This week's high school football matchups, locations and predictions

Gear up for a full slate of football games

You thought last week was a wild opening week of the high school football season? Ironwood Ridge showed why it’s still one of the top programs in Southern Arizona after thumping Mountain View 42-14 on the road while Flowing Wells silenced the doubters by upsetting Canyon del Oro 38-37.

This week, every team will either open up its season or play its second game of the season. High school football is officially in full swing and our game of the week is an all-Tucson matchup between Pueblo and Tucson High.

Here’s how each game will shape up this week, with winners in ALL CAPS. All games start at 7 p.m.

SALPOINTE CATHOLIC (0-0) at Mesa Dobson (0-1)

Where: 1501 W. Guadalupe Road, Mesa

What to expect: The Lancers are in the hunt for a state title after losing in the Class 4A state championship game last season. Salpointe Catholic lost right tackle Matteo Mele, who’s now playing at the University of Washington. On the plus side? The Lancers return running back Bijan Robinson, who holds scholarship offers from Alabama, USC, Michigan and other notable big-time programs after rushing for 2,023 yards as a sophomore in 2017. His backfield mate, Mario Padilla, is poised for another impactful season, and junior defensive back Lathan Ransom picked up an offer from Michigan on Thursday. The Lancers should have a fun bus ride home from Phoenix after winning 56-10.

PUEBLO (0-0) at Tucson High (1-0)

Where: 400 N. Second Ave.

What to expect: Tucson High running back Gary Love rushed for 131 yards on eight carries and quarterback Jesus Montano threw for 172 yards on only four completions in last week’s win over Phoenix Maryvale. However, Pueblo is a trendy pick to make a deep run in Class 4A. Expect the visiting Warriors to take care of business on the road, 34-30.

CIENEGA (0-0) at Cholla (0-1)

Where: 2001 W. Starr Pass Blvd.

What to expect: The biggest question for Cienega entering the 2018 season is obvious: Who will replace Jamarye Joiner? Joiner is arguably the greatest quarterback to play in Tucson since Rodney Peete, and he’s now at the University of Arizona. Bobcats coach Pat Nugent is high on starter Luis Morales, comparing him to former  Cienega quarterback Michael Archie. Morales will have to shake off the opening-night jitters, but he and the Bobcats should cruise. Call it 56-7.

Rio Rico (0-1) at EMPIRE (0-0)

Where: 10701 E. Mary Ann Cleveland Way, Vail

What to expect: Rio Rico opened up its season with a 48-12 loss to Pusch Ridge Christian. Junior quarterback Michael Bustamante flashed what he’s capable of in the loss, throwing for 150 yards and two touchdowns. Empire returns quarterback Alex Verdugo, who threw for 1,016 yards a year ago. The Ravens probably won’t struggle at home. Call it 45-14.

Walden Grove (0-0) at FLOWING WELLS (1-0)

Where: 3725 N. Flowing Wells Road

What to expect: We picked against Flowing Wells last week, which added more fuel to the tank for the Caballeros to take down CDO. Running back Raashad Henderson scored a touchdown late in the fourth quarter that gave the Cabs their first lead of the second half while quarterback Zachary Jurado completed 7 of 8 passes for 147 yards. Corey Noble led Walden Grove to the playoffs last season after taking over midway through the season. He’ll face new challenges this season, with the team’s starting quarterback and two leading rushers and receivers gone. Junior quarterback Alex Lopez will start for Walden Grove, but his experience on varsity is limited — he attempted just five passes last season. We learned our lesson last week: Expect a 42-20 Cabs win.

Laveen Betty Fairfax (0-1) at MARANA (1-0)

Where: 12000 W. Emigh Road, Marana

What to expect: The Tigers showed the state that they’re no joke last week, when they beat Scottsdale Horizon 42-36. Quarterback Trenton Bourguet threw for 288 yards and two touchdowns, and added 67 rushing yards and a touchdown. Coach Louie Ramirez will experience his first home game, but it won’t be a walk in the park. Fairfax lost last week’s game to Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep in a shootout, which isn’t a bad loss considering the Saints were in the state title game last season. However, the home team should win 49-42.

SIERRA VISTA BUENA (0-1) at Sahuaro (1-0)

Where: 545 N. Camino Seco

What to expect: The Cougars rolled at home last week against Casa Grande Vista Grande 55-13, but Vista Grande hasn’t won a game since September 2016. Buena lost to Catalina Foothills 28-17, but quarterback Jovani Borbon was the bright spot for the Colts. The junior threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns, but two interceptions hurt the Colts especially in the second half. His top target, wide receiver Mandrell Garrick, had four catches for 158 yards. Borbon and Garrick already have outstanding chemistry, which should be enough for their first win on the road. Call it 30-23, Colts.

DESERT VIEW (0-0) at Sunnyside (0-1)

Where: 1725 E. Bilby Road

What to expect: Sunnyside started off the season in brutal fashion, falling to Gilbert Campo Verde 37-0. Desert View makes its 2018 debut after posting a 3-7 record last season. The Jaguars return running back Tullah Salat, who should be the team’s top rusher. Expect Desert View to hold off its rival on the road, wining 14-13.

Prescott (0-1) at CANYON DEL ORO (0-1)

Where: 25 W. Calle Concordia, Oro Valley

What to expect: The Dorados fell to Flowing Wells on the road last week after failing to convert three two-point conversions and a PAT kick late in the fourth quarter. That’s seven points that were left off the board. The Dorados are talented, but special teams are an issue. Assuming the kicking game improves, CDO will win — and possibly big. Call it 37-23 over Prescott.

SABINO (0-0) at Casa Grande (1-0)

Where: 2730 N. Trekell Road, Casa Grande

What to expect: Ryan McBrayer is now in his second season as Sabino’s coach. He must replace quarterback Alex Bell, running back Isaiah Smotherman and wide receiver Luke Moran, all of whom are gone. Who steps in? Jimmy Hamilton is under center, Andrew Owen will carry the rock and Wyatt Taylor should be Sabino’s top receiver. Offensive tackle and defensive lineman Caden Wechsler will also be one of the top lineman in Southern Arizona. Sabino has fresh faces on this year’s team, but they’re talented. Expect a 49-10 win in Casa Grande.

Palo Verde (0-1) at CATALINA (0-0)

Where: 3645 E. Pima St.

What to expect: Catalina was one win away from solidifying a playoff spot last season, but lost to Sahuarita on the road and finished with a 5-5 mark. Quarterback Malik Martin is back under center and should wrap up his high school career on a high note alongside targets Leon Hayes and Philippe Kijana. Don’t count out Palo Verde, though. After getting shut out at home last week, the Titans are starving for a bounce-back win. Let’s go with Catalina at home, 20-7.

GLENDALE CACTUS (0-0) at Catalina Foothills (1-0)

Where: 4300 E. Sunrise Drive

What to expect: Catalina Foothills held off Sierra Vista Buena on the road last week and Jeff Scurran’s defense is solid especially with Bobby Heizinger at linebacker. Cactus running back Anthony Flores will be a handful, however. This game will be close; expect the Cobras to win 23-17 on a late touchdown.

Bisbee (0-0) at DOUGLAS (1-0)

Where: 1550 15th St., Douglas

What to expect: The 148th matchup between these two teams should be another memorable one. The Bulldogs tore apart Tanque Verde 55-6 on the road last week, and quarterback Trey Rose III threw for 131 yards and three touchdowns. Douglas is a much better team this season, however; expect the Bulldogs to get their revenge after losing last year’s rivalry game. Douglas takes home The Pick with a 33-7 win.

AMPHITHEATER (0-1) at Casa Grande Vista Grande (0-1)

Where: 1556 N. Arizola Road, Casa Grande

What to expect: The Panthers struggled on the road last week at Buckeye, but should win this game. Amphitheater struggled to get a win until October last season, but it’ll earn its first victory of the 2018 season in the month of August after beating the Spartans 21-17.

SANTA RITA (0-0) at Morenci (0-1)

Where: 1 Stadium Drive, Morenci

What to expect: Local coaching legend Richard Sanchez has come out of retirement to coach a Santa Rita program that has struggled to find itself in the winner’s column the last eight years. The former Sunnyside coach should start off the new era with a win. Call it 13-10 Santa Rita, with the Eagles hitting a game-winning field goal late.