The halfway point of the season might just separate the playoff teams from the rest this week. At 3-1, Gilbert most definitely has postseason aspirations but the Tigers’ schedule gets tough with three ranked teams over the next four weeks. So a win over an upstart Mesa Red Mountain could go a long way in getting Gilbert in position for the playoffs.

The Tigers have won three in a row since an opening-week rout at the hands of fifth-ranked Mesa Desert Ridge. Last week, Gilbert could have had an easier win against a struggling Mesquite team but didn’t have much success on offense and turned turnovers into points to hold on for a seven-point win.

Quarterback Mitch Trail has several weapons, including little Jared Johnson, who has 370 rushing yards in the first four weeks of the season. Johnson – all of 5-foot-2 and 140 pounds – was the workhorse for the Tigers against Mesquite, as Gilbert tried to run the clock down. Trail’s favorite receiver, Connor Helvig, has 19 catches, three for touchdowns, in the first four games, and figures to be an important part of the Tiger attack.

Red Mountain (2-2) broke out last week against a down Mesa team, beating the Jackrabbits 38-13 after a one-point loss to Mesquite and a 31-13 defeat to No. 2 Phoenix Brophy. The Lions found a balanced attack against Mesa. Marcus Brantley – who transferred from Gilbert – ran for 172 yards and caught a touchdown pass. Quarterback Mason Thorman had three TD throws in the game and got help from some big plays in cruising to the win.

However, injuries may play a part in this matchup as the Lions hope a couple of key players will return the lineup this week. If so, Red Mountain could play spoiler for Gilbert while improving its own chances going into a more favorable second-half of the season.

-Al Bravo