High school football: Friday night's matchups and predictions

Pusch Ridge Christian-CDO highlight Week 3 of high school football in Southern Arizona

Friday should mark another chapter in what has already been an exhilarating season. Last week, Sahuaro thumped Sabino 47-13 in a battle of east-side rivals.

This week’s big game features two schools — Pusch Ridge Christian and Canyon del Oro — that are less than a mile apart. At halftime, CDO will honor the 10-year anniversary of the Dorados’ 2009 state championship team that featured star running back Ka’Deem Carey, former Arizona Wildcats Jared Tevis and Josh Robbins and Tucson Sugar Skulls linebacker Robert Metz.

Across town, Cienega will host defending Class 4A state champion Peoria Centennial in Vail.

Here is a breakdown and prediction for every game. All games kick off at 7 p.m.; predicted winners are in ALL CAPS.

TUCSON HIGH (2-1) at Phoenix North (0-3)

Where: 1101 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix

What to expect: The Badgers bounced back from their loss to Pueblo with a shutout win over Phoenix Alhambra at home last week. Tucson High running back Gary Love had 16 rushes for 152 yards and three touchdowns in the win, and the senior now has 341 yards over three games. Expect the visiting Badgers to clobber North 43-13.

PEORIA CENTENNIAL (1-1) at Cienega (1-1)

Where: 12775 E. Mary Ann Cleveland Way, Vail

What to expect: Cienega dropped its first game of the season last week, and it gets worse with Centennial coming to town. Both teams have one loss coming into the contest, but the Coyotes fell to national powerhouse Mater Dei from Santa Ana, California. Mater Dei is ranked as the third-best team in the nation, per MaxPreps.com. Despite the loss, the Coyotes are still arguably the best team in state. Cienega quarterback Daniel Montana completed 11 of 16 passes for 186 yards and a touchdown in the loss to Sunnyslope, and has been one of the bright spots for the Bobcats this season. Cienega plays tough defense, but can the secondary contain 6-foot-3-inch UA commit Dyelan Miller? We expect Miller — and the Coyotes — to win on the road. Let’s call it 42-21.

SIERRA VISTA BUENA (1-1) at Empire (1-1)

Where: 10701 E. Mary Ann Cleveland Way, Vail

What to expect: Buena took a week off after the Colts fell to Sahuaro 26-8 at home two weeks ago. Sahuaro beat the Colts without completing a pass, but the Cougars rushed for 420 yards, including 266 from senior running back Izaiah Davis. Buena quarterback Jovoni Borbon only completed 40% of his passes in the loss to Sahuaro. He’s too talented not to bounce back. Expect Borbon’s arm to lift the Colts 38-8 on the road.

GILBERT CAMPO VERDE (3-0) at Ironwood Ridge (1-1)

Where: 2475 W. Naranja Drive

What to expect:The Nighthawks lost their first game of the James Hardy era last week. Things won’t get much easier with undefeated Gilbert Campo Verde on tap. The Coyotes have outscored their opponents 110-6 over the last two games. Ironwood Ridge running back Brandon Barrios is averaging 125 rushing yards per game this season, but Campo Verde has only given up 59 combined in the previous two contests. This game will be competitive, but we’ll give the Coyotes a 28-16 edge.

DESERT VIEW (1-1) at Marana (0-3)

Where: 12000 W. Emigh Road

What to expect: The Tigers are winless through three games, and have only 27 passing yards this season. Can Marana stop Desert View sophomore running back Serge Gboweiah? If it can, it’ll have a shot at the win. That said, we like Desert View to win 34-14.

Rio Rico (2-1) at NOGALES (2-0)

Where: 1950 Apache Blvd., Nogales

What to expect: The Santa Cruz County rivalry should be a fun one. Rio Rico has scored more than 40 points in back-to-back blowout victories over Empire and Catalina. Last year’s contest between the Hawks and Apaches was a 45-0 shutout victory for Nogales. Junior quarterback Pedro Rodriguez is averaging 114.5 yards per game this season. Expect him to rise to the occasion against Rio Rico. Apaches win, 35-14.

AMPHITHEATER (2-1) at Flowing Wells (0-3)

Where: 3725 N. Flowing Wells Road

What to expect: Amphi coach Jorge Mendivil picked up his 100th career victory in a 51-7 win over Tanque Verde last week. If Amphi wins on Friday, it’ll have its best start since 2014, Mendivil’s first season. The Panthers should get by a struggling Flowing Wells team that’s been outscored 158-7 in three games. Call it 20-0.

QUEEN CREEK CASTEEL (2-1) at Mountain View (0-2)

Where: 3901 W. Linda Vista Blvd.

What to expect: Casteel’s Dane Christensen has emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in Arizona after amassing 701 passing yards, five touchdowns and zero interceptions through two games. Mountain View has been vulnerable when it comes to defending the pass; last week, the Mountain Lions allowed quarterback Kai Millner to throw for 274 yards and complete 76% of his passes. A bad matchup. Casteel will leave town with a 42-13 win.

Tempe Marcos de Niza (1-1) at SAHUARO (3-0)

Where: 545 N. Camino Seco

What to expect: The Cougars are the real deal after blasting Sabino 47-13. They’ve even caught the attention of MaxPreps.com, which ranks Sahuaro as the third-best team in Class 4A. Running back Izaiah Davis is arguably the most underrated prospect in Southern Arizona and after another impressive performance, he and the Cougars are undefeated. At home once again, Cougars roll 56-20.

Cholla (1-2) at PUEBLO (2-0)

Where: 3500 S. 12th Ave.

What to expect: Pueblo has the look of a team that can finish with a winning record and make the playoffs. On Friday, Pueblo will name its field after Saturnino “Curly” Santa Cruz, who was the Warriors’ coach from 1980-95. Cholla has improved this season, but expect another emotional victory for Pueblo. Warriors win 41-14.

Tanque Verde (0-2) at RINCON/UNIVERSITY (1-1)

Where: 421 N. Arcadia Blvd.

What to expect: If you’re in the area and want to watch an exciting player, check out Rincon quarterback Preston Silvas. Silvas rushed for 158 yards and three touchdowns in a 34-26 loss to Sunnyside and should perform well against a winless Tanque Verde team. Expect the Rangers to bounce back at home with a 55-0 win.

WALDEN GROVE (2-0) at Casa Grande (1-2)

Where: 2730 N. Trekell Road, Casa Grande

What to expect: Twins Alex and Jordan Lopez are always the headliners for Walden Grove’s offense, but the Red Wolves’ defense has been extremely impressive through two games. Walden Grove has outscored its opponents 83-0, including a 27-0 victory over Pusch Ridge Christian. Junior linebacker Sebastian Adamski had 20 tackles against Pusch Ridge Christian while senior Rick Avelar had 14. Walden Grove is a tough out this season, but don’t let Casa Grande’s record fool you. We think the Red Wolves should win, but give up their first touchdown of the season. Call it 30-7.

DOUGLAS (1-2) at Catalina (0-2)

Where: 3645 E. Pima St.

What to expect: Douglas has dropped two straight games, including a 45-17 loss to Empire. Catalina is, like Marana, rebuilding. Expect Douglas to return to its winning ways with a 28-0 victory.

SABINO (1-1) at Catalina Foothills (1-2)

Where: 4300 E. Sunrise Drive

What to expect: Sabino fell flat last week in a 47-13 loss to rival Sahuaro. Senior two-way player Diego Armijo had four catches and Sabino’s lone touchdowns. This game should be a fun one, but expect Sabino’s passing attack — led by junior quarterback AJ Skaggs — to return this week. Sabino bounces back with a 24-7 win.

Sahuarita (1-1) at COOLIDGE (3-0)

Where: 684 W. Northern Ave., Coolidge

What to expect: Da Bears throttled Surprise Paradise Honors 69-14 last week. Sahuarita, meanwhile, is coming off a 53-14 win over Palo Verde. Last year’s contest was a double-overtime thriller with Coolidge winning 21-14. Friday’s game will be another nail-biter, with Coolidge winning thanks to a game-winning two-point conversion. Expect Coolidge to win 29-28.

BENSON (2-0) at Santa Rita (1-1)

Where: 3951 S. Pantano Road

What to expect: The drought is over! Santa Rita ended its 27-game losing streak with a win over San Carlos. It was heartwarming to see the Eagles soar for a night. However, Benson is a much different team than San Carlos — and the results will probably follow. Expect the Bobcats to rout Santa Rita 56-8.

Pusch Ridge Christian (1-1) at CANYON DEL ORO (3-0)

Where: 25 W. Calle Concordia, Oro Valley

What to expect: Our game of the week may come down to which running back performs better. Pusch Ridge Christian’s Evan Lovett has 219 rushing yards this season, while CDO emerging star Gavin Davis has 334 — including a 135-yard and five-touchdown performance against Flowing Wells. Expect the Dorados to maintain the momentum and improve to 4-0 with a 35-20 win over Pusch Ridge.