This week's high school football matchups, locations — and predictions
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Justin Spears
Sports Reporter
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The Star's Justin Spears picks every game during a busy week of high school football
Salpointe Catholic, Canyon del Oro look to remain undefeated
Salpointe Catholic Lancers Lathan Ransom (C) (8) lays out Sahuaro Cougars Ahmad Hunter (11) during a game at Sahuaro High School Friday night, Oct. 4, 2019.
Then there were two.
Salpointe Catholic’s 58-13 win over Sahuaro last week knocked out one of Southern Arizona’s remaining undefeated teams. The remaining two teams, Salpointe and Canyon del Oro, both play in the Class 4A Kino Region.
CDO hosts Sahuaro in Oro Valley this week. Will another unbeaten drop on Friday night?
The Star’s Justin Spears previews and predicts how each game in Southern Arizona will fare this Friday. Kickoff times are all at 7 p.m. and predicted winners are in ALL CAPS.
Tucson High (3-3) at LAVEEN CESAR CHAVEZ (5-2)
Tucson Badgers head coach Justin Argraves watches as his team faces off with the Pueblo Warriors at Pueblo High School Friday, Aug. 30, 2019.
Location: 3921 W. Baseline Road, Laveen
What to expect: Tucson High enters this Phoenix-area contest on a two-game losing skid, including a 62-0 loss to Salpointe Catholic before a bye week. Tucson High will face a Cesar Chavez team that’s on a four-game win streak and took down state powerhouse Gilbert Perry. Expect Chavez to make it five wins in a row after beating the Badgers 42-20.
Sierra Vista Buena (5-1) at CIENEGA (4-2)
Two-way star Terrell Hayward plays for Cienega High School, which, while one of Tucson’s ranking football powers, was waxed in the 5A playoffs by Peoria Centennial 55-7.
Location: 12775 E. Mary Ann Cleveland Way, Vail
What to expect: The showdown in Vail is worth the price of admission. Cienega received a scare against Sunnyside before rallying to a 26-14 win. The Bobcats held Sunnyside to 17 rushing yards in the win. Expect Buena to take to the air, relying on quarterback Jovoni Borbon. Buena wide receiver Keyon Taylor is a deep threat, and is averaging 27.6 yards per catch. Cienega must get Borbon off the field if it hopes to win. We like the Bobcats in a nail-biter — call it 30-28 — but wouldn’t be surprised if Buena pulled off the upset.
IRONWOOD RIDGE (3-3) at Marana (0-6)
Ironwood Ridge Nighthawks quarterback Fabian Figueroa (2) hurls the ball up field in a game against Mountain View Mountain Lions at Ironwood Ridge High School Friday evening, Aug. 23, 2019.The Nighthawks flew away with the win against the Mountain Lions 21-7.
Location: 12000 W. Emigh Road
What to expect: When these teams met a year ago, Marana took down Ironwood Ridge for the first time in program history. This time, it’s different: The Nighthawks have the better players, and should have the upper hand. The Nighthawks’ Brandon Barrios rushed for a school-record 312 yards last week, and received an Ed Doherty Award nomination medallion. He might repeat his performance going up against a Marana defense that coughed up 365 rushing yards to Buena last week. Expect the Nighthawks to win in blowout fashion, 55-12.
Sunnyside (1-5) at NOGALES (4-2)
Players sport their school gear during the Nogales High School football team's practice.
Location: 1950 Apache Blvd., Nogales
What to expect: Sunnyside is led by freshman quarterback Deion Conde, who ranks third in Southern Arizona with 905 passing yards. Like any freshman playing varsity, growing pains are common — and Conde’s nine interceptions (compared to six touchdowns) is an example of that. We think Conde will clean up his decision-making and shine on the road, but that Nogales will come away with a 28-23 victory.
DESERT VIEW (3-3) at Cholla (1-5)
Members of the Desert View football team run warmup drills before the start of their game against Marana at Desert View High School, 4101 E Valencia Rd, on September 7, 2018. Marana won 35-0.
Location: 2001 W. Starr Pass Blvd.
What to expect: The Chargers are itching for a win after getting outscored 106-14 over the last two games. Desert View is led by sophomore standout Serge Gboweiah, who amassed 207 rushing yards and three touchdowns last week. If Gboweiah gets loose, this could be a long night for Cholla, which has struggled to stop the run lately. Let’s call it 34-14 Desert View.
MOUNTAIN VIEW (2-4) at Empire (1-5)
Mountain View Mountain Lions Hayden Parson (12) prepares for a pass during a game against Ironwood Ridge Nighthawks at Ironwood Ridge High School Friday evening, Aug. 23, 2019.The Nighthawks flew away with the win against the Mountain Lions 21-7.
Location: 10701 E. Mary Ann Cleveland Way, Vail
What to expect: Mountain View blanked Cholla 56-0 last week for its second win of the season. Expect the Mountain Lions to get victory No. 3 against an Empire team that hasn’t done much damage this season. Call it 63-7 Mountain View.
RINCON/UNIVERSITY (3-3) at Flowing Wells (1-5)
The Rincon/University High School band members, including Kirsten Ketchmark at center, cheer on the Rangers’ football team from the stands under the Friday night lights, Sept. 2.
Location: 3725 N. Flowing Wells Road
What to expect: Don’t look now, but the Caballeros are tied with Desert View and Mountain View for first place in the Class 5A Sonoran Region standings. Rincon, meanwhile, is eager to return to the field after a disappointing loss to Desert View last week. The Rangers have alternated wins and losses this season, and who are we to fight that trend? Call it 28-7 Rangers.
Rio Rico (2-4) at AMPHITHEATER (3-3)
Amphitheater senior running back Carlos Valarezo (4) runs the ball for a touchdown in Friday night's game against the Canyon Del Oro Dorados on September 16,2016 in Tucson, Ariz. Canyon Del Oro won 27-14. Jordan Glenn/ for the Arizona Daily Star
Location: 125 W. Yavapai Road
What to expect: One of the most entertaining games last week was Amphi’s 46-43 loss to Palo Verde. The Panthers had 20 more plays of offense and five more first downs than Palo Verde, but couldn’t find a consistent passing rhythm on offense. Senior quarterback Kevin Silva completed 4 of 13 passes for 69 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. If Silva stays poised in the pocket, the Panthers will improve to 4-3. Call it 35-21.
Palo Verde (3-3) at PUEBLO (5-1)
A Pueblo Warrior runs on the field carrying the Warriors flag before the Catalina Foothills Falcons 19-0 win over the Pueblo Warriors high school football game at Pueblo High School 3500 S. 12th Ave., Tucson, Ariz. on September 27th, 2019.
Location: 1302 S. Avenida Vega
What to expect: Palo Verde quarterback Dario Marchica completed 21 of 32 passes for 391 yards and five touchdowns en route to a 46-43 win over Amphi. Add wide receiver Demier Nelson, who hauled in nine catches for 191 yards and three touchdowns, and Palo Verde has a legit 1-2 punch. Can Palo Verde maintain the high-powered pass attack? Pueblo coach Brandon Sanders was a star safety for the Arizona Wildcats under Dick Tomey, and should have his DBs prepared. Expect the Warriors to win, 34-24.
Douglas (2-4) at WALDEN GROVE (5-1)
Walden Grove linebacker Rick Avelar hopes to play college football, just like his dad did. Avelar notched 135 tackles last year and has drawn interest from Yale, Columbia, Miami and Utah.
Location: 15510 S. Sahuarita Park Road, Sahuarita
What to expect: Walden Grove’s Alex Lopez leads Southern Arizona with 1,330 passing yards, ranks second on the team in rushing. Hector Najar caught seven passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s 42-9 win over Rio Rico. On defense, linebacker Rick Avelar III recorded
29 (!) tackles. Don’t expect Walden Grove to slip up at home. Call it 56-0.
Casa Grande (4-2) at SALPOINTE CATHOLIC (5-0)
Salpointe Catholic Lancers running back Bijan Robinson (C) (5) is congratulated by a fellow player after a touchodwn during a game at Sahuaro High School Friday night, Oct. 4, 2019.
Location: 1545 E. Copper St.
What to expect: The Lancers appear to be in fifth gear with four games remaining on the regular-season schedule. Running back Bijan Robinson is the new all-time big-school (4A, 5A, 6A) career rushing leader, and was featured in Sports Illustrated’s “Faces in the Crowd” this week. Lathan Ransom is Salpointe Catholic’s top wide receiver with nine catches for 194 yards. The other top pass catchers are Robinson and tight ends Connor Witthoft, who just landed a scholarship offer from Georgetown, and Jackson Sumlin. Mixed with a consistent backup running back in David Cordero and quarterback, Jackson Bolin, whose completion rate is 78.9%, there’s a good reason why Salpointe Catholic was No. 2 in the latest Open Division playoff predictions. This one won’t even be close. Call it 70-6.
CATALINA FOOTHILLS (2-4) at Casa Grande Vista Grande (0-7)
Catalina Foothills teammates react to a fumble on the play during the Catalina Foothills Falcons 19-0 win over the Pueblo Warriors high school football game at Pueblo High School 3500 S. 12th Ave., Tucson, Ariz. on September 27th, 2019. The Falcons ended the Warriors undefeated the record.
Location: 1556 N. Arizola Road, Casa Grande
What to expect: How many quarterbacks wear No. 44? Catalina Foothills edge rusher Will Parker moved to offense two weeks ago, and the Falcons handed Pueblo its first loss of the season. Through two games, Parker has completed 14 of 24 passes for 138 yards, three touchdowns and, most importantly, zero interceptions. Expect Catalina Foothills to win another one behind the arm of Parker. Call it 49-14.
SAFFORD (4-2) at Catalina (0-6)
Members of the 2018 Catalina High School Trojans get in some drills during voluntary football practice at the school in Tucson, AZ. on July 16, 2018.
Location: 3645 E. Pima St.
What to expect: Catalina hasn’t scored since Sept. 6, when the Trojans put up six points against Rio Rico. Since then, they’ve given up 212 points. Expect the drought to continue on Friday night. We think it’ll be a 49-0 win in favor of Safford.
PUSCH RIDGE CHRISTIAN (3-3) at Sahuarita (3-3)
Pusch Ridge head coach Jerry Harris congratulate his players after scoring an extra point against Casteel during the 3A state title game at Campo Verde High School, Nov. 25, 2017 in Gilbert Ariz. Pusch Ridge lost 35-28 to Casteel. (Darryl Webb/Special for the Arizona Daily Star)
Location: 350 W. Sahuarita Road, Sahuarita
What to expect: Running the ball has been the Lions’ bread and butter under coach Jerry Harris, and usually Evan Lovett steps up as the team’s top rusher. Last week against Tanque Verde, however, junior Gabriel Castro rushed for 171 yards and two touchdowns. Sahuarita will be tough, but we like the Lions to win 21-7.
SABINO (4-2) at Tanque Verde (0-6)
Sabino’s Isaiah Smotherman slashes up the middle past Fountain Hills’ Collin Robbins (18) in a 3A playoff game.
Location: 4201 N. Melpomene Way
What to expect: Sabino quarterback AJ Skaggs completed 13 of 14 passes for 217 yards and four touchdowns in a 61-0 win over Catalina. Tanque Verde has given up at least 48 points in every game this season. Expect the same Friday night with Sabino winning 63-6.
WILLCOX (2-4) at Santa Rita (3-3)
Richard Sanchez unretired from football coaching in 2018 to take over Santa Rita’s football program. This spring, he was named the new head coach at Tucson High.
Location: 3951 S. Pantano Road
What to expect: With last week’s 26-20 victory over Tonopah Valley, the Eagles became the first Santa Rita team since 2011 to win at least three games in a season. Willcox is better than the record shows, which is why we favor the Cowboys over the Eagles. Call it 26-14.
SAHUARO (6-1) at Canyon del Oro (6-0)
Sahuaro Cougars quarterback Devyn Roberts (14) looks for an open man to pass to during a game against the Salpointe Catholic Lancers at Sahuaro High School Friday night, Oct. 4, 2019.
Location: 25 W. Calle Concordia, Oro Valley
What to expect: There’s a reason why this matchup is the Star’s Game of the Week. Sahuaro just received its first loss of the season to Salpointe Catholic and now the Cougars look to pay it forward by serving CDO its first taste of defeat this year. CDO star running back Stevie Rocker was reintroduced to the lineup last week after missing the first month of the season with an ankle injury. Rocker finished the night with 66 yards. Gavin Davis finished with one more yard, but also scored three touchdowns. Rocker and Davis sharing the same backfield together could be one of the top running back duos in Southern Arizona when it’s all said and done in 2019. Sahuaro is hopeful to return star running back Izaiah Davis from injury after missing the last two games. If both teams’ running back personnel is at full strength this Friday, grab the popcorn and a large fountain beverage. This is one of the toughest picks all season, but we’ll give the edge to a Sahuaro team looking to return to the winner’s column. This game could go either way, but Sahuaro hands the Dorados their first loss of the season, 35-30.
Justin Spears
Sports Reporter
