Roughriders, Wildcats journey to higher seeds
By Raymundo Frasquillo
STATEWIDE – The No. 6 Willcox Cowboys (8-2 overall, 11.1884 rating) host the No. 11 Glendale Trivium Prep Crimson Knights (8-3, 7.5515), the No. 15 Morenci Wildcats (7-4, 5.2989) head to the No. 2 Scottsdale Christian Eagles (9-1, 16.9209), and the No. 10 Pima Roughriders (7-4, 6.9312) travel to the No. 7 Gilbert San Tan Charter Roadrunners (8-2, 10.2541) on Friday, Nov. 7, each for 7 p.m. starts.
The second round has the higher seeds as hosts on Nov. 7, the quarterfinals with the higher seeds as hosts on Nov. 14, the semifinals on Nov. 22, and the final on Nov. 29.
2A State Playoffs, Second Round (Nov. 7)
Top ranked Phoenix Veritas Prep (10-0 overall, 19.7236 rating) hosts No. 17 Santa Cruz (6-5, 2.6443), No. 8 Camp Verde (7-3, 9.1713) hosts No. 9 Tucson Tanque Verde (9-2, 9.0806), No. 5 Phoenix Arizona Lutheran (9-1, 13.2259) hosts No. 12 Parker (8-2, 6.9454), No. 4 Saint Johns (9-1, 15.2831) hosts No. 13 Chandler Prep (8-3, 5.9088) in the upper bracket.
The lower bracket has No. 3 Phoenix Christian (8-2, 15.3333) hosting No. 14 Benson (7-4, 5.5877), No. 6 Willcox (8-2, 11.1884) hosting No. 11 Glendale Trivium Prep (8-3, 7.5515), No. 7 Gilbert San Tan Charter (8-2, 10.2541) hosting No. 10 Pima (7-4, 6.9312), and No. 2 Scottsdale Christian (9-1, 16.9209) hosting No. 15 Morenci (7-4, 5.2989).
The top-ranked team has qualified for the title game in three of the most recent five seasons (2020-24), winning once. Six of the second-round participants have advanced to the finals during that span.
It was No. 12 Scottsdale Christian 28-27 over No. 3 Pima in 2024, No. 3 Scottsdale Christian 41-24 over No. 1 Pima in 2023, No. 1 Pima 59-19 over No. 2 Morenci in 2022, No. 2 Arizona Lutheran 28-14 over No. 4 Morenci in 2021, and No. 3 Santa Cruz 42-7 over No. 1 Benson in 2020.
2A State Playoffs, First Round (Oct. 31)
There was a lone upset during first-round pairings: lower seed Santa Cruz over Glendale Prep, 66-50.
Upper bracket pairings had No. 17 Eloy Santa Cruz (6-5 overall) 66-50 over No. 16 Glendale Prep (7-4), No. 9 Tucson Tanque Verde (9-2) 43-6 over No. 24 Tonopah Valley (4-7), No. 12 Parker (7-2) 37-14 over No. 21 Scottsdale Prep (4-7), and No. 13 Chandler Prep (8-3) 26-21 over No. 20 Whiteriver Alchesay (7-4).
The lower bracket pairings had No. 14 Benson (7-4) 49-6 over No. 19 Globe (6-5), No. 11 Glendale Trivium Prep (8-3) 42-34 over No. 22 Wittmann Mountainside (6-5), No. 10 Pima (7-4) 47-6 over No. 23 Holbrook (6-5), and No. 15 Morenci (7-4) 45-6 over No. 18 Tuba City (7-4).
No. 11 Trivium Prep at No. 6 Willcox
Trivium Prep played five post-season opponents, with four advancing to the second round. Veritas Prep (10-0), No. 3 Phoenix Christian (8-2), No. 9 Tanque Verde (9-2), and No. 13 Chandler Prep (8-3). The Crimson Knights’ 11 opponents are a combined 55-47 overall. Four of the five state meet qualifiers remain in the second round.
The Crimson Knights have gained 3,357 offensive yards during 11 games, averaging 15.5 (36-559) yards on 36-88 passes with seven interceptions and 8.2 (343-2,798) yards rushing. Touchdowns scored have totaled 37, four passing and 33 rushing.
Seven of Willcox’s 10 opponents finished the regular season ranked in the 2A Top 21, one in the Top 8 with No. 5 Arizona Lutheran (9-1), and six from Nos. 9-21 with No. 9 Tanque Verde (9-2), No. 10 Pima (7-4), No. 14 Benson (7-4), No. 15 Morenci (7-4), No. 17 Santa Cruz (6-5), and No. 21 Scottsdale Prep (5-6). The Cowboys’ 10 opponents posted a combined regular-season record of 56-42. Six are in the second round.
The Cowboys have gained 3,737 offensive yards during 10 games, averaging 19.8 (43-853) yards on 43-93 passes with seven interceptions and 8.3 (307-2,554) yards rushing. Touchdowns scored have totaled 34, six passing and 28 rushing.
TRIVIUM PREP Crimson Knights (7.5515 rating)
The Jeremy Mager-coached Crimson Knights (8-3 overall, 3-2 Metro 4 Region for third of six) averaged a score of 28-23 (305-250) per game or a 5-point margin following 11 games.
Trivium Prep has wins over Metro 3 Region Phoenix Cortez (40-6, Aug. 22), Metro 1 Region Chandler Prep (41-40, Aug. 29), East Region Miami (35-0, Sept. 5), Metro 5 Region Surprise Highland Prep (49-2, Sept. 12), Wittmann Mountainside (20-14, Oct. 10), Fort Mohave Desert Star (33-12, Oct. 17), Welton Antelope (38-13, Oct. 24), and No. 22 Mountainside (42-34, Oct. 31). The losses were to2A South 1 Region Tucson Tanque Verde (0-38, Sept. 18), 2A Metro 4 Region Phoenix Christian (7-50, Sept. 27), and 2A Phoenix Veritas Prep (0-41, Oct. 3).
The Crimson Knights list a 32-member roster with four seniors, 16 juniors, two sophomores, and 10 freshmen. Seniors include Jacob Butterfield (8), Jacob Drescher (55), William Kelley (32), and Junior Lecky (11); juniors Carson Aaron (15), Chris Alcala (6), Zachary Brown (53), Daniel-Caleb Caburian (54), Cash Fuller (10), Jona Garcia (52), Daniel Gill (40), Ezra Hall (2), Xander Lecky (65), Canden Lewis (23), David Mendoza (59), Noah Messieha (7), Marcus Ostiguin (77), Billy Phillips (51), Thomas Wodrich (5), and Benjamin Wolfley (3); sophomores Corbin Aaron (12) and Wyatt Goodene (70); and freshmen Aiden Blanco (56), Alexander Fonseca (22), Jason Drunasky (57), Denny Gerald (72), Jaxon Hager (33), Dexter Hall (18), Caleb McLendon (28), Joshua McLendon (24), Joshua Phillips (58), and Peter Wodrich (20).
Trivium Prep competed in the 6-member 2A Metro 4 Region with the Fort Mohave Desert Star Titans, the Phoenix Christian Cougars, the Phoenix Veritas Prep Falcons, the Surprise Highland Prep Honey Badgers, and the Wittmann Mountainside Wolves.
WILLCOX Cowboys (11.1884 rating)
The Jeston Lotts-coached Cowboys (8-2 overall, 3-0 South 2 Region for first of four) averaged a score of 32-13 (316-129) per game or a 19-point margin for 10 games.
Willcox had wins over 2A South 1 Region Tucson Palo Verde Magnet (49-0, Aug. 22), 2A East Region Morenci (23-14, Sept. 5), 2A East Region Pima (7-0, Sept. 12), 2A South 1 Region Tombstone (49-0, Sept. 19), 2A Metro 2 Region Scottsdale Prep (48-14, Sept. 26), Tucson Desert Christian (58-0, Oct. 3), Eloy Santa Cruz (42-23, Oct. 10), and Benson (26-17, Oct. 17). The losses were to Metro 2 Region Phoenix Arizona Lutheran (0-19, Aug. 29) and 2A South 1 Region Tucson Tanque Verde (14-42, Oct. 24).
The Cowboys have a 37-member roster, including 15 seniors, six juniors, 15 sophomores, and one freshman. Seniors include Travis Allred (71), Nathan Avila (66), Cooper Burright (75), Jayden Callahan (18), Kody Caruso (42), Ismael Cuevas (13), Jesus Duran (9), Marco Fierro (77), Randy Hill (19), Wilder Lopez (8), Kevin Miranda (76), Austin Nuzzo (74), Joseph Sanchez (3), Vlad Semyanko (58), and Christian Teeters (73); juniors Alan Allred (50), Kaleb Cooke (6), Da’Marion Jackson (11), Anthony Morales (7), Eli Nelson (2), and Rhett Rogers (10); sophomores Marciano Chacon (48), Wyatt Cooke (56), Jacob Green (52), Robert Hill Jr. (5), Pete Kingman (61), Tyler Larson (31), Saul Medina (33), Nathan Moore (12), Omar Moreno (20), Christian Noland (44), Steele Romney (22), Nathaniel Tedla (35), Ruger Todd (34), Asher Ward (21), and Carl Wyatt (72); and freshmen Brenndon Douglas (79).
Willcox competed in the 4-member 2A South 2 Region with the Benson Bobcats, the Eloy Santa Cruz Dust Devils, and the Tucson Desert Christian Eagles.
No. 15 Morenci at No. 2 Scottsdale Christian
Six of Morenci’s nine 2A opponents qualified for the playoffs, two in the Top 8 earning a first round bye, No. 4 Saint Johns (9-1) and No. 6 Willcox (8-2); and four in Nos. 9-19 with No. 9 Tucson Tanque Verde (9-2), No. 10 Pima (7-4), No. 14 Benson (7-4), and No. 19 Globe (6-5). The Wildcats’ 10 opponents posted a combined 53-46 record, 51-39 for nine 2A foes and 2-7 for the lone 3A foe. Five opponents are in the second round.
The Wildcats have gained 3,737 offensive yards during 11 games, averaging 17.5 (44-768) yards on 44-97 passes with five interceptions and 6.9 (429-2,969) yards rushing. Touchdowns scored have totaled 38, five passing and 33 rushing.
Scottsdale Christian had six of its 10 opponents in the post-season, three in the Top 8 with No. 3 Phoenix Christian (8-2), No. 5 Arizona Lutheran (9-1), and No. 8 Camp Verde (7-3); and three in Nos. 10-24 with No. 10 Pima (7-4), No. 16 Glendale Prep (7-4), and No. 24 Tonopah Valley (4-7). The Eagles’ 10 opponents went a combined 60-43. Five opponents remain in the second round.
The Eagles have gained 3,915 offensive yards during 10 games, averaging 21.8 (100-2,182) yards on 100-156 passes with five interceptions and 7.9 (219-1,733) yards rushing. Touchdowns scored have totaled 62, 33 passing and 29 rushing.
SCOTTSDALE CHRISTIAN Eagles (16.9209 rating)
The Mike Sheahan-coached Eagles (9-1 overall, 5-0 Metro 3 Region for first of six) averaged a score of 34-18 (336-181) per game or a 14-point Margin after 10 games.
Scottsdale Christian had wins over East Region Pima (33-6, Aug. 21), Metro 5 Region Tonopah Valley (44-0, Aug. 29), Phoenix Bourgade Catholic (55-7, Sept. 6), Metro 5 Region Glendale Prep (56-14, Sept. 12), Fountain Hills (63-3, Sept. 19), Chino Valley (61-6, Sept. 24), Phoenix Cortez (56-8, Oct. 3), Metro 4 Region Phoenix Christian (41-34, Oct. 11), and Camp Verde (49-14, Oct. 17). The loss was to Metro 2 Region Arizona Lutheran (21-35, Oct. 24).
The Eagles list a 53-member roster with 14 seniors, 10 juniors, 18 sophomores, and 11 freshmen. Seniors include Jack Filby (19), Brody Flowers (0), Sean Helgeson (4), Trey Houglum (58), Joseph Kassisieh (50), Landon Larkey (77), Bennett Libby (55), Logan Liston (56), Cade McKee (66), Abraham Ortega (53), Martin Perez (18), Everett Salazar (25), Jesse Scholtes (17), and Isaiah Steffen (2); juniors Danny Beran (33), Dom Dickerson (1), Dylan Dufek (24), Garrett Guarraia (45), Caleb Murphy (8), Kyle Olafson (3), London Olsen (54), Max Pflederer (7), Isaiah Phifer (11), and Sam Watkins (64); sophomores Nathaniel Elrod (6), Michael Fox (14), Hayden Gibbons (88), Isaac Hammon (35), Brian Helgeson (13), James Liakatas (62), Carter Loop (12), Liam Martz (16), Isaac Machain (30), Harrison Mings (34), Danny Owen (68), Ethan Peterson (69), Carson Reed (9), Jayce Reeter (5), Angelo Scappaticci (15), and Jack Schrey (70); and freshmen Nixon Bair (28), Levi Begeman (26), Cooper Craigs (23), Logan Flaherty (10), Joshua Gayman (63), Bryce Horton (47), Brock Libby (87), Sully Reader (22), Hudson Spencer (71), Ben Watkins (20), and Mason Williams (31).
Scottsdale Christian competed in the 6-team 2A Metro 3 Region with the Camp Verde Cowboys, the Chino Valley Cougars, the Fountain Hills Falcons, the Phoenix Bourgade Catholic Golden Eagles, and the Phoenix Cortez Colts.
MORENCI Wildcats (5.2989 rating)
The Frankie Gonzalez-coached Wildcats (7-4 overall, 2-2 East Region for third of five) have averaged a score of 26-14 (287-151) per game or a 12-point margin through 11 games.
Morenci defeated 3A South Region Safford (20-14, Aug. 22), 2A South 1 Region Bisbee (26-0, Sept. 12), Globe (43-15, Sept. 19), 2A South 2 Region Benson (20-14, Sept. 25), Miami (52-0, Oct. 3), 2A Metro 1 Region Arete Prep (34-21, Oct. 24), and No. 18 Tuba City (45-6, Oct. 31) plus fell to 2A South 1 Region Tucson Tanque Verde (16-24, Aug. 29), 2A South 2 Region Willcox (14-23, Sept. 5), Pima (6-13, Oct. 10), and Saint Johns (12-21, Oct. 17).
The Wildcats list a 37-member roster, including 11 seniors, five juniors, 14 sophomores, and seven freshmen. Seniors include Julian Aragon (13), Zachary Biggs (66), Michael Chavez (50), Dean Chee (65), Isaiah Cook (77), Jaymz Guzzo (4), Derick Lytle (9), Andre McCauley (12), Richard Rodriguez (7), Anthony Rogers (11), and Kiano Torres (3); juniors Joel Baca (28), Mason Clark (17), Camron Dodson (55), Jesse Strickland (70), and Heston Winters (88); sophomores Jacob Bracamonte (21), Brennen Burkhead (5), Jeremya Cruz (8), James Davis (59), Eli Laney (1), David Licano (78), Braxton Merrill (18), Deegan Miller (10), Zane Randle (72), Joseph Rodriguez (23), Hunter Roumell (68), Joshwa Sandoval (52), and Loghan Szymanski (75); and freshmen Kyson Abril (6), Andres Aguilera (51), Daniel Gray (79), Bryden Herrera (74), Ceejay Madrid (60), Damian Paz (40), and Keston Armstrong (2).
Morenci competed in the 5-member 2A East Region with the Globe Tigers, the Miami Vandals, the Pima Roughriders, and the Saint Johns Redskins.
No. 10 Pima at No. 7 San Tan Charter
San Tan Charter landed five of its 10 opponents in the post-season, four in 2A with No. 4 Saint Johns (9-1), No. 5 Arizona Lutheran (9-1), No. 13 Chandler Prep (8-3), and No. 24 Tonopah Valley (4-7); and one in 3A with No. 14 Seton Catholic (4-6). The Roadrunners’ 10 opponents went a combined 46-56, 41-41 in 2A and 5-15 in 3A. Four opponents remain in the playoffs, three in the 2A second round and one in the 3A first round.
The Roadrunners have totaled 3,649 offensive yards during 10 games, averaging 17.1 (117-2,000) yards on 117-156 passes with three interceptions and 6.9 (175-1,649) yards rushing. A total of 51 touchdowns have been scored, 28 passing and 23 rushing.
Seven of Pima’s nine 2A opponents ended in the Top 19, with three in the Top 8: No. 2 Scottsdale Christian (9-1), No. 4 Saint Johns (9-1), and No. 6 Willcox (8-2), plus four in Nos. 13-19 with No. 13 Chandler Prep (8-3), No. 15 Morenci (7-4), No. 18 Tuba City (7-4), and No. 19 Globe (6-5). The Roughriders’ 10 opponents went a combined 63-34, with 55-33 for the nine 2A teams and 8-1 for the 3A team. Five opponents are in the second round.
The Roughriders have gained 2,770 offensive yards during 11 games, averaging 10.8 (100-1,079) yards on 100-183 passes with 10 interceptions and 6.9 (303-1,691) yards rushing. A total of 40 touchdowns have been scored, 10 passing and 30 rushing.
SAN TAN CHARTER Roadrunners (10.2541 rating)
The Chase Cartwright-coached Roadrunners (8-2 overall, 4-0 Metro 1 Region for first of five) averaged a score per game of 45-12 (445-117) or a 33-point margin for 10 games.
San Tan Charter had wins over 3A Mountain Region Apache Junction (48-7, Aug. 22), 2A Metro 2 Region Arizona Lutheran (41-24, Sept. 4), Metro 5 Region Tonopah Valley (48-7, Sept. 12), Chandler Prep (21-7, Sept. 19), Florence American Leadership – Anthem South (45-6, Sept. 26), Gilbert Arete Prep (44-6, Oct. 3), Chandler Lincoln Prep (68-0, Oct. 9), and East Region Miami (77-0, Oct. 17). The losses were to 3A Metro Region Chandler Seton Catholic Prep (26-32, Aug. 29) and East Region Saint Johns (27-28 OT, Oct. 24).
The Roadrunners list a 47-member roster with 10 seniors, 11 juniors, 10 sophomores, and 16 freshmen. Seniors include Timi Akinyoyenu (11), Hudson Cox (55), Maddux Ingram (70), Diego Loera (4), Cryrs Powell (52), Brody Prassas (2), Brandt Propes (6), Bairyk Schulte (5), Breon Sims (58), Jacob Stafford (65); Juniors Santino Aragon (83), Manny Dippre (13), L.J. Hack (3), Tim Hoffmann (60), Matthew Lewis (57), Nick Reed (59), Josh Roden (71), Maddox Schulte (20), Benny Sharp (30), Henry Tauscher (0), and Carter Zirbes (53); sophomores Kai Arellano (66), Luke Cardis (9), Wyatt Carrol (54), Ashton Kibler (50), J.W. Kletter (51), Isaiah Neloms (1), Julian Padilla (41), Avan Ross (42), Samuel Servin (10), and Porter Smith (7); and freshmen Adrian Castrellon (81), Stephen Dippre (56), Zach Ferris (15), Jake Fury (14), Cole Knox (21), Alex Loera (18), Landon McDermott (16), C.J. Neal (32), Braydin Packer (19), Easton Salazar (88), Gavin Schwarze (85), Jake Starman (12), Malachi Tavares (93), Elias Triano (22), Sean Waweru (24), and Darnell White (23).
San Tan Charter competed in the 5-member 2A Metro 1 Region with the Chandler Prep Titans, the Chandler Lincoln Prep Lightning, the Florence American Leadership – Anthem South Titans, and the Gilbert Arete Prep Chargers.
PIMA Roughriders (8.3872 rating)
The Josh Wilkins-coached Roughriders (7-4 overall, 3-1 2A East Region for second of five) have averaged a score per game of 28-10 (311-111) or an 18-point margin through 11 games.
Pima has wins over 2A North 1 Region Tuba City (42-0, Aug. 29), Miami (55-0, Sept. 26), Globe (42-0, Oct. 3), Morenci (13-6, Oct. 10), 2A Metro 2 Region Phoenix Madison Highland (61-0, Oct. 17), 2A Metro 1 Region Chandler Prep (35-7, Oct. 24), and No. 23 Holbrook (47-6, Oct. 31). The losses were to 2A Metro 3 Region Scottsdale Christian (6-33, Aug. 21), 3A Mountain Region Eagar Round Valley (0-36, Sept. 5), 2A South 2 Region Willcox (0-7, Sept. 12), and Saint Johns (12-16, Sept. 19).
The Roughriders list a 36-member roster with eight seniors, 12 juniors, seven sophomores, and nine freshmen. Seniors include Rooster Alder (11), Keegan Corona (22), Brett Flowers (61), Bryan Kelly (72), Garth Lunt (71), Dante McCray (73), Wade Peterson (44), and Charles Richardson (74); juniors Adam Bryce (23), Gilbert Bryce (1), Josh Bryce (55), Rhiley Good (60), Cedric Grimes (2), Jonathan Guerrero (52), Hollen Hoopes (78), Colt Lunt (45), Emmet McBiles (3), Case Mullenaux (66), Joe Palmer (42), and Hayden Wilkins (20); sophomores Roddy Allred (50), JoJo Bryce (62), Kaden Davis (8), Keegan Espinoza (7), Jax Haws (75), Ryett McBiles (10), and Mason Skinner (5); and freshmen Tucker Bryce (58), Jace Cameron (64), MacIan Duncan (16), Wyatt Elms (18), Ethan Lunt (81), Graham McBride (12), Landon Miner (25), Tanner Preston (65), and Brady McWhorter (85).
Pima competed in the 5-member 2A East Region with the Globe Tigers, the Morenci Wildcats, the Miami Vandals, and the Saint Johns Redskins.
2A State Rankings
The final seedings for the Top 24 of 51 2A teams, released on Oct. 25, were Phoenix Veritas Prep (10-0 overall, 19.7236 rating) No. 1, Scottsdale Christian (9-1, 16.9209) No. 2, Phoenix Christian (8-2, 15.3333) No. 3, Saint Johns (9-1, 15.2831) No. 4, Phoenix Arizona Lutheran (9-1, 13.2259) No. 5, Willcox (8-2, 11.1884) No. 6, Gilbert San Tan Charter (8-2, 10.2541) No. 7, and Camp Verde (7-3, 9.1713) No. 8.
Tucson Tanque Verde (8-2, 9.0806) was No. 9, Pima (6-4, 8.3872) No. 10, Glendale Trivium Prep (7-3, 7.5515) No. 11, Parker (7-2, 6.9454) No. 12, Chandler Prep (7-3, 5.9088) No. 13, Benson (6-4, 5.5877) No. 14, Morenci (6-4, 5.2989) No. 15, and Glendale Prep (7-3, 4.6366) No. 16.
Eloy Santa Cruz (5-5, 2.6443) was No. 17, Tuba City (7-3, 0.9144) No. 18, Globe (6-4, 0.6746) No. 19, Whiteriver Alchesay (7-3, 0.4518) No. 20, Scottsdale Prep (4-5, 0.3591) No. 21, Wittmann Mountainside (6-4, 0.3062) No. 22, Holbrook (6-4, minus 0.0507) No. 23, and Tonopah Valley (4-6, minus 2.1343) No. 24.
2A Class Crossover Region Pairings
The 2A Class crossover region pairings on Oct. 23-24 resulted in wins of 18-9 for the home teams, with the host Metro 4 Region sixth seed, Surprise Highland Prep (2-7), versus the Metro 5 Region sixth seed, California Winterhaven San Pasqual (2-7), not played.
The host Metro 4 Region went 5-0 the Metro 5 Region, the host East Region went 4-1 over the Metro 1 Region, the visiting South 2 Region went 3-2 over the South 1 Region, the host North 2 Region went 3-2 over the North 1 Region, and the host Metro 2 Region tied the Metro 3 Region 3-3.
Metro 4 Region fifth seed Fort Mohave Desert Star (2-7 overall) defeated Metro 5 Region fifth seed Laveen Heritage (4-5) 21-16 on Oct. 23; and Metro 4 Region top seed Phoenix Veritas Prep (9-0) defeated Metro 5 Region top seed Glendale Prep (7-2) 45-13, Metro 4 Region second seed Phoenix Christian (7-2) blanked Metro 5 Region second seed Tonopah Valley (4-5) 35-0, Metro 4 Region third seed Glendale Trivium Prep (6-3) defeated Metro 5 Region third seed Wellton Antelope (4-5) 38-13, Metro 4 Region fourth seed Wittmann Mountainside (5-4) defeated Metro 5 Region fourth seed Avondale Highland Prep West (4-5) 36-14 on Oct. 24.
The Metro 1 Region fifth seed Florence American Leadership – Anthem South (2-7) defeated East Region fifth seed Miami (2-7) 20-6 on Oct. 23; and East Region top seed Saint Johns (8-1) defeated Metro 1 Region Gilbert San Tan Charter (8-1) 28-27 in overtime, East Region second seed Pima (5-4) defeated Metro 1 Region second seed Chandler Prep (5-4) 35-7, East Region third seed Morenci (5-4) defeated Metro 1 Region third seed Glendale Arete Prep (3-6) 34-21, and East Region fourth seed Globe (5-4) defeated Metro 1 Region Chandler Lincoln Prep (3-6) 37-32 on Oct. 24.
Independent Avondale Saint John Paul II Catholic (0-9) defeated South 1 Region fifth seed Santa Rita (0-9) 57-6 on Oct. 23; and South 1 Region top seed Tucson Tanque Verde (7-2) defeated South 2 Region top seed Willcox (8-1) 42-14, South 1 Region fourth seed Tombstone (1-7) defeated South 2 Region fourth seed Desert Christian (3-5)14-13, South 2 Region second seed Benson (5-4) defeated South 1 Region second seed Palo Verde Magnet (6-3) 56-6, and South 2 Region third seed Santa Cruz (4-5) defeated South 1 Region third seed Bisbee (3-6) 49-18 on Oct. 24.
Metro 3 Region fifth seed Phoenix Bourgade Catholic (5-4) defeated Metro 2 Region fifth seed Phoenix NFL Yet (0-8) 48-6 on Oct. 23; and Metro 2 Region top seed Phoenix Arizona Lutheran (8-1) defeated Metro 3 Region top seed Scottsdale Christian (9-0) 35-21, Metro 2 Region second seed Parker (6-2) defeated Metro 3 Region second seed Camp Verde (7-2) 49-41, Metro 2 Region third seed Scottsdale Prep (4-5) defeated Metro 3 Region third seed Phoenix Cortez (3-6) 55-6, and Metro 3 Region fourth seed Fountain Hills (3-6) shutout Metro 2 Region fourth seed Phoenix Madison Highland Prep (1-6) 41-0 on Oct. 24.
North 1 Region third seed Teec Nos Pos Red Mesa (4-5) doubled up on North 2 Region third seed Sanders Valley (4-5) 44-22, North 2 Region fourth seed Keams Canyon Hopi (3-6) defeated North 1 Region fourth seed Many Farms (1-8) 27-20, and Metro 3 Region fifth seed Chino Valley (4-5) shutout North 2 Region fifth seed Tuba City Greyhills (0-8) 77-0 on Oct. 23; and North 2 Region top seed Tuba City (6-3) slipped past North 1 Region top seed Holbrook (6-3) 20-18, North 2 Region second seed Whiteriver Alchesay (6-3) defeated North 1 Region second seed Pinon (6-3) 54-16 on Oct. 24.
Independent San Carlos (5-3) defeated independent Tucson Catalina (3-5) 50-6, and independent Kingman Academy (2-7) blanked independent Scottsdale Coronado (0-8) 46-0 on Oct. 24.
No. 15 Morenci – 45, No. 18 Tuba City – 6
Ending up in the end zone when you have possession of the ball is the goal of every team. The host Wildcats started that way. Morenci received the opening kick, drove 50 yards in 10 plays, and crossed the goal line on 3rd-and-goal from the five. But the Wildcats only scored on four of seven first-half possessions for a 25-0 halftime advantage. Julien Aragon darted in, and Kiano Torres added the conversion kick.
Morenci covered 95 yards in three plays after a 7-yard penalty on its second possession, using 1:02. Aragon bolted 91 yards on 3rd-and-14 for a 13-0 lead with 7:32 elapsed in the game.
Aragon sprinted 38 yards on a third-and-14 fifth possession play. The 7-play, 68-yard drive used 2:19 and gave the hosts a 19-0 advantage with 4:09 elapsed in the second quarter.
James Guzzo turned a Deegan Miller pass into a 15-yard TD on the seventh possession, 4th-and-7. The 46-yard drive needed six plays and used 1:02. Morenci led 25-0 with 42 seconds remaining before halftime.
The Wildcats were intercepted on a first down, third possession after gaining 22 yards, punted on a fourth possession 4th-and-4, and punted on a sixth possession 4th-and-5.
Meanwhile, Tuba City punted five times on its seven first-half possessions, twice on 4th-and-13, on 4th-and-5, on 4th-and-10, and on 4th-and-17 after gaining 60 yards; turned it over on downs, and ran out of time.
In the second half, Morenci recovered an onside kick, covered 38 yards in seven seconds as Aragon went the distance on the first down.
Morenci gained 25 yards before a no gain on 4th-and-1 turned the ball over on downs, covered 65 yards in 10 plays plus a 15-yard penalty to score on 2nd-and-goal from the three, covered 97 yards in seven plays plus a penalty, and twice took a knee to wind down the clock. Audre McCauley scored with 1:30 left in the third quarter, and Torres added the conversion kick. Anthony Rogers scored the final TD, and Torres added the conversion kick.
Tuba City trailed by 31 points before setting foot in the end zone. The Warriors marched 55 yards in seven plays plus a couple of penalties using 2:33. Junior Chance Tallsalt dove in from five yards out on 1st-and-goal. The conversion pass was incomplete.
The Warriors gained 26 yards before fumbling on 4th-and-9, gained 30 yards before being intercepted on 3rd-and-11, and gained 35 yards before being intercepted on a first down.
On the evening, Morenci netted 520 offensive yards, averaging 18.7 (9-168) yards on 9-18 passes with no interceptions and 7.8 (45-352) yards rushing. Seven touchdowns were scored, one on passes and six rushing. Tuba City had 520 offensive yards, averaging 18.7 (6-137) yards on 6-28 passes with two interceptions and 3.6 (9-32) yards rushing. One touchdown was scored on a rush.
