the backfield, giving Thompson another weapon in the passing game.
Defensive Overview
Defensively, Empire is led by senior linebacker Jake Matthews, who has been the anchor of the Ravens’ defense this season. Matthews is a physical, hard-hitting linebacker who excels at stopping the run and getting after the quarterback.
- Tackles: 95
- Sacks: 9
- Tackles for Loss: 12
Matthews’ ability to disrupt opposing offenses has been key to Empire’s defensive success this season. His leadership and playmaking ability have made him the heart and soul of the Ravens’ defense.
In the secondary, senior safety Jordan Ross has been a ball-hawk all season, leading the team in interceptions and passes defended.
- Interceptions: 4
- Passes Defended: 11
Ross’ ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and make plays on the ball has been a huge asset for the Ravens. His range and instincts allow him to cover a lot of ground in the secondary, making it difficult for opposing quarterbacks to find open receivers.
Key Matchups to Watch
1. Nate Smith (Sabino QB) vs. Empire Secondary
One of the most intriguing matchups in this game will be between Sabino quarterback Nate Smith and the Empire secondary, led by safety Jordan Ross. Smith has been one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the state this season, but he’ll face a tough challenge against a Ravens secondary that has been opportunistic all year. If Ross and the Empire defensive backs can limit Smith’s big-play ability, it will force Sabino to rely more heavily on their running game.
2. Elijah Davis (Sabino RB) vs. Empire Defensive Front
The key to Sabino’s offensive success will be their ability to establish the running game with Elijah Davis. Davis has been a workhorse for the Sabercats this season, but he’ll face a tough challenge against an Empire defensive front led by Jake Matthews. If the Ravens can stop Davis and force Sabino into passing situations, they’ll have a good chance of slowing down the Sabercats’ offense.
3. Ryan Thompson (Empire QB) vs. Sabino Pass Rush
Empire’s success on offense will largely depend on quarterback Ryan Thompson’s ability to handle the Sabino pass rush, led by Marcus Green. The Sabercats have a formidable defensive line, and they’ll be looking to pressure Thompson all game long. If Thompson can get the ball out quickly and avoid taking sacks, the Ravens’ offense should be able to move the ball effectively.
Game Prediction and Odds
Sabino Sabercats
- Strengths: Balanced offense, dual-threat quarterback, strong defensive front
- Weaknesses: Can be vulnerable against the deep pass, reliance on big plays
Empire Ravens
- Strengths: Physical defense, strong running game, experienced quarterback
- Weaknesses: Inconsistent pass protection, can struggle in the red zone
Prediction: Sabino 31, Empire 27
This game is expected to be a close, hard-fought battle between two well-coached teams. Sabino’s ability to balance their offense with a strong running game and a dynamic quarterback gives them a slight edge. However, Empire’s physical defense and resilient mentality will keep them in the game, especially if they can create turnovers and limit Sabino’s big plays. Ultimately, look for Sabino to come out on top in a tight contest.
The Sabino Sabercats vs. Empire Ravens matchup on October 4, 2024, is shaping up to be one of the most exciting high school football games of the week. With both teams fighting for playoff positioning and looking to finish the season strong, this game promises to deliver plenty of drama and excitement.
Whether you’re a die-hard Sabino fan or cheering for Empire, make sure to tune in live on the NFHS Network to catch all the action. This is a game you won’t want to miss!
