In Joseph City’s three wins, they are averaging nearly 45 points per game. In their two losses, they average just three points. This week’s win was a 40-34 win over visiting Mayer on Friday night.
The Wildcats’ wins are over Mayer, Fort Thomas and Valley Lutheran, who collectively have an overall record of 2-14. Their two losses to Salome and Hayden have a combined record of 8-4, with Hayden being unbeaten.
What this means is the Wildcats are right in the middle of the competitive teams at the 1A level. They are beating the teams they are supposed to beat and have lost to two better teams.
This week, they play another mid-level team when they travel to Williams to take on the 3-3 Vikings. Williams lost to Hayden last week 55-12. Joseph City was shut out by Hayden 46-0. Based on those scores, this could be a close game.
Only the top 12-ranked teams, including region winners, qualify for the postseason in 1A football. The initial rankings will come out on Tuesday. Joseph City’s postseason hopes may be dependent on this week’s game with Williams. With a very winnable game left at Sedona next week, and a final game with rival Mogollon, which could be for the region title, left on their schedule, the Wildcats may be in a must-win situation for their postseason hopes this week.
