FOOTBALL: Southern Arizona Week 10 Preview

October 16, 2018 by Andy Morales, AZPreps365


Ironwood Ridge is one of several teams already in playoff mode. (Andy Morales/AZPreps365.com)

Friday, Oct. 19

 

6A CONFERENCE

No. 21 Tucson (5-3, 3-1) at No. 1 Chandler (7-1, 3-0)

Cesar Chavez would have to lose their last two games and Tucson would need to win their last game to set up a 6A Metro championship for the Badgers.

 

5A CONFERENCE

No. 5 Cienega (7-1, 3-0) at No. 38 Nogales (2-6, 0-3)

The Bobcats leapfrogged Flowing Wells in the rankings after a big win over Marana last week. Cienega can win the 5A Southern Region with a win over Nogales combined with a Buena victory over Ironwood Ridge.

 

No. 6 Flowing Wells (7-1, 3-0) at No. 43 Cholla (0-8, 0-3)

Flowing Wells is still ranked in the top eight but Mountain View Marana is waiting for them next week.

 

No. 23 Sunnyside (4-4, 1-2) at No. 12 Marana (5-3, 1-2)

Not too many power points available for Marana here and next week when the Tigers visit Nogales. Still, there should be enough to stay in the top 16. Any sort of upset will be almost too difficult to overcome.

 

No. 15 Buena (5-3, 2-1) at No. 18 Ironwood Ridge (4-4, 2-1)

This is basically a playoff game for both teams. The loser is likely out of the playoff picture heading into the final week.

 

No. 31 Mountain View (3-5, 3-0) at No. 32 Desert View (3-5, 2-1)

Mountain View is looking to pour it on strong at the end but cannot afford to look past Desert View, knowing Flowing Wells is next week.

 

No. 36 Empire (3-5, 1-2) at No. 41 Rincon/UHS (1-7, 0-3)

The move from 3A to 5A has been difficult for Empire. Had the Ravens stayed in 3A, they would be in the playoff race for sure.

 

4A CONFERENCE

No. 19 Catalina Foothills (4-4, 2-1) at No. 1 Salpointe (8-0, 3-0)

Playing Salpointe will be a power boost for Salpointe, as it was for Canyon del Oro last week, but a win will practically guarantee a playoff spot. The Lancers have too many weapons though.

 

No. 7 Sahuaro (6-2, 1-1) at No. 18 Casa Grande (5-3, 1-2)

Sahuaro is playing for a playoff home game and that means staying in the top eight while Casa Grande is in playoff mode.

 

No. 10 Walden Grove (6-2, 3-0) at No. 39 Amphitheater (3-5, 2-1)

Walden Grove is playing for a 4A Gila title but not too many power points available down the stretch to get back in the top eight.

 

No. 9 Canyon del Oro (5-3, 1-2) at No. 41 Vista Grande (2-6, 0-3)

Canyon del Oro is on the edge of hosting a first-round game but just getting in the playoffs would be a bonus.

 

No. 21 Douglas (6-2, 1-2) at No. 45 Palo Verde (2-6, 1-2)

Douglas has to win out and hope for a lot of help.

 

No. 47 Rio Rico (1-7, 0-3) at No. 31 Pueblo (3-5, 2-1)

Pueblo still has an outside shot at a region title.

 

3A CONFERENCE

No. 16 Sahuarita (5-3, 1-2) at No. 7 Sabino (6-2, 3-0)

Sahuarita really needs this one to get back where they were a few weeks ago but Sabino is playing for a top-eight finish.

 

No. 9 Safford (5-3, 3-0) at No. 12 Pusch Ridge (4-4, 2-1)

Safford cannot afford to look past Pusch Ridge to get to Sabino next week. This should be a good game.

 

No. 38 Catalina (1-7, 0-3) at No. 29 Tanque Verde (2-6, 0-3)

Lots of pride here on the line for both teams.

 

2A CONFERENCE

No. 10 Willcox (6-2, 2-0) at No. 20 Tombstone (5-3, 1-1)

Small town rivalry games with both teams making a comeback. Tombstone needs to win out to get into playoff contention.

 

No. 6 St. Johns (6-2, 1-2) at No. 15 Benson (5-3, 3-0)

A strange freedom game this late in the season but Benson can make the most of this with a win. The stakes are higher for St, John’s – it’s a “no-win” situation.

 

No. 31 ASU Prep (1-7, 1-2) at No. 19 Santa Cruz (2-6, 1-2)

Santa Cruz let one get away last week with a 43-40 loss to No. 12 Scottsdale Christian.

 

No. 24 Bisbee (2-6, 0-2) at No. 38 Santa Rita (0-8, 0-3)

Bisbee looking to pick up first region victory of the year.

 

No. 26 San Manuel (2-6, 1-2) at No. 25 Miami (4-4, 2-1)

This is what small-town football is all about.