The high school football season is in full swing in Southern Arizona. The Star shares our weekly look back at the best of last week while charging ahead toward what we might be able to expect from programs across Tucson and surrounding communities this Friday night.
Team of the week
Tucson High handed Sierra Vista Buena its first loss, 42-29, on the road Friday.
Although the Badgers (3-1) were blown out 56-7 at home by Marana on Sept. 6, they rebounded to beat Cienega 13-7 before getting the win in Sierra Vista. Tucson High now has won seven of its last eight, dating back to Oct. 13, 2023.
Tucson High junior quarterback Derek Mesa passed for 318 yards, three touchdowns and an interception in the Badgersâ win over Sierra Vista Buena.
Tucson High junior quarterback Derek Mesa was 16 for 23 for 318 yards, with three touchdowns and one interception.
After getting outscored 14-7 in the first quarter, the Badgers scored 21 and held the Colts to three points in the second.
A look at region standings for local teams.
Tucson High junior receiver Noah Chanez ran for 143 yards on 15 carries. THS junior receiver Jonathon Diaz had 105 yards on four catches, and freshman safety Ezra Spivey had two interceptions.
Salpointe's Nathan Spivey (8) loses his grip on the ball trying to get up the middle against Marana in the second quarter of their game on Aug. 30.
Play of the week
Salpointe Catholic senior kicker Kyah Francone booted a 54-yard field goal just before the first half ended to extend the Lancersâ lead over Peoria Centennial to 20-10. Salpointe senior Nathan Spivey opened the second half with a 54-yard touchdown, and Francone also had a 50-yard field goal to boot in the 27-23 win.
Stat book
Flowing Wells junior receiver Benicio Ruiz ran for 177 yards and three scores on five carries â 35.4 yards per rush â in the Cabsâ 47-16 win over Sahuarita. Also, FW senior quarterback Tyler Friedenberg ran for 89 yards on three carries (29.7 average) and FW sophomore receiver Trenton Plumley rushed for 47 yards on two attempts (23.5 average). The Caballeros ran for 443 yards in total on Friday.
Sunnyside's Adrian Lopez (0) trips up Flowing Wells's Tyler Friedenberg (10) as he tries to turn on the corner on a keeper in the second quarter of their high school game at Sunnyside High School on Sept. 5.
Ironwood Ridge senior receiver Matthew Kroner caught eight passes for three touchdowns and 214 yards in the Nighthawksâ 35-9 win over Douglas last week.
Empireâs Ngonkra Fuangunyi tries to stiff-arm his way past Puebloâs Adam Moreno (11) at Empire High School on Sept. 20, 2024.
Empire senior running back Ngonkra Fuangunyi ran for 157 yards and two scores on 18 carries with a long of 67 yards. Fuangunyi has run for at least 100 yards in six straight games.
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) runs against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half on Sept. 22.
Next level
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson introduced himself as âBijan Robinson, Salpointe Catholicâ rather than with his college (Texas) on "Sunday Night Football." The Salpointe alum scored a touchdown in the Falconsâ 22-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Canyon del Oroâs Kayden Luke high-steps through the Yuma Catholic defense on his way to scoring in the second quarter of the 4A State Football Championship game, in Tempe in 2023.
Quotable
Thanks for coming out champ!! #30 â CDO Football posted in X (Twitter), quote tweeting a video of Canyon del Oro alum Kayden Luke hugging CDO coaches before the Doradosâ 27-0 win over Amphitheater on Homecoming.
Luke, who is a freshman fullback for The Arizona Wildcats, took in the Doradosâ win on the sideline in his UA gear during the Wildcatsâ bye week.
Games of the week
Marana (4-0) at Canyon del Oro (3-1)
Location: 25 West Calle Concordia
Salpointe's Axel Martinez (26) lunges for a final yard in the arms of Marana's Dezmen Roebuck (1), top and Dominic Olivas (9) during the second quarter in their high school football game on Aug. 30.
Notable: Arguably the best team in Southern Arizona travels east to face the defending Class 4A state champion CDO in matchup of northwestern powers. Marana has already beaten 6A power Salpointe Catholic and defending 5A state champion Gilbert Higley. CDO, meanwhile, has won three straight, outscoring opponents 86-13 in that span. The Dorados beat Marana 49-21 last year. The game is at 7 p.m.
Mica Mountain (4-0) at Casa Grande (4-0)
Location: 2730 North Trekell Road, Casa Grande
Sabino's Terrance Kammerer (33) comes from behind to strip Mica Mountain's Josiah Thornwell (5) of the ball in the third quarter of their game at Sabino High School on Sept. 13. The Sabercats recovered the fumble.
Notable: Another candidate for best Southern Arizona team, Mica Mountain, travels to Casa Grande to face the undefeated Cougars and their rowdy fans. MM has won 20 of its last 22. Other than a pair of defeats last season to eventual state champion CDO, the 4A Thunderbolts havenât lost since Oct. 7 2022 at 6A Salpointe. CG was once in MMâs 4A Kino Region, but got promoted to 5A after winning the state championship in 2021. The teams kick off at 7 p.m.
