Time: 5 p.m. (Saturday)
Address: 1700 E. Union Hills Drive, Phoenix
Key matchup: Both teams offer a hefty 1-2 running punch. Thatcher is led by Chris Aaron and Bryant Innes, who have combined for 1,320 yards and 16 touchdowns. ALA relies on Josh Winterstein and Jordan Burmeister, who have rushed for 1,350 yards, 13 TDs and 1,079, 14 TDs respectively.
Key stat: Thatcher knocked off previously unbeaten Yuma Catholic, 39-21, last week. Arizona Lutheran lost to Yuma Catholic, 30-28, at midseason.
The intrigue: Two of Thatcher’s losses were to 3A playoff teams. The Eagles avenged their only 2A loss by shutting out Benson in the first round of the playoffs. Is Thatcher more playoff ready than ALA? Their schedule says so.
