Friday night's high school football matchups, locations and game picks
- Updated
Another week, another full order of high school football. Here's a game-by-game preview with locations and predictions.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
- Updated
High school football enters its third week with another full schedule of anticipated matchups.
Pusch Ridge Christian Academy and Walden Grove highlight this week's action, with Pusch Ridge coming off a big win over 3A defending champ Queen Creek American Leadership Academy. The Patriots take on Sabino at home in a rematch of last year's title game.
Following is a game-by-game preview of what's on tap on the gridiron this week. All games kick off at 7 p.m. Friday, unless otherwise noted. Each teams' record this season is in parenthesis, and the Star's pick to win each game is in ALL CAPS.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
- Updated
Where: 12775 E. Mary Ann Cleveland Way, Vail
Cienega’s Jamarye Joiner is shaping up to be arguably the greatest ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ high school quarterback since Rodney Peete. Last week against Marana, Joiner threw for 239 yards and rushed for 170 and scored seven touchdowns in a 57-50 win. Shadow Ridge dropped its first two games at home and will play a Cienega team that is arguably the best in Southern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. Joiner alone might break the scoreboard Friday night in a 70-14 win.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
- Updated
Where: 3901 W. Linda Vista Blvd., Marana
Mountain View couldn’t contain Salpointe Catholic running back Bijan Robinson last week, but Friday should present an easier challenge considering Rincon hasn’t won a game since last October. Mountain View’s junior linebacker Calib McRae had 10 tackles a week ago; he should be all over the field once again against the Rangers. Expect the Mountain Lions to earn their first win of the season, 63-0.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
- Updated
Where: 2525 S. Ironwood Dr., Apache Junction
CDO’s home opener was moved to Amphi because of lighting issues and the Dorados needed to rally before winning, 42-34. Now, they'll face an Apache Junction team that lost to Chandler Seton Catholic by 15 points. As long as CDO executes the ground game, the Dorados should waltz in Phoenix, 27-3.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
- Updated
Where: 18864 E. Germann Rd., Queen Creek
The Trojans have outscored their opponents 52-13 in the first two games of the season, so not only is their offense clicking but the defense is limiting points. Catalina is one of the surprise teams in Southern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ after going 0-10 a a year ago. Friday's game won't be easy, but expect the Trojans to sneak away with a 21-20 road win.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
- Updated
Where: 4300 E. Sunrise Dr.
Cholla is 2-0 behind the play of dual-threat quarterback Jordan Porter, and is another team that could be a dark-horse playoff contender. Porter threw for 208 yards and rushed for 179 more, tallying six touchdowns in last week's win over Amphi. Cholla has scored 101 points over its first two games. Coach Jeff Scurran's Falcons, meanwhile, are averaging 12.5 points per game. If Foothills can stop Porter, then it’ll be a ballgame. If not, the Chargers win, 49-21.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
- Updated
Where: 24901 S. Power Rd., Queen Creek
Empire’s defense is in for a long evening. Casteel has outscored its opponents 134-0 in the first two games. Casteel’s quarterback Gunner Cruz — perfect name for his position — threw for 294 yards and three touchdowns last week after racking up up 256 yards and five touchdowns in the season opener. Although the Ravens beat Coolidge 31-0 last week, their defense will have arguably the biggest test of the season come Friday night. Cruz and the Casteel Colts blow out Empire 56-20.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
- Updated
Where: 350 W. Sahuarita Rd., Sahuarita
The Mustangs return home after dropping their season opener 38-0. Florence won last year's contest 49-7, and don’t expect Sahuarita to pull a win out of nowhere this year. Look for Florence to win by a large margin, 56-7.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
- Updated
Where: 125 W. Yavapai Rd.
Amphi has one of the top offensive lineman in the city in 6-foot-6-inch, 300-pound UA commit David Watson. The Panthers couldn’t find any rhythm on offense last week against Cholla, and fell 50-0. Flowing Wells lost to an underrated Buena team 14-7, and while quarterback Dylan Allison only completed 27.3 percent of his passes and not a single player rushed for over 70 yards, the Caballeros have a better chance of winning Friday night’s contest. Flowing Wells wins, 28-7.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
- Updated
Where: 1950 Apache Blvd., Nogales
Ironwood Ridge senior running back Nick Brahler is a bruiser. He can hurt inside the tackles, but he can also kick it outside when he wants to. Brahler is averaging 179 yards and three touchdowns per game and is the top option of this Nighthawks offense. Nogales is coming off a bye week, so the Apaches are either going to be refreshed and ready to play — or be rusty. The latter is more likely to happen. Brahler carries Ironwood Ridge once again, and the Nighthawks win 35-0.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
- Updated
Where: 4101 E. Valencia Rd.
The Jaguars set the tone of their season with a 42-7 win against Palo Verde, and will look to improve with a statement win over Maricopa. Desert View beat Maricopa on the road 19-14 a year ago. The Rams should get payback this season on the road, beating the Jaguars 35-24.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
- Updated
Where: 6216 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale
Glendale won huge 61-0 against Cortez last week, and scored 35 points in the second quarter alone. The Titans beat Tanque Verde in the opening week, but got thumped by Desert View 42-7 last Friday. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ teams historically struggle in Phoenix, so Glendale should win huge again. Let's call it 56-14.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
- Updated
Where: 15510 S. Sahuarita Park Rd., Sahuarita
Pusch Ridge is coming off a 24-14 win its season opener against American Leadership Academy, the defending Class 3A state champions. With Walden Grove coming off a 52-0 win at Rio Rico, this week’s matchup will be a down-to-the-wire game. Pusch Ridge quarterback Christian Fetsis should have a bounce-back game after completing just 1 of 7 passes a week ago. Lions win, 28-24.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
- Updated
Where: 8828 N. 31st Ave., Phoenix
Neither team has a win, and neither has scored a point this season. It’s difficult to nitpick how this game will turn out, but it’s in Phoenix and the Hawks will have to travel almost three hours each way. Expect Cortez to win, 24-0.Â
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
- Updated
Where: 23908 S. Hawes Rd., Queen Creek
It's a rematch of last season’s state championship game, and Sabino should be better off this time. The Sabercats' offense dominated rival Sahuaro last week, with Isaiah Smotherman rushing for 106 yards and wide receiver Luke Moran catching four passes for 82 yards and two touchdowns. The Patriots didn’t impress in the second half against Pusch Ridge Christian last week; expect Sabino to get its revenge on the road, 37-14.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
- Updated
Where: 22149 E. Ocotillo Rd., Queen Creek
Sahuaro lost momentum in the first half against Sabino last week and allowed opportunities to slip through its fingers, losing 43-13. This week won’t be any easier as the Cougars go on the road and face a Queen Creek team that beat Cesar Chavez and perennial power Hamilton. If Sahuaro thought Sabino was tough, wait until that defense goes up against Queen Creek's offense. This game will be over quick. Call it 56-7 in favor of Queen Creek.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
- Updated
Where: 5225 Buena School Blvd., Sierra Vista
Sunnyside lost to Pueblo in a heartbreaker last week, 7-6, but they could easily get back on track this week on the road. The Blue Devils have to contain the one-two punch in sophomore quarterback Jovoni Borbon and senior tight end Khalil Gardley, who’s averaging 21 yards per catch. It will be another close and low-scoring game for both teams, but look for Sunnyside to get the victory 20-14.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
- Updated
Where: 240 N. Bisbee, Willcox
Willcox is coming off an out-of-state road trip even though Lordsburg, New Mexico, is only an hour away. The Hawks are struggling this season, but the game will be closer than expected. The Cowboys should win in nail-biting fashion, 28-27.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
- Updated
Where: 12000 W. Emigh Rd., Marana
The best team in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to not win a game so far this season has to be Marana. The Tigers have given up fourth-quarter leads in their first two games against Ironwood Ridge and Cienega. Marana quarterback Trenton Bourguet is 147 yards away from reaching 1,000 yards passing, and he could very well get over that mark against McClintock. It’s about time the Tigers get in the winner’s column, and they do Friday, 52-38.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
- Updated
Where: 10045 E. Madero Ave., Mesa
The Badgers are off to a great start, but they will have to go up against one of the best teams in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. Desert Ridge beat Phoenix Brophy Prep 30-21 last week. The Badgers defense will struggle to contain Desert Ridge two-way player Tyrese Allen, who rushed for 103 yards on 18 carries and two touchdowns last week. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ High is a solid team, but Desert Ridge is a notch above in the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ football landscape. Look for the Badgers to receive their first loss of the season, 42-13.
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- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
High school football enters its third week with another full schedule of anticipated matchups.
Pusch Ridge Christian Academy and Walden Grove highlight this week's action, with Pusch Ridge coming off a big win over 3A defending champ Queen Creek American Leadership Academy. The Patriots take on Sabino at home in a rematch of last year's title game.
Following is a game-by-game preview of what's on tap on the gridiron this week. All games kick off at 7 p.m. Friday, unless otherwise noted. Each teams' record this season is in parenthesis, and the Star's pick to win each game is in ALL CAPS.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Where: 12775 E. Mary Ann Cleveland Way, Vail
Cienega’s Jamarye Joiner is shaping up to be arguably the greatest ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ high school quarterback since Rodney Peete. Last week against Marana, Joiner threw for 239 yards and rushed for 170 and scored seven touchdowns in a 57-50 win. Shadow Ridge dropped its first two games at home and will play a Cienega team that is arguably the best in Southern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. Joiner alone might break the scoreboard Friday night in a 70-14 win.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Where: 3901 W. Linda Vista Blvd., Marana
Mountain View couldn’t contain Salpointe Catholic running back Bijan Robinson last week, but Friday should present an easier challenge considering Rincon hasn’t won a game since last October. Mountain View’s junior linebacker Calib McRae had 10 tackles a week ago; he should be all over the field once again against the Rangers. Expect the Mountain Lions to earn their first win of the season, 63-0.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Where: 2525 S. Ironwood Dr., Apache Junction
CDO’s home opener was moved to Amphi because of lighting issues and the Dorados needed to rally before winning, 42-34. Now, they'll face an Apache Junction team that lost to Chandler Seton Catholic by 15 points. As long as CDO executes the ground game, the Dorados should waltz in Phoenix, 27-3.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Where: 18864 E. Germann Rd., Queen Creek
The Trojans have outscored their opponents 52-13 in the first two games of the season, so not only is their offense clicking but the defense is limiting points. Catalina is one of the surprise teams in Southern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ after going 0-10 a a year ago. Friday's game won't be easy, but expect the Trojans to sneak away with a 21-20 road win.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Where: 4300 E. Sunrise Dr.
Cholla is 2-0 behind the play of dual-threat quarterback Jordan Porter, and is another team that could be a dark-horse playoff contender. Porter threw for 208 yards and rushed for 179 more, tallying six touchdowns in last week's win over Amphi. Cholla has scored 101 points over its first two games. Coach Jeff Scurran's Falcons, meanwhile, are averaging 12.5 points per game. If Foothills can stop Porter, then it’ll be a ballgame. If not, the Chargers win, 49-21.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Where: 24901 S. Power Rd., Queen Creek
Empire’s defense is in for a long evening. Casteel has outscored its opponents 134-0 in the first two games. Casteel’s quarterback Gunner Cruz — perfect name for his position — threw for 294 yards and three touchdowns last week after racking up up 256 yards and five touchdowns in the season opener. Although the Ravens beat Coolidge 31-0 last week, their defense will have arguably the biggest test of the season come Friday night. Cruz and the Casteel Colts blow out Empire 56-20.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Where: 350 W. Sahuarita Rd., Sahuarita
The Mustangs return home after dropping their season opener 38-0. Florence won last year's contest 49-7, and don’t expect Sahuarita to pull a win out of nowhere this year. Look for Florence to win by a large margin, 56-7.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Where: 125 W. Yavapai Rd.
Amphi has one of the top offensive lineman in the city in 6-foot-6-inch, 300-pound UA commit David Watson. The Panthers couldn’t find any rhythm on offense last week against Cholla, and fell 50-0. Flowing Wells lost to an underrated Buena team 14-7, and while quarterback Dylan Allison only completed 27.3 percent of his passes and not a single player rushed for over 70 yards, the Caballeros have a better chance of winning Friday night’s contest. Flowing Wells wins, 28-7.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Where: 1950 Apache Blvd., Nogales
Ironwood Ridge senior running back Nick Brahler is a bruiser. He can hurt inside the tackles, but he can also kick it outside when he wants to. Brahler is averaging 179 yards and three touchdowns per game and is the top option of this Nighthawks offense. Nogales is coming off a bye week, so the Apaches are either going to be refreshed and ready to play — or be rusty. The latter is more likely to happen. Brahler carries Ironwood Ridge once again, and the Nighthawks win 35-0.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Where: 4101 E. Valencia Rd.
The Jaguars set the tone of their season with a 42-7 win against Palo Verde, and will look to improve with a statement win over Maricopa. Desert View beat Maricopa on the road 19-14 a year ago. The Rams should get payback this season on the road, beating the Jaguars 35-24.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Where: 6216 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale
Glendale won huge 61-0 against Cortez last week, and scored 35 points in the second quarter alone. The Titans beat Tanque Verde in the opening week, but got thumped by Desert View 42-7 last Friday. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ teams historically struggle in Phoenix, so Glendale should win huge again. Let's call it 56-14.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Where: 15510 S. Sahuarita Park Rd., Sahuarita
Pusch Ridge is coming off a 24-14 win its season opener against American Leadership Academy, the defending Class 3A state champions. With Walden Grove coming off a 52-0 win at Rio Rico, this week’s matchup will be a down-to-the-wire game. Pusch Ridge quarterback Christian Fetsis should have a bounce-back game after completing just 1 of 7 passes a week ago. Lions win, 28-24.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Where: 8828 N. 31st Ave., Phoenix
Neither team has a win, and neither has scored a point this season. It’s difficult to nitpick how this game will turn out, but it’s in Phoenix and the Hawks will have to travel almost three hours each way. Expect Cortez to win, 24-0.Â
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Where: 23908 S. Hawes Rd., Queen Creek
It's a rematch of last season’s state championship game, and Sabino should be better off this time. The Sabercats' offense dominated rival Sahuaro last week, with Isaiah Smotherman rushing for 106 yards and wide receiver Luke Moran catching four passes for 82 yards and two touchdowns. The Patriots didn’t impress in the second half against Pusch Ridge Christian last week; expect Sabino to get its revenge on the road, 37-14.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Where: 22149 E. Ocotillo Rd., Queen Creek
Sahuaro lost momentum in the first half against Sabino last week and allowed opportunities to slip through its fingers, losing 43-13. This week won’t be any easier as the Cougars go on the road and face a Queen Creek team that beat Cesar Chavez and perennial power Hamilton. If Sahuaro thought Sabino was tough, wait until that defense goes up against Queen Creek's offense. This game will be over quick. Call it 56-7 in favor of Queen Creek.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Where: 5225 Buena School Blvd., Sierra Vista
Sunnyside lost to Pueblo in a heartbreaker last week, 7-6, but they could easily get back on track this week on the road. The Blue Devils have to contain the one-two punch in sophomore quarterback Jovoni Borbon and senior tight end Khalil Gardley, who’s averaging 21 yards per catch. It will be another close and low-scoring game for both teams, but look for Sunnyside to get the victory 20-14.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Where: 240 N. Bisbee, Willcox
Willcox is coming off an out-of-state road trip even though Lordsburg, New Mexico, is only an hour away. The Hawks are struggling this season, but the game will be closer than expected. The Cowboys should win in nail-biting fashion, 28-27.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Where: 12000 W. Emigh Rd., Marana
The best team in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to not win a game so far this season has to be Marana. The Tigers have given up fourth-quarter leads in their first two games against Ironwood Ridge and Cienega. Marana quarterback Trenton Bourguet is 147 yards away from reaching 1,000 yards passing, and he could very well get over that mark against McClintock. It’s about time the Tigers get in the winner’s column, and they do Friday, 52-38.
- Justin Spears Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Where: 10045 E. Madero Ave., Mesa
The Badgers are off to a great start, but they will have to go up against one of the best teams in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. Desert Ridge beat Phoenix Brophy Prep 30-21 last week. The Badgers defense will struggle to contain Desert Ridge two-way player Tyrese Allen, who rushed for 103 yards on 18 carries and two touchdowns last week. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ High is a solid team, but Desert Ridge is a notch above in the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ football landscape. Look for the Badgers to receive their first loss of the season, 42-13.
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