WEEK SEVEN PREVIEW

 

NOTE: 5A and 6A teams need to finish in the top 16 to make the playoffs. 1A – 4A region champions will earn an automatic berth. The 1A bracket consists of 12 teams.

 

Friday, Sept. 28

5A CONFERENCE

No. 4 FLOWING WELLS (4-1) at No. 31 Empire (2-3)

The Caballeros will be tested by a resurgent Raven team. Big wins over Canyon del Oro and Paradise Valley have given the Caballeros some room for error down the stretch.

 

No. 18 Buena (3-2) at No. 7 MARANA (4-1)

Another big test for the Tigers. This is the Arizona Ed Doherty Game of the Week with two great QBs in senior Trenton Bourget with Marana and junior Jovani Borbon with Buena. Bourguet has 6,373 career passing yards and needs 35 yards to move into fourth place in the history of Southern Arizona.

 

No. 20 Sunnyside (3-2) at No. 12 CIENEGA (4-1)

The Bobcats look to move to 5-1 on the year before finishing out the season with a gauntlet that includes Buena, Marana and Ironwood Ridge. In a safe position for the postseason for now.

 

No. 36 Nogales (2-3) at No. 21 IRONWOOD RIDGE (2-3)

The Nighthawks find themselves having to reel off a lot of wins to get into the playoff picture. They should pick up a win here but Marana, Buena and Cienega are up ahead.

 

No. 39 Rincon/UHS (1-4) at No. 33 DESERT VIEW (1-4)

In years past, both squads could have used the second half of the season to get into the playoffs but region play is out of the equation this year.

 

No. 37 MOUNTAIN VIEW (0-5) at 42 Cholla (0-5)

The Mountain Lions are looking to reel off five wins to close out the year.

 

4A CONFERENCE

No. 15 Sahuaro (5-1, 1-0) at No. 1 SALPOINTE (5-0)

The Cougars already have a region win but this game is at Salpointe. The Lancers are looking to finish in the top four (at least) for the super-seed, guaranteeing two home games and a possible semifinal game in Southern Arizona. The Cougars are on the edge of a playoff spot and a win here would put them in a safe position.

 

No. 4 DOUGLAS (5-0) at No. 41 Pueblo (1-4)

The Bulldogs look to go 6-0 for the second time in school history. The 1961 squad started out 9-0. Without jinxing anything, this would be the year for the team to go 10-0. The Warriors can spoil the party because they have the players to do so. The Warriors can still win the 4A Gila Region.

 

No. 22 Catalina Foothills (2-3) at No. 9 CANYON DEL ORO (4-1)

The Dorados are looking to move into the top eight and the Falcons are looking to get in position to challenge for the conference title. Anything is possible at this point.

 

No. 43 Rio Rico (1-4) at No. 13 WALDEN GROVE (3-2)

The Red Wolves have a great shot at winning the 4A Gila Region tis year. One game at a time.

 

No. 44 Palo Verde (1-4) at No. 40 AMPHITHEATER (1-4)

Like all other 4A teams, both squads are still alive but there is no room for error.

 

3A CONFERENCE

No. 8 SABINO (3-2) at No. 31 Catalina (1-4)

Left for dead after starting out 0-2 (against two upper-division teams), the Sabercats are once again one of the top 3A teams in the state.

 

No. 19 Safford (2-3) at No. 9 SAHUARITA (4-1)

The Bulldogs need this win while the Mustangs are in great position for a region title and an at-large playoff berth.

 

No. 16 PUSCH RIDGE (2-3) at No. 26 Tanque Verde (2-3)

The way the initial rankings came out, the Lions cannot afford a bump in the road. Sabino and Sahuarita are ahead.

 

2A CONFERENCE

No. 9 WILLCOX (3-2) at No. 17 Bisbee (2-3)

The Cowboys are in position to win out but the Pumas need this win to stay close.

 

No. 20 Tombstone (3-2) at No. 18 BENSON (3-2, 1-0)

Both squads need this win. Tombstone RB Tyler Wilrdige has 1,436 yards rushing and 20 TDs so far. The 2A single season rushing record is 2,583 yards and the single-season TD record is 44.

 

No. 29 San Manuel (1-4) at No. 15 CHANDLER PREP (4-2)

The Miners picked up a win last week but the Titans are at a different level this year.

 

No. 16 PHOENIX CHRISTIAN (3-2) at No. 22 Santa Cruz (1-4)

Not the same Dust Devil squad as the last few years.

 

No. 6 TONOPAH VALLEY (4-1) at No. 40 Santa Rita (0-5, 0-1)

The Eagles are struggling in their first year at the 2A level.

 

1A CONFERENCE

No. 13 ST. DAVID (3-3, 1-2) at No. 18 Baboquivari (3-3, 1-2)

The Tigers are hoping to make the playoffs but a win over the Warriors may not push them over the top.

 

No. 22 Bowie/San Simon (0-5, 0-3) at No. 14 VALLEY UNION (1-5, 1-1)

Only the top 12 teams can get into the playoffs and time is running short for the Blue Devils.